Ashland, Ky., Lodge No. 350 is entering its third year of Impact Grant Funding, and there are hundreds of grateful children to show for it.
Three years ago, Elks wanted to do something more to help the population of at-risk children in their community. They talked to the Chief of Police, who told them that children engage in risky behaviors mostly between the hours of 3 PM and 6 PM, and during breaks - times when school was out of session and children had little to do. They continued to do their research, speaking with local schools and social service agencies, and learned that the children in the Ashland community were one of the more at-risk populations in the state.

They took action and drew up a grant application. We here at the ENF thought it was a cool idea, and so began the COOL Camp Youth Promise Program! Since then, the Ashland Elks continue to improve and expand upon their COOL Camp Youth Promise Program for at-risk children.

The camp takes place for four weeks during the summer, and during fall break, winter break, and spring break. They also have events one Saturday each month. Youth between the ages of 5 and 18 are welcome to attend, so attendance varies. Their annual camp Christmas party was attended by 225 children, each of which received two gifts and a visit with Santa.

Camp activities vary throughout the year. Spring and summer bring pool parties, gardening, and lots of outdoor sports, while other activities include music and drama lessons, movie nights, and even line dancing! The program also aims to teach children about healthy choices, focusing on nutrition, exercise, and drug awareness. The children also learned about civic service by repainting old park benches and painting murals around town.

As more and more children attend, Elks are able to expand the program through community partnerships with schools, churches, and a local housing complex where many of the children and their families live.

But that’s not all! Because of Elk involvement, the community’s daily after-school program was able to add spots for 45 more children. Elks even helped the program secure a grant from the Department of Education. For children in the community, COOL camp really is a breath of fresh air.

The ENF awards Impact Grants to help Lodges significantly address unmet needs in Elks communities. Impact Grants are competitive grants worth up to $10,000 and are open to all Lodges. To find out more about Impact Grants, visit www.elks.org/enf/community.