Thanks to a $10,000 Elks National Foundation Impact Grant, the Lodge took the Elks pledge to never forget our veterans to the next level by helping the families of those serving in the military.
The Elks & Cowboys for Kids project gives children of military families an opportunity to attend camp, all expenses paid by the Elks. This project caters to kids 9 to 12 years old whose parents are deployed. The Elks particularly focus on National Guard families and work with the Colorado National Guard to identify interested families. In Colorado, National Guard families are often scattered around the area. This camp hopes to foster a sense of community among kids in similar situations.
“We are trying to bring these children together,” says Project Manager Bob Keyser. “We’re trying to get their minds off what’s going on.”
During the three-day camp, which is designed to celebrate western heritage and tradition, children discover the Old West by eating meals from a chuck wagon, practicing horse riding skills, and learning to care for animals. At night they camp under the stars, sharing stories by the fire.
Elks act as volunteer ranch hands at the camp, helping every step of the way as chaperones, cooks, teachers and riding instructors. Elks also help to maintain the facilities and troubleshoot unexpected camp problems. So far, more than 190 Elks have volunteered 1,200 hours at camp, and there are several more camping weekends to go! Lodge members have also stepped up in other ways, organizing fundraisers that have raised $7,800 in additional funds for Elks & Cowboys for Kids.
After a great week at camp, the Elks and kids ride off together into the sunset. 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.