The Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation DECEMBER 2023 MASONIC YOUTH TALKING POINTS The Masonic Youth Talking Points is published by the PA Masonic Youth Foundation to share ideas and to inspire Masonic leaders to creatively support the Masonic Youth Groups and the programs of the PA Masonic Youth Foundation. It is emailed to all District Deputy Grand Masters, District Youth Chairmen, Lodge Youth Chairmen, and Masonic Youth Group Leaders. All Lodge Youth Chairmen are asked to make a short report at each Lodge meeting, using the information provided in this publication.
Why We Do What We Do “I feel like I’m better prepared for the future because it (membership in Ruth Mitchell Tucker Girls Youth Department) gives me a bit of responsibility to have big roles in my chapter. I would encourage other girls to join because it builds their personality, helps them become more social, and makes them feel more like they should help others.” - Jaida Youth Group Snippets To date, Pennsylvania DeMolay has brought in 58 new members this year; ranking them 5th in new members for the United Stated of America; and 8th Internationally. With the induction of 12 more new members by the end of the year PA DeMolay will show growth. If you know of a young man, age 12 to 21, who will benefit from membership in the Order of DeMolay, please notify the PMYF Office. Pennsylvania Rainbow for Girls held an initiation of 5 new members for 4 different Assemblies on November 12th in New Castle, PA. Four of the new members were daughters of Master Masons. The initiation enjoyed enormous support from the Masons in the area including District Deputy Grand Master Alan Duncan of the 56th Masonic District. Over 60 people were in attendance with 7 Assemblies participating in the ritualistic work! Summer Conferences The PMYF is proud to announce the Summer Programs that will be offered at the Masonic Conference Center – Patton Campus in Elizabethtown next year: College & Career Readiness Program June 28-30, 2024 This program focuses on exploring one’s past, present and goals for the future. For ages 15-23 Cost: $300.00 Deadline: May 5, 2024 LifeSkills & LifeChangers Conference July 14-19, 2024 A week of Leadership + Respect + Relational Skills + Personal Responsibility. LifeSkills: Ages 12-17 Cost: $400.00 (1st Time) Deadline: July 1, 2024 LifeChangers: 18-21 Cost: $400.00 (1st Time) Deadline: July 1, 2024 Girls Leadership Camp July 21-26, 2024 An introduction to understanding leadership skills & communication skills. For ages 10-13 Cost: $250.00 Deadline: July 7, 2024 Girls Leadership Conference July 21-26, 2024 Provides an overview of different types of leadership with real-life simulations. For ages 14-17 Cost: $250.00 Deadline: July 7, 2024
District Deputy & Membership Recruitment for DeMolay...and Masonry! Bro. Eric Downs, District Deputy Grand Master of the 5th Masonic District, reported on a very successful DeMolay promotional event held at the Downingtown Fall Fest on October 15th. He and several other Centennial Chapter Advisors (Centennial is PA DeMolay’s newest Chapter) had an informational booth set up there to promote DeMolay and answer questions about the organization. During the day they interacted with hundreds of event attendees – and this resulted in great publicity for the new DeMolay Chapter, a solid lead on two prospective DeMolay Members, and – as a bonus – a local man noticing the Masonic Hats the Advisors were wearing is going to join the DDGM for breakfast and a discussion on Freemasonry! So, it was a win-win opportunity for DeMolay and Masonry. And, when Bro. Eric reported on this he also noted, “And it was a lot of fun!” Fun. An important element in all our organizations! PMYF Scholarship Opportunities Samuel C. Bigham, the grandson of Lee E. Underwood, Jr., Dallas Lodge No. 231, and Senior at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Historical Political Science with a minor in Communication Media & Economics, has shared his appreciation after receiving a 2023 PMYF Scholarship: “The scholarships I have received from the Freemasons have been immensely helpful to me. If it weren’t for this financial aid I simply would not have been able to attend college. They have allowed me to focus on my academics and excel academically. I will be graduating college with skills in leadership, writing, statistical analysis, and GIS.. I plan to work in public service, working to make my community and this country the best that it can be. I am sincerely grateful for the scholarships” The 2024 PMYF Scholarship Resource Guide, listing over 50 scholarship opportunities for youth group members, PA Masons, and the siblings, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of PA Masons, and an application are available on the PA Masonic Youth Foundation Website. Please continue to promote participation in our scholarship program. Thank You! Thank You Thank you for sharing the good news about our Masonic Youth Groups and the PA Masonic Youth Foundation. The PMYF Staff wishes you and your family a very safe and enjoyable holiday season, and we look forward to working with you in the new year! Permission is granted to make copies of this publication and to freely distribute them to all who have an interest in the youth of Pennsylvania. The Masonic Youth Talking Points is also available on-line at www.pmyf.org Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation, 1244 Bainbridge Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 David W. Berry, Executive Director 1.800.266.8424 X4 or 1. 717.367.1536 X4