Youth Foundation Continues to Advance Masons' Commitment to Support Youth

For the sixteenth year, the Pennsylvania Youth Foundation will carry forward the commitment of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to support and vitalize youth programs. The emphases and programs for Masonically-related youth o rganizations exemplify the philosophy and vision that R.W. Grand Master James L. Ernette expressed for the fraternity: "Faith, Family, Fraternity, and Community."

The Masonic youth groups provide a proper introduction to the concept of "fraternity." They learn the virtues of brotherhood and sisterhood, far apart from the image of college pranks and partying so often mis-associated wit h the word. They are taught that community responsibility is essential; that service to local charities is an important component of their active schedules. Masonic youth don't just talk about it -- they are actively helping others, whether visiting the elderly, raising funds for worthy causes, or assisting in dozens of civic projects.

The Foundation is dedicated to promoting the Masonic youth organizations among the lodges, establishing new local youth groups, improving membership recruitment, sponsoring and conducting youth activities at the Masonic Confe rence Center in Elizabethtown, recruiting adult leadership to work with youth, and promoting scholarships which benefit Masonic youth.

Lodges are encouraged to continue scheduling youth programs, and supporting the work of local Rainbow Assemblies, DeMolay Chapters and Job's Daughters Bethels. For information or assistance, call toll-free, 1-800-266-8424 (in PA), or (717) 367-1536; or write to the Foundation at 1244 Bainbridge Rd., Elizabethtown, PA 17022-9423.