Youth & Drug Awareness

National Grand Lodge initiative

Elks Drug Awareness Program

The Elks Drug Awareness Program (DAP) is a free, nationwide prevention education initiative of the BPOE Grand Lodge — bringing practical, fact-based drug awareness tools to families, schools, and communities across the country.

Through the DAP, Tampa Lodge 708 volunteers introduce prevention education in local schools, covering today's most critical topics: fentanyl, vaping, alcohol, and prescription drug misuse. Materials are age-appropriate and evidence-based — straight information, no scare tactics.

The program also sponsors annual student contests in poster, essay, and video categories. Winners advance from local lodge competitions through district, state, and national levels.

Free resources for parents, educators, and students are available at elksdap.org. Teens can also visit Elks Teen Zone for interactive lessons and support.

Visit elksdap.org →

Free prevention education for families, schools, and volunteers who want to help young people thrive.

Interactive lessons, straight answers, and support for teens.

Visit Elks Teen Zone →

🚫 Fentanyl & Opioids

Life-saving information about fentanyl's dangers, how it contaminates other drugs, overdose recognition, and naloxone awareness.

💨 Vaping

Debunking myths about e-cigarettes, nicotine addiction, lung damage, and the marketing tactics that target young people.

🍺 Alcohol

The effects of alcohol on the developing brain, risks of underage drinking, and strategies for healthy decision-making.

National Elks competitions

Youth Sports Programs

Hoop Shoot

The national Elks free-throw competition for boys and girls ages 8–13. One of the largest youth sports programs in the country. Local winners advance through a full competition ladder to national finals — all funded by the national Elks Association.

1 Local Lodge Competition
2 District
3 Central Florida Regional
4 Florida Statewide
5 SE USA Regional
6 National Finals

⚽

Soccer Shoot

A skills-based competition that gets young athletes on the field, rewarding accuracy and teamwork while connecting kids to the broader Elks national youth sports program. Local winners advance through the same multi-level competition ladder.

1 Local Lodge Competition
2 District
3 Central Florida Regional
4 Florida Statewide
5 SE USA Regional
6 National Finals

Statewide Elks programs

Beyond the Lodge

🏕️ Florida Elks Youth Camp

Recognized as one of the best youth camps in the nation, this summer camp in Umatilla gives Florida children confidence, friendships, and memories — largely free of charge to families, thanks to Elks fundraising.

Visit floridaelks.org/camp →

🩺 Florida Elks Children's Therapy

Mobile, in-home orthopedic therapy for children with special needs — provided at no cost to families across Florida since 1999. This award-winning program has had a dramatic impact on the lives of needy children statewide.

Visit elkstherapy.com →

📝 Americanism Essay Contest

Each year the Grand Lodge sponsors the Americanism Essay Contest for students in grades 5–8. Tampa Lodge 708 participates by sponsoring local entries — connecting Tampa students to a national patriotic tradition. Winners advance lodge → district → state → Grand Lodge.

elks.org/programs →

Our Commitment to Tampa's Youth

Tampa Elks Lodge 708 is a non-profit charitable organization with a strong commitment to ensuring the "Youth of Today Become the Leaders of Tomorrow." Our drug awareness and youth programs are designed to give local children an educational experience and a caring, supportive community.

We are always looking for volunteers to help with our programs. If you'd like to get involved, or know of children who can benefit, please reach out to our Youth Activities Chairperson.

Contact our committee Support the trust fund Elks Teen Zone →