Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Blog

Sunday, May 17th was a hugely successful day for Elizabethtown DeMolay. When planning his term, Master Councilor-Elect Martin Stoner had no idea that the pandemic would strike and pretty much shut down the fraternal world. One of the signature activities planned for his term was a Parents’ Dinner to be held on May 17th. The members were looking forward to helping prepare and then serve a meal to their parents and families in observance of the DeMolay International Parents Day Obligatory Day. Then COVID-19 came knocking on the door. Through Zoom Conferencing and emails, the Councilors and key advisors brainstormed for alternative ways to hold the dinner, and an idea was borne: contract with the caterer for Patton Campus to prepare a nice meal that families could pick up using the “grab and go” practice used by restaurants during the pandemic. On May 17th, in 5-minute intervals, twenty different families, representing 14 DeMolays, 3 soon-to-be DeMolays, and 3 Advisors drove through the l...

On Thursday, we announced a few of the changes to the PMYF Board of Directors. As we have already shown appreciation to the recently retired members of our board, it's time to welcome the new members that will help bring PMYF into the future. We have a new appointment to the role of Chairman and three new members of the board to welcome.  Bro. Glen R. Grell has been elected the new Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation. Bro. Grell has served on the board for many years, serving as the chairman of the Educational Endowment Committee. He is the Executive Director of the Public School Employee Retirement System (PSERS.) He is a former member of the PA State House of Representatives and an attorney. He is a Senior DeMolay and a former Advisor of Carlisle Chapter, a Past Master of St. John's Lodge No. 260, and resides in Mechanicsburg, PA. We look forward to the leadership that Bro. Grell will provide.  Joining the Board of Dire...

Like the saying goes, "change is inevitable." Within the past few months, a lot of things have changed for the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation. Although it would be easy to discuss the current changes in the world revolving around the COVID-19 pandemic, the important changes to be addressed within the foundation in today's post are focused around the PMYF Board of Directors. PMYF would like to say several thank you's to members of the Board of Directors who have recently retired from their positions. Earlier this month, the Founder of the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Samuel C. Williamson, retired from his position within the foundation. Bro Williamson created PMYF in 1982 while serving as the R.W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. He has served as the Chairman of the Board since the foundation's opening. Bro Williamson has been a dedicated supporter of the Masonic Youth Groups, which was his...

Currently, activities all over the world are being canceled as part of the devastating COVID-19 outbreak. Youth group activities are postponed until further notice, while businesses are shutting down to protect their employees. We're asked to practice "social distancing," while finding ourselves with little to do since we can't go where we normally would have gone.  What do I do now? How do I prevent myself from being bored?  These are questions that we are all faced with right now. Even though we may be at a state of quarantine, it doesn't mean that we should lose contact with everyone. Phone calls, emails, text messages, and other forms of communication are great ways to keep in touch. Zoom conference calls are at high demand right now, and a great way to visually communicate with others. There are even programs that will allow you to have a Netflix party with friends.  Need a little help trying to find some things to do? PMYF has provided a resource page...

Applying for scholarships can be a challenge, and sometimes even a burden for a student. A little guidance of what to look for will go along way in trying to secure funds for schooling. Here are five things that you should look for when filling out the PMYF scholarship application. These are in no particular order, just guide points to help you in filling out the application.  1. Please make sure that everything is attached to the application. This includes transcripts and other essentials that will help you during the process. If we didn't need it, we wouldn't have asked for it on the application.  2. Make sure that all information is filled out to the best of your ability. There may be some areas that don't apply, and a non-applicable is acceptable, but do the best you can to answer all questions.  3. Take some time to really think about the essay questions. Our graders look for well thought out answers to all of the questions and enjoy hearing your stories. 4. ...

Not sure what your lodge can do to help the Masonic Youth Groups in your area? Here is a list of 101 things that you can do to show your support. This list can also be found on the PMYF website at pmyf.org .  1. Sponsor or co-sponsor a local chapter, assembly, or bethel.  2. Invite a group to give a program at your lodge.  3. Allow a group to serve or help for lodge dinners as a fundraiser.  4. Tell your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or neighbor about the Masonic Youth groups and encourage them to join.  5. Offer a "scholarship" for attendance at an annual session or other conferences.  6. Send cards of congratulation to newly elected youth group officers.  7. Complete training as an advisor for a youth group and be available as a "back up."  8. Provide transportation to events.  9. Sponsor the printing of their newsletter or other publication.  10. Provide a link on your lodge's website to the youth groups.  11...