Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Blog

The spring is almost over, or at least it feels that way outside. In April, PMYF put together the PMYF Spring Challenge. The Challenge included 30 tasks for participants to post on their social media pages. It served as an opportunity for youth group members, adult leaders, and general members of the PMYF family to take part in the challenge and display their tasks to their friends and the community.  Several youth members and Advisors accepted the challenge and posted during the challenge time period. Some of the tasks included wearing a Masonic Youth shirt, sharing a memory, taking a picture with your family, trying to exercise in a new way, and even going for a walk. All events were designed to promote that we can still have fun while remaining distant. Just because we haven't been able to meet in person, doesn't mean that we should lose those connections. That's why I can safely say that there will be a Summer Challenge, as well. Stay tuned for the details on this, whic...

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...

What does Hodegos mean? This is a common question that is asked when someone earns the award of this name from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, working with the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation. The term Hodegos (pronounced "aue-day-goss") is a Greek word that translates to "a teacher of the inexperienced." It also can be interpreted as "a leader of the way, a guide." To sum it up, the term refers to the leadership and guidance provided by the adult volunteers who work with our youth in each of the three Masonic Youth Groups; Rainbow, Job's Daughters, and DeMolay. Each year, up to two adult volunteers from each organization are eligible to receive the Hodegos Award. An application must be submitted on behalf of the recipient to the PMYF office before October 15. This application is to be accompanied by three letters of recommendation; one from a youth participant, one from a local adult volunteer, and one from a state-level adult vol...

Over $170,000 in scholarships were presented by the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation through its Educational Endowment Fund in 2019 for over 50 deserving students.   The Foundation estimates that in 2020 nearly $200.000 in scholarship funds will be available for scholarships.    The annual program runs through March 15, 2020, which is the final submission date for applications.     Applicants MUST PLAN AHEAD to file on time, as copies of school transcripts and current completed tax forms for themselves and their parents must accompany the application.   The committee requires a minimum of 3.0 GPA and a strong financial need to make an award.   Fraternal activities and community service also matter, when the other conditions have been satisfied.   The program is competitive and the applicants each year are measured against each other to determine the need and likelihood for success. The 2020 Masonic Scholarship Resource Guide provides ...

The following blog post is from Calista Cavanaugh, Grand Worthy Advisor of Pennsylvania Rainbow.   Over the holidays, I had the fantastic honor of attending the Grand Communication of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, accompanied by Steffanie Barth, Grand Faith, Mr. and Mrs. Snedden, and my mom. We had an excellent time traveling to Philly and getting the chance to see some pretty cool sights. We had the opportunity to meet some incredible people and witness the installation of the new Right Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania. When we first arrived, we went straight to the Vesper Service on Thursday night, which was an excellent service about trusting in God. Immediately following the service, we attended the Grand Master’s Farewell Dinner, where we saw several familiar faces. We heard remarks from the most recent Past Right Worshipful Grand Master, S. Eugene Herritt. He thanked those involved in his term and sent his best wishes to the incoming Grand Master...

As the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania reminded us, today is PA Donor Day. Every life is worth saving, which is why it is important to consider signing up as a blood and organ donor. One life can save up to eight lives, which is convenient since January 8th is Donor Day. When is the last time you donated blood? I know for me, it has been a while. Are you a registered organ donor? I know that I am. Only 50% of Pennsylvanians are registered organ donors. The Masonic Blood and Organ Club provides the opportunity for Masons and its affiliates to support the cause and help save lives. The Masonic Youth Groups have active members that help support this initiative as well. If you'd like to be added to the donor list, or to find out more ways you can help, please visit the website below. https://www.donatelifepa.org/register/ .  Until next time - Joseph Pullin

New Year’s Day comes with a lot of new expectations. It’s the end of one year and the beginning of another. Often, that means making resolutions to create new opportunities for the year ahead. It’s a chance to hit the hypothetical “refresh” button and move our lives in a new direction.  Change can be good and is necessary to stay relevant in the modern world we live in. When working with youth, change, growth, and development is a way of life. This year, the Youth Foundation is committed to communicating with our lodges, volunteers and, most importantly, the youth we serve through several new and valuable platforms. This will include social media, website upgrades, and this blog. The blog will contain information about our programs, promote events, highlight stories that will help readers connect and support our Masonic Youth Groups, and recap events throughout the Commonwealth. Articles will be written by the youth, adult volunteers, specialists in the youth service fi...