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Youth & Drug Awareness

The youth of our community have always mattered to the Elks. Through the "Just Say No" Kids Club, statewide programs, and sports competitions, Tampa Lodge #708 gives kids a safe, fun, and drug-free place to grow.

Ages 6–16 Always free Year-round events Drug-free zone
Our flagship local program

"Just Say No" Kids Club

The "Just Say No" Kids Club at Tampa Elks Lodge #708 is open to all kids ages 6–16 in our local community. Our goal is simple: provide a safe, fun, and caring environment where children can learn about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco — and choose a better path.

Every event is completely free to the community. While our events are packed with games, prizes, music, entertainment, field trips, and great food, we always weave in an educational presentation featuring guest speakers, law enforcement demos, and engaging discussions on making smart choices.

The club has tripled in size in recent years, and some members have been with us for over five years — making lifelong friends along the way. We're proud to also welcome many underprivileged children from local shelters who benefit from this caring, supportive community.

Tampa Elks Drug Awareness & Youth Activities

"Just Say No" Kids Club

A safe, fun, drug-free environment for Tampa Bay kids — building the leaders of tomorrow, one event at a time.

6–16
Ages served
8+
Events/year
Free
Always
Annual programming
Free events throughout the year
🎳
May

Bowl-A-Rama

Two free games and shoes, trophies, certificates, a Mother's Day poem contest, free lunch, and prizes.

🎒
August

Back to School Party

Free school supplies for every child, a Drug Awareness poster contest, Tampa Police K-9 demonstrations, games, prizes, karaoke, and free lunch.

🎃
October

Halloween Carnival

A spooktacular party with a costume contest, games, prizes, spooky entertainment, and a spread of ghoulish food.

🏀
December

Hoop Shoot

The national Elks free-throw competition for boys and girls ages 8–13. Local winners advance to district, regional, state, and national levels.

🎄
December

Christmas Party

Kids make Christmas cards for VA veterans, receive a free gift, enjoy crafts, dancing, surprise entertainment, and free lunch.

💝
February

Valentine's Party

Games, prizes, Valentine entertainment, a drug awareness presentation, and free lunch — plus caroling visits to local nursing homes.

🐣
March

Easter Party

A free celebration for children under 8, with games, music, entertainment, and a large Easter basket full of goodies for every child.

🎬
June

Summer Field Trip

A special outing to a movie, the zoo, MOSI, or another local destination — with free lunch provided for every kid.

Education with every event
What we teach
🚫

Drug, alcohol & tobacco awareness

Through guest speakers, K-9 demos, and videos from local law enforcement, kids learn how to recognize peer pressure and confidently say no.

📚

Doing your best in school

We reinforce academic effort and the importance of staying in school — giving kids goals to work toward and peers who encourage them.

✌️

Avoiding violence

Every event models peaceful conflict resolution and positive community values, helping kids build habits that last a lifetime.

National resource for teens

The Elks Teen Zone is a national online resource offering drug awareness tools, activities, and support for teens — a great companion to our local programs.

Visit Elks Teen Zone →
Club activities
Fun at every meeting
🎤 Karaoke & dance music
🎬 Movie days with hot popcorn
🎮 Games, bingo, and relay races
🚌 Field trips — zoo, movies, bowling, baseball
🎩 Magicians, puppeteers, and storytellers
🐾 Animal shows and canine demos
🎈 Balloon sculptures and face painting
🍕 Burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and ice cream
National Elks competitions
Youth sports we sponsor
🏀

Hoop Shoot

The national Elks free-throw contest for boys and girls ages 8–13. Local winners advance through district, regional, state, and national competition — all funded by the national Elks Association. Trophies, certificates, and free lunch at the local event.

⚽

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.

🎳

Bowl-A-Rama

Two free games, free shoe rental, trophies, and certificates — paired with Mother's Day poem and card contests and a free lunch for all participants.

Statewide Elks programs
Beyond the lodge
Florida Elks Youth Camp

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

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 →
Harry-Anna Trust
The financial backbone

The Harry-Anna Trust Fund

The endowment that makes Florida Elks Youth Camp and Children's Therapy Services possible for families statewide — turning generations of Elks generosity into lasting impact.

Learn more →
From our committee
Our commitment

Tampa Elks #708 B.P.O.E. 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 Activities are completely FREE to the youth within our community — designed to give local children a fun and educational experience, as well as a safe place to be themselves, surrounded by caring and supportive adults and friends.

We are very proud of the success we've had over the years with our Youth Program, and we deeply appreciate the support we receive from our members and the local businesses and organizations who also care about making a difference in the lives of our community's youth.

We are always looking for volunteers to help with our events. If you'd like to be involved in a very rewarding youth committee, or know of children who can benefit from our programs, please contact our Youth Activities Chairperson.

Tampa Elks Drug Awareness & Youth Activities — kids at lodge event
Tampa Elks Drug Awareness & Youth Activities — children's program

Get involved with youth programs

Volunteer, sponsor an event, support the Harry-Anna Trust, or refer a child who could benefit from our programs.

Contact our committee Support the trust fund Elks Teen Zone →