GEA Activities
Due to the potential for bad actors (being hacked), the following changes have been made to this site.
You will now have to go to elks.org and sign in to get emails and phone numbers.
There is a pdf with the GEA officers and committee chairs with this information.
Follow this link for contact information on the GEA Officers and Committee Chairs
(This is Lake Oconee Lodge's site at elks.org. Go to more info and choose GEA 2025-26, login
and view the officers and committee chair info)
About Hoop Shoot
A free throw competition best 25/25 shots from the foul line. Youth ages 8-13 advance through local contests (starting with preliminary contests or a Lodge contest), Districts, States, and Regionals to the National Finals in Chicago. Six National Champions will have their names and photos displayed at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.
Through our Hoop Shoot program, the Elks have been developing and reinforcing grit for long before researchers and experts concluded that grit is so important for our children. Just listen to the parents and contestants in these videos. They’re talking about grit.
Parents can contact one of our Georgia Elks Lodges or visit the Elks National website (elks.org) to find a local competition.
Basketball Hall of Fame
Each year, the names of the six national champions are inscribed in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Two of the Frank Hise National Champions are in attendance when the inductees are honored at the Enshrinement Ceremony.
Morgan Wootten Lifetime Achievement Award
The Elks Hoop Shoot is the proud new sponsor of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s annual Morgan Wootten Lifetime Achievement Award. The Hall of Fame awards two Wootten Awards annually to boys and girls high school coaches who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of student athletes. The award is named for Morgan Wootten, a legendary high school basketball coach enshrined at the Hall of Fame.
Visit our website: gaelks.org -> Activities -> GEA Activities for updates and resources.
My Personal Experience:
I’ve been involved with the Hoop Shoot program for 39 years, and during that time, I’ve had the privilege of watching young people grow from local competitors into regional and national champions.
I’ve witnessed firsthand how this program can transform a child’s confidence, self-esteem, and maturity. With each level of competition, their skills improve—and so does their determination to succeed.
Whether they win or lose, these kids give it their all. They leave every contest more committed to doing better—not just in the Hoop Shoot, but in life. Through this program, they learn discipline, perseverance, responsibility, and the value of hard work—lessons that stay with them long after they leave the gym.
Over the years, many parents have shared with me how positively the Hoop Shoot has impacted their children. It’s not just about making baskets—it’s about building GRIT.
For more information about the Elks Hoop Shoot, visit elks.org and search for “Hoop Shoot.”
Lodges: Do Make a Difference
Your Lodge’s involvement can truly change lives. By participating in the Hoop Shoot and other youth programs, you’re doing more than providing an opportunity to compete—you’re helping teach young people valuable life lessons:
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How to compete with heart and determination
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How to handle success and defeat with grace
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How to take responsibility and grow stronger from every experience
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How effort, perseverance, and commitment can help them reach their goals
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Let this be the year your Lodge reaches out and gets involved. Be a visible force for good in your community and show young people the positive impact the Elks can have on their lives and futures.
News from the Court
2025–2026 GEA STATE CHAMPION • REGIONAL CHAMPION • NATIONAL FINALIST
Congratulations to Edward Wilbanks of the Dalton Lodge, who represented Georgia on the national stage and finished 3rd in the nation.
Edward tied for 2nd place with an impressive score of 23 out of 25 and then competed in a shoot-off to determine the final placement. Although he came up short in the shoot-off, his outstanding performance earned him a 3rd-place national finish.
We are extremely proud of Edward and his accomplishments, and he represented the Georgia Elks and Dalton Lodge with great determination and sportsmanship.
NW DISTRICT
I want to thank Randy Keener for his dedication and service as NW District Director for the past five years. Randy has stepped down from the position this year, and I sincerely appreciate all he has done for the Hoop Shoot program.
I’m pleased to welcome Mike Green, also from the Dalton Elks Lodge, as our new NW District Director. Mike is already familiar with the Hoop Shoot program, and many of you may recognize him through his daughter, Emily, who has been a repeat GEA State winner and a finalist at the Regional Finals.
Welcome aboard, Mike, and thank you, Randy, for your years of service!
LET’S MAKE THIS OUR BEST SEASON YET! 🏀
We’re excited to kick off another great year of Georgia Elks Hoop Shoot, and we hope to see even more Lodges participate this season.
Lodge Secretaries and Hoop Shoot Directors: Please complete the Hoop Shoot Participation Report, even if your Lodge does not hold a local shoot. Every Lodge’s participation is important, and completing the report helps us track and strengthen the program across Georgia.
If your Lodge needs help getting started, wants to expand its involvement, or simply has questions about the program, please don’t hesitate to contact me. We’re here to help!
Let’s continue giving our young people an opportunity to compete, grow, and build the GRIT they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Dates
GEA Hoop Shoot, February 21, 2027 1-4 Covington, GA
For the latest updates please visit our website, gaelks.org.
Fraternally,
Vance Rhodes
State Hoop Shoot Director
GEA Hoop Shoot State Director
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Vance Rhodes, Dalton Lodge
GEA Hoop Shoot District Directors 2026-2027
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Bob Colie, Lake Oconee Lodge, NE District Director
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Mike Green, Dalton Lodge, NW District Director
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Charlie Watson, Albany Lodge, S District Director
Soccer Shoot
Soccer is one of the fastest growing youth activities in the country. The Elks Soccer Program is geared to coincide with this sport phenomenon. From toddlers to teens, in our large urban centers to our small suburban settings, soccer is becoming the sport of choice for our youth. This program is the kind of sporting event to help keep our youth focused and away from undesirable activities. Soccer Chairman is Junior Roberson. (Regional Soccer Shoot will be held at the Florida Elk's Youth Camp on January 17 & 18, 2026)
Scholarships-Most Valuable Student
Those eligible are current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States. Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks. High School graduates are not eligible to apply. Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are submitted; permanent legal resident status does not qualify. Legacy Scholarships are available for high school seniors of children and grandchildren of dues paying Elk Members. Chairman is Stan Jones.
GEA Secretaries Association
If you need information regarding the Secretaries Association, or CLMS, or anything else Secretary related, contact GEA Secretaries Association President Larry Westberry.
Drug Awareness
The Elks have the largest Drug Awareness program in the United States. We are very proud of our dedicated army of volunteers who freely give their time and talents to this most noble cause. The Elks are committed to eliminating the use and abuse of illegal drugs by all members of society and believe that in order to ensure a bright future for our country, it is essential that our children be raised in a drug-free environment. The Elks Drug Awareness Video contest's theme for 2025-26 is "Drugs Are a Grave Mistake". The contest is open to two age groups: Pre High School and High School. Info and forms are on the forms & documents page. The Elks Drug Awareness Poster Contest's theme "Drugs Are a Grave Mistake" is open to all 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students and info and forms are also on the forms and documents page. The Drug Awareness Essay contest's theme is also "Drugs Are a Grave Mistake" and is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. Info and forms are on the forms and documents page. The Enrique S. Camarena Award is for a member of the law enforcement community who best exemplifies the qualities and principles for which Agent Camarena gave his life. Nominees should be involved in their communities in an effort to help that community become drug free. Nomination form and info are on the forms and documents page. You can also find information there about the Red Ribbon Patch Program. The DEA Red Ribbon Patch Program is designed to provide Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts the opportunity to earn a patch from the Drug Enforcement Administration by performing antidrug activities in commemoration of Red Ribbon Week. Also go to forms and documents for the Drug Awareness Trailer Check List and the Drug Awareness Trailer Listings.
Drug Awareness Chair Cyndi Russell
Lodge Activities
Community Projects Contest
The Grand Lodge is holding a Community Projects Contest. All lodges are encouraged to participate. The project focus should be one that fills a need in your community and makes a difference to those you serve.
(see forms & documents)
