Youth Programs
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows has several youth programs for youth ages 8-18. Once a young person reaches 16 years of age they are eligible to join with an Odd Fellow or Rebekahs lodge. There are 3 different youth organizations for young people.
Jr. Odd Fellows are young men ages 8-18, they participate in their own degrees and lodge meetings similar to the Odd Fellow lodges. Theta Rho Clubs are for young women ages 8-18, they also participate in their own degrees and lodge meetings similar to the Rebekahs. United Youth Groups are co-ed for youth 8-18 and do not include ritual work.
Our youth programs help instill important character values in our youth like friendship, love, truth, faith, hope, charity and universal justice for all. They are expected to emulate important values such as; "The Golden Rule.” Youth are given the opportunity to be leaders and provide service in their communities. Many states have summer camp programs for their youth groups, where young people can develop positive lifelong friendships.
For over 60 years the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs have sponsored youth who are 16 or 17 with one year of high school remaining; in a program known as the Odd Fellow & Rebekah Pilgrimage for Youth. This program allows youth to be exposed to living history in both the U.S. and Canada. Lodges throughout the state, nation and world, selected candidates in their various jurisdictions, for this 2 week all expenses paid trip. Most youth report it as; “…a trip of a life time.”