Elks National Foundation Blog

by Jenna Johnson Elks Scholar Fellow  Channeling my inner artist as I place tiles in a mosaic mural on the 2016 Chicago Trip. With the close of the Summer Elks Scholar Service Trip in June came the close of my fourth trip and first year working at the Foundation. As I look back on everything the Foundation has done for me as a scholar and staff member, I am overwhelmed with gratitude.  In the past year, I have been invested in, challenged and supported in ways I could never have anticipated. I have had the opportunity to grow in professional development, leadership and service. My definition of Elks family has widened and my passion for service has deepened.  Before accepting the position, I had never been to Chicago, had never worked in a scholarship office and my exposure to the Elks had been limited due to being the only Elks scholar at my school. But the ENF quickly changed everything for me. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of spending...

by Jenna Johnson Elks Scholar Fellow The Chicago Summer Service Trip has come to a close. As I work on sending out post-trip surveys, sorting through supplies and uploading pictures, I can’t believe how fast it went. Since starting my position as Elks Scholar Fellow at the beginning of April, my mind has been focused on all things Chicago, service and scholars. During my first few weeks, I excitedly labeled a large binder with a bright yellow sticky note titled Chicago Summer Service Trip, unsure of what I should put inside, but certain I wanted to be prepared. Over the course of the next few months, I had the opportunity to take ideas, suggestions and research and turn them into spreadsheets, emails and agendas. Due to eager service sites, the supportive ENF staff, a welcoming Elks Lodge and scholars committed to serving others, the concept of a trip in the City of Chicago became a reality. Although the planning was exciting and rewarding, the most gratifying part of t...