Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: A Guide to Masonic Youth Groups
What if a place existed where young people could build unshakable character, learn to lead with confidence, and forge friendships that last a lifetime? A place where timeless values like honor, service, and integrity are not just taught, but lived. This isn’t a hypothetical ideal, it is the living mission of the family of Masonic youth organizations, a collection of dynamic groups dedicated to guiding the next generation toward a brighter, more purposeful future.
These organizations, while connected to the ancient fraternity of Freemasonry, stand proudly on their own. They offer a unique environment where young men and women can explore their potential, serve their communities, and develop a strong moral compass in a world that often feels adrift. From public speaking and event planning to charitable work and social gatherings, they provide a balanced and enriching experience that prepares members for the challenges and opportunities of adulthood. This is the story of those groups, their values, and the profound impact they have on the leaders of tomorrow.
What Are Masonic Youth Organizations?
Masonic youth organizations are character-building groups for young men and women that are sponsored and supported by Masonic bodies and their affiliated organizations. They are independent entities with their own unique rituals, traditions, and governing structures, designed specifically for the developmental needs and interests of young people.
Think of them not as "junior Masonic lodges," but as parallel paths that share a common philosophical foundation. Freemasonry champions principles of self-improvement, community service, and moral living, and it extends these ideals to the next generation through its mentorship and support of these youth groups. The goal is to provide a safe, structured, and positive environment where young people can grow into responsible, ethical, and engaged citizens.
These groups are not a recruiting pipeline for Freemasonry itself, although some members may later choose to join the Craft. Instead, their primary purpose is to equip young people with essential life skills, a sense of civic duty, and a network of supportive peers and adult mentors who are invested in their success.
Who Can Join These Youth Groups?
Membership is generally open to young people within specific age ranges, typically between 10 and 21, with different organizations catering specifically to young men or young women. While each group has its own unique requirements, they all share a common prerequisite that members express a belief in a Supreme Being, though this is non-denominational and respects all faiths.
The specific entry requirements can sometimes vary by local jurisdiction. For some groups, a relationship to a Master Mason or a member of an affiliated body is necessary, as this establishes a direct link to the sponsoring Masonic family. For others, membership is open more broadly, requiring only the recommendation of current members or adult advisors. This ensures that every prospective member is welcomed into a community built on trust and shared values.
What is DeMolay International?
DeMolay International is a premier leadership and character development organization for young men aged 12 to 21. It was founded in 1919 by a Freemason named Frank S. Land, who sought to create a positive outlet for young men who had lost their fathers in World War I, and it was named in honor of Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar.
The entire DeMolay experience is built upon a foundation of seven Cardinal Virtues: Filial Love (love for parents), Reverence for Sacred Things, Courtesy, Comradeship, Fidelity, Cleanness, and Patriotism. These principles are not just abstract concepts, they are actively taught and practiced through the group’s activities and symbolic ritual ceremonies. Members learn through the hands-on experience of running their own local "chapters," electing officers, managing finances, and planning their own events.
DeMolay provides a framework for young men to become better sons, better friends, and better citizens. It challenges them to take on responsibility, to speak in public, and to work collaboratively toward common goals, all while building a brotherhood of friends who support each other through the pivotal years of adolescence and young adulthood.
What is Job’s Daughters International?
Job’s Daughters International is a Masonic-sponsored youth organization for girls and young women aged 10 to 20 who are related by blood or marriage to a Master Mason or a member of Job’s Daughters. Founded in 1920 by Ethel T. Wead Mick, the organization’s teachings are based on the Book of Job from the Bible, with a focus on the lesson of patience and faith in the face of adversity.
The group is structured around the story of Job’s three daughters, who are seen as exemplars of loyalty and faith. Members, known as "Daughters," learn the importance of fidelity to one’s word, reverence for God and scripture, and the beauty of sisterhood. The local bodies are called "Bethels," a biblical term meaning "Holy Place," reinforcing the sacred and respectful nature of their work.
Within the Bethel, girls learn valuable leadership skills by holding various elected and appointed offices, conducting formal meetings, and memorizing symbolic lessons. Dressed in traditional white robes for their ceremonies, they practice values of faith, hope, and charity, participating in service projects and fundraisers that benefit their communities and philanthropic causes, such as the Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment (HIKE) Fund.
What is the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls?
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a non-profit service organization for young women between the ages of 11 and 20. It was founded in 1922 by W. Mark Sexson, a Master Mason and member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, who was inspired to create an organization that could teach young women the importance of service and strong character.
Unlike some other Masonic youth bodies, Rainbow for Girls does not always require a Masonic relationship for membership, making it accessible to a wider circle of friends and community members. The core of its teachings is structured around the seven colors of the rainbow, with each color corresponding to a specific lesson: Love, Religion, Nature, Immortality, Fidelity, Patriotism, and Service. These lessons guide the members in their personal development and their work in the community.
Local "Assemblies" are run by the girls themselves, providing a real-world laboratory for leadership, public speaking, and project management. They plan and execute everything from fun social events like dances and parties to meaningful service projects that make a tangible difference. The organization empowers girls to be confident, compassionate, and active leaders in their schools and communities.
What Do Members Actually Do in These Groups?
Members engage in a dynamic blend of leadership training, community service, and social activities, all designed to be both fun and formative. The experience is intentionally multifaceted, ensuring that young people develop a wide range of skills while building strong, positive relationships with their peers and mentors.
A typical year in a Masonic youth group is filled with a variety of events. This includes formal meetings where members practice parliamentary procedure and perform ritual work, community service projects like food drives or park cleanups, fundraising events for charities, and purely social gatherings like movie nights, sporting events, or formal dances. This balance ensures that the experience is never one-dimensional, appealing to the diverse interests of its members.
The goal is to create a holistic program of self-development. By participating in this wide array of activities, members learn how to be both serious and fun, how to lead and how to follow, and how to balance personal enjoyment with a commitment to helping others.
How Do They Develop Leadership Skills?
Leadership development is woven into the very fabric of these organizations, primarily through a system of elected offices. Rather than just talking about leadership, members are given the actual responsibility of running their own local chapters, bethels, or assemblies, with adult advisors providing guidance and support rather than direct control.
Each local group has a slate of officers with specific duties, from the presiding officer, like a Master Councilor in DeMolay or an Honored Queen in Job’s Daughters, to the secretary and treasurer. Holding one of these roles requires a member to learn public speaking, plan agendas, manage a budget, delegate tasks, and motivate their peers. This is real-world, practical experience that builds confidence and competence in a way no classroom lecture ever could.
Furthermore, leadership opportunities extend beyond the local level. Members can aspire to hold offices at the regional, state, or even international level, participating in large-scale conventions and leadership conferences. This tiered system provides a continuous path for growth, encouraging members to constantly challenge themselves and refine their abilities as leaders.
What Kind of Community Service is Involved?
Community service is a cornerstone activity, ranging from local, hands-on projects to large-scale fundraising for charitable causes. These groups are founded on the principle that a good citizen has a duty to contribute positively to society, and they put that principle into action regularly.
At the local level, activities are often tailored to the specific needs of the community. This might involve volunteering at a local soup kitchen, organizing a cleanup day at a public park, visiting residents at a nursing home, or collecting supplies for an animal shelter. These projects teach empathy and show members the immediate, positive impact their efforts can have on the lives of others.
On a larger scale, each organization often supports a specific state or international charity. DeMolay, Rainbow, and Job’s Daughters all have official philanthropic partners, and local groups will conduct fundraisers to contribute to these causes. This teaches members about the power of collective action and how small, local efforts can combine to create significant, widespread change.
Is It All Serious, or Is There a Fun Side?
Absolutely not, the social and recreational side is a vital component that fosters lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging. While character development and service are central to the mission, the leaders of these organizations have always understood that fun is the glue that holds the group together.
Social calendars are often packed with a wide variety of events designed for pure enjoyment and fellowship. These can include anything from casual pizza nights, bowling trips, and video game tournaments to more formal events like proms and dances. These activities provide a relaxed setting for members to bond, de-stress, and simply enjoy being young.
Furthermore, travel is often a major perk of membership. Attending state conventions or international sessions gives members the chance to visit new places, meet their counterparts from different regions, and build a network of friends that can span the globe. This combination of serious purpose and genuine fun is what makes the experience so memorable and impactful for so many members.
What Are the Core Values Taught in Masonic Youth Groups?
The core values taught in Masonic youth groups are a reflection of the timeless principles of Freemasonry, centered on morality, integrity, and reverence. These groups instill a strong ethical framework that members can carry with them throughout their lives, guiding their decisions and actions.
While each organization has its own unique set of tenets, like the seven Cardinal Virtues of DeMolay or the seven lessons of the Rainbow, they all share a common philosophical DNA. This includes a profound respect for family, a commitment to patriotism and civic duty, and an unwavering belief in the importance of personal honor and fidelity.
These values are not taught through dry lectures but are integrated into the very essence of the group’s activities and rituals. The symbolic ceremonies are designed to make these abstract principles memorable and meaningful, creating a lasting impression on the heart and mind of each member.
How is Reverence for a Supreme Being Emphasized?
Reverence for a Supreme Being is emphasized as a foundational requirement for membership, establishing a moral anchor for all other teachings. However, this is done in a completely non-sectarian and non-denominational manner, respecting the diverse religious beliefs of all members.
These organizations are not religions, nor do they promote any single faith. Instead, they require a belief in a higher power to acknowledge that there is a moral order to the universe and that our actions have a significance beyond our own lives. The term "Supreme Being" is used intentionally to be inclusive, allowing a member’s personal faith, whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or otherwise, to inform their understanding of this principle.
This value is reinforced through prayers at meetings, which are always universal in their language, and through lessons that stress the importance of faith and spirituality in a well-rounded life. The goal is to encourage spiritual growth and moral reflection without imposing any specific dogma.
What Role Does Patriotism Play?
Patriotism plays a central role as a key virtue that encourages members to be active and responsible citizens of their respective countries. This value is expressed through a deep respect for one’s nation, its laws, and its democratic institutions.
In practice, this is often demonstrated through tangible acts of respect. Meetings and events for Masonic youth groups frequently begin with a tribute to the national flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members are taught about the importance of civic duties like voting and being informed about public affairs.
This is not a blind or unthinking nationalism. Rather, it is a call to active and constructive citizenship. It encourages members to appreciate the freedoms and opportunities their country provides and to work to uphold and improve their society through service and ethical conduct, embodying the ideal of a patriot who serves their nation by first serving their community.
Why is Filial Love a Central Tenet?
Filial Love, the love and respect for one’s parents and family, is a central tenet because these organizations recognize that the family is the first and most important building block of society. Honoring one’s parents is presented as the foundation upon which all other virtues are built.
This principle is a cornerstone of DeMolay International, being its first Cardinal Virtue, and it is a powerful theme in all the Masonic youth bodies. Members are constantly reminded of the sacrifices their parents have made for them and are encouraged to express their gratitude and love through their actions. This value helps to strengthen family bonds during the often-turbulent teenage years.
By emphasizing Filial Love, these groups teach a profound lesson about honor and gratitude. They instill the idea that respecting one’s origins and a C-level of appreciating those who have nurtured you is a hallmark of true character. It is a value that grounds members and reminds them that their journey of self-improvement begins at home.
How Are These Groups Connected to Freemasonry?
These groups are connected to Freemasonry through sponsorship, mentorship, and a shared philosophical heritage, but they remain separate and independent organizations. Freemasons, along with members of affiliated bodies like the Order of the Eastern Star and the Order of the Amaranth, provide the adult leadership and financial support necessary for the youth groups to thrive.
Adult volunteers, many of whom are Masons or members of the extended Masonic family, serve as "Advisors." They offer guidance, ensure safety, and manage the administrative and legal aspects of the organization, but they empower the youth members to do the actual leading. This relationship is one of mentorship, not control.
It is crucial to understand that joining a Masonic youth group does not make one a Freemason, nor is it a guaranteed path to membership in the future. While the youth groups introduce young people to Masonic values, the decision to petition a Masonic Lodge as an adult is a separate and personal choice to be made when one comes of age.
What Are the Long-Term Benefits of Joining?
The long-term benefits of joining a Masonic youth organization are immense, providing members with a powerful toolkit of life skills, a lifelong network of friends, and a solid moral compass. These benefits extend far beyond the years of active membership, shaping a member’s personal and professional life for decades to come.
Professionally, the experience is invaluable. The constant practice in public speaking, running meetings, and managing projects builds a level of confidence and competence that sets members apart in college and their future careers. Many organizations also offer significant college scholarships, providing a tangible financial benefit.
Personally, the benefits are even more profound. Members emerge with a deep understanding of ethics, a commitment to service, and a global network of brothers and sisters they can rely on for support and friendship. They learn how to be leaders, how to be followers, and how to be people of integrity, a foundation that prepares them for a successful and meaningful life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to be related to a Mason to join?
Not always, it depends on the specific organization and sometimes the local jurisdiction. Job’s Daughters International, for example, traditionally requires a Masonic relationship. However, DeMolay International and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls are often open to any young person who meets the age and character requirements, provided they are sponsored by current members or advisors.
Are Masonic youth groups religious?
They are spiritual, but not religious. All Masonic youth organizations require their members to profess a belief in a Supreme Being, but they do not subscribe to any particular religion or creed. This requirement serves as a foundation for the moral and ethical teachings of the group, and a member’s personal faith is respected as a private matter.
How much does it cost to join?
The costs are intentionally kept low to ensure the organizations are accessible to families from all economic backgrounds. There is typically a one-time initiation fee and modest annual dues, which vary by the local group. These fees help cover the costs of materials, activities, and insurance, and financial assistance is often available for those who need it.
Is it like a college fraternity or sorority?
While there are some social similarities, like having a close-knit group of friends and a shared identity, Masonic youth groups are fundamentally different. Their primary focus is on character development, leadership training, and community service, all conducted within a structured, mentored environment. The ritual and symbolic lessons provide a depth and purpose that goes far beyond the purely social aspects of many college Greek-letter organizations.
***
The path of a young person is one of discovery, challenge, and growth. For the modern seeker looking for direction, and for the dedicated Brother seeking to understand the full legacy of the Craft, these youth organizations represent the living embodiment of Masonic light being passed to a new generation. They are more than clubs, they are forges of character.
Continue your journey into the heart of Freemasonry. Explore the profound symbolism that links the tools of the ancient stonemason to the virtues of a modern leader. Uncover the esoteric philosophy that has guided generations of good men. At Esoteric Freemasons, we go beyond the surface to reveal the true light of Masonic knowledge, illuminating the path for every seeker, young and old. Your quest for greater understanding begins now.
