KOP

The Knights of Pythagoras (KOP) is a leadership training program for young boys aged between eight and twenty. The program is designed to empower young men to develop their leadership skills through community service, business meetings, training sessions, annual conferences, and fun events. The KOP’s primary focus is to train young people in leadership, responsibility, and brotherhood, which are essential skills for their future success.

The KOP program is unique in that it is youth-led, providing the opportunity for young people to take ownership of their development. This approach allows for a partnership to be formed between youths, parents, and Georgia Prince Hall Masons, which helps to provide young people with various life skills they can benefit from. The youths also get to participate every summer in a Youth Leadership Summer camp in July called the Lloyd James Summer Camp in partnership with Fort Valley State University. This camp provides the youths with an opportunity to explore the campus, learn about college life, and participate in leadership training.

Youth Knights (YK) are boys from various backgrounds, nationalities, and religions, creating a diverse group of young men working together to learn, fellowship, and perform community services. The YKs have the opportunity to elect and appoint officers, learn and use the voting process, plan their activities/fundraising/community service events, and work with other organizations on various projects. These experiences provide the YKs with hands-on training and opportunities to develop their leadership skills, preparing them for their future roles in their communities.

The Sir Knights (SK) are Prince Hall Master Masons who volunteer their time, money, and support to assist youth in their communities and statewide. They serve as mentors, coaches, or someone to talk to when it comes to the youth, and also serve as trainers or instructors when it comes to leadership training. The SKs are essential in providing guidance and support to the YKs, helping them to navigate the challenges of youth leadership and development.

Parent Clubs are formed to support local councils by assisting with fundraising, transportation, planning of events, and community service projects. They form a partnership with the Youth Knights and Sir Knights. The Parent Clubs play a vital role in supporting the YKs and SKs, ensuring that they have the resources and support they need to be successful in their roles.

In conclusion, the Knights of Pythagoras (KOP) program provides young boys with a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, form lifelong friendships, and serve their communities. The program emphasizes the importance of responsibility, brotherhood, and leadership, providing young boys with the tools they need to become successful adults. The youth-led approach, partnership with parents and Georgia Prince Hall Masons, and the support of the Sir Knights and Parent Clubs make the KOP program a valuable resource for young people looking to develop their leadership skills and make a positive impact on their communities.