Pennsylvania's Seventh Masonic District



What is CHIP?
The Masonic CHIP Program is the most comprehensive service of its kind anywhere. CHIP is provided free of charge to the public, though most families make a donation to help continue the program for other families. All of the identifying items generated during CHIP are given to the child's family. The CHild Identification Program (CHIP) addresses the alarming fact that over 1,000,000 children are reported missing in the United States each year. While most are found, many are not, and the abduction of children is both under-reported and rapidly increasing in our society. CHIP provides parents and guardians the means to quickly get vital information to emergency responders. The digital video and digital still photo on the mini CD is compatible with the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System.

Who Can Participate?
The CHIP program is for ANY child in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania will conduct the program in communities when scheduled by the local Lodges.

What Does It Cost?
The CHIP program is provided, FREE of charge. Though, your generous tax deductible contribution to the PA Masonic Youth Foundation and the CHIP program will help our volunteers reach more children across Pennsylvania.

What Is Given To The Parents?
All of the materials gathered in the CHIP Program are given to the parents. Only the permission slip is kept by the program providers. NO identification information is kept, copied, or given to any governmental authority. Only the parent or guardian will provide the information if they choose to do so in an emergency.

The key components of the program include the following:
A CD with Video and Digital Still Photograph: A digital video is recorded in which children are asked a series of questions while standing in front of a height chart backdrop. The CHIP interview captures the appearance, speech, mannerisms, and other important personal characteristics of a child. It can be quickly distributed via the media to reach a huge audience and assist in the quick recovery of a missing child. Additionally, a still photograph is taken for fast and easy distribution by e-mail in case of emergency. The video and photograph are recorded onto a 3" mini CD and given only to the parent or guardian. It is the cornerstone of the CHIP program. Fingerprints: Children's fingerprints are taken in the traditional manner, using inkless print pads, to provide clear and readable prints. Fingerprint cards are given to the parent or guardian. DNA: A DNA kit is provided to the parent or guardian to be completed at home as soon as possible. The DNA kit includes plastic "zipper" bags for : 1. Hair samples. 2. Nail clippings. 3. Oral swab for saliva sample.
Sponsoring A CHIP Event
Anyone may initiate a CHIP event by contacting the local District Deputy Grand Master or Chip Program Coordinator. All coordination of events is through the Masons of Pennsylvania, and all events are sponsored by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania or by a local community Lodge. If you or your organization would like more information regarding CHIP, please contact the District Deputy Grand Master, the District Chip Coordinator, or the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation.

Request A CHIP Program
After you have read all the information above, you may wish to request a CHIP Program for your school or organization. Contact the District Deputy Grand Master or the District Chip Coordinator to make arrangements. Please submit your request as early as possible prior to your planned event to allow us time to arrange for volunteers, cameras, and supplies. (Usually 5 - 10 weeks.)

Contact Information:
District Deputy Grand Master:	Edward R. Stein	610-926-4655
District Chip Coordinator:	Michael A. Black	610-926-3187