Programs
The Lancaster County Optimist Club serves the community's youth through a variety of activites. Being an Optimist Club member means volunteering time and talents to projects which make a difference in the life of a child.
If your organization is in need of volunteers or would like to partner with the Lancaster County Optimist Club, please contact us through the "Members" page contact form.
Annual Initiatives:
Essay Contest
Essay Contest
Effective October 1, 2020 the contest is open to contestants under the age of 19 as of October 1 of the current Optimist International contest year (October 1-September 30) and is not enrolled as a degree seeking student of a post-secondary institution. Students must compose a 700- to 800-word essay around a central idea. The contest is designed to develop writing and critical thinking skills. One scholarship of $500 awarded at the local level. One scholarship of $2,500 per District is awarded by Optimist International each year.
​
​
​
​​
Topic for the 2020-21 school year: "Reaching your Dreams by Choosing Optimism"
Envirothon
For more than 10 years the Optimist have partnered with the County Park's Envirothon. Each Lancaster County school who chooses to organize an Envirothon club for grades 4-8 spends a school year learning about the environment in 1 of 4 rotating themed courses of study. In May, the students meet at the County Park to compete and test their knowledge of that years particular theme. The 4 winning teams are awarded $100 worth of books to take back to their school library.
Oratorical Contest
Effective October 1, 2020, the contest is open to contestants under the age of 19 as of October 1 of the current Optimist International contest year (October 1-September 30) and is not enrolled as a degree seeking student of a post-secondary institution. Students are required to prepare a 4- to 5-minute speech on a pre-assigned topic. This contest is designed to assist youth in gaining public speaking experience and provide them with an opportunity to compete for a scholarship.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Topic for the 2020-21 school year: "Healing the World
with Optimism"
Youth Citizen & Achievement Award
Awarded yearly to two graduating seniors from Lancaster County area high schools in honor of their volunteer service to the community. Each winning student wins $100, with the winners announced during a celebration.
Better Food Make Better Kids
in partnership with Lumina
Hooked on Fishing Derby
Bears at Camp Chimaqua
Each summer the Lancaster County Hospice Center sponsors a bereavement camp for those children who have lost a loved one during the year. Lancaster County Optimist provide the softest, most cuddly bears they can find to give to each camper at the beginning of the camp session.
OI Junior Golf Tournament
The Optimist International Junior Golf Tournament is one of the largest junior golf tournaments in the world. Each year, more than 600 golfers participate in THE OPTIMIST.
