Halloween Party & Parade
Each year, on the Sunday before Halloween, the Club hosts children from 1 -13 for a costume parade and party with games, entertainment, snacks and refreshments. Prizes are awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each of the five costume contest age groups: 0 – 18 months; 19 months-3 years; 4 – 6 years; 7 – 9 years; and 10-13 years. All participants receive recognition and a trick or treat bag of goodies.
Youth Appreciation Week
As part of the Optimist International (OI) program for youth appreciation, the Club with the cooperation of the guidance staffs of the four county high schools chose 10 seniors from each school to be recognized as the ‘Outstanding Youth of Calvert County’. These students participate in the Board of County Commissioners’ Proclamation for Youth Appreciation Week and are given a behind the scenes tour of the County Courthouse, the court system, 911 Center and the Maryland State Police Barracks in Prince Frederick. After the tour, the students enjoy a luncheon as guests of the Club. A Banquet is held each year to honor and recognize these students and their achievements with their families and friends invited to attend.
Santa Night
On the second Wednesday evening of December each year the Club hosts Santa Night at the Harriet E. Brown Community Center in Prince Frederick. This children’s party features crafts including ornament making, games with prizes, snacks, Christmas music and a visit with Santa.
Fishing Tournament
On the second Saturday of May each year the Club sponsors a fishing tournament open to kids up to 18 years of age. Held at a local Calvert county farm, contestants are provided bait and the opportunity to catch the largest individual fish and the most number of fish between 8AM and 12PM. Hot dogs and drinks are provided and a great time is had by all. Prizes are awarded by age grouping at the end of the day.
Essay Contest
Each year an essay contest open to all students in Calvert county middle and high schools under the age of 19 is sponsored. The subject of the essay is determined by OI and youth in all fifty states compete in their compositions on the subject. Dead line for submission of Club essay entries is February 1st and Club winner must be forwarded to the district level by February 28th. At the Club level prizes are awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners of each age group. The winner of the high school division moves on to the Maryland South Delaware Optimist District competition, where a $2,500 scholarship is awarded the winner. The topic for the 2019-20 school year is: “Is Optimism the Key to Achieving the Dreams you iMagine?”
Oratorical Contest
The contest is designed for youth to gain experience in public speaking and provide them with the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship. The contest is open to students under age 19 who have not yet graduated from high school or the equivalent; however, the Calvert Club has traditionally held this contest for middle school students. The Calvert Club’s contest is traditionally held in February of each year.
Interested students prepare a 4 to 5 minute speech on the pre-assigned topic to be presented at the Optimist Club’s contest. The speeches are judged at the Club level with monetary and medallion awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place; at the Zone level with medallion awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place; and then at the District level 1st place winners receive a $2,500 scholarship. The deadline to submit District winners to Optimist International is June 15th. The topic for the 2019-20 school year is: “Just iMagine a World without Boundaries”
All youth and community activities are supported by the sale of Christmas Trees and Wreaths and Optimist Bingo.