Youth Activities & Scholarships

Junior Optimist Clubs

Dor-Wood sponsors 10 Junior Optimist Clubs in our community.
  1. Van Buren Middle School
  2. Fairmont High School
  3. Holy Angels School
  4. Ascension School
  5. J. E. Prass Elementary
  6. Bishop Leibold School
  7. Orchard Park Elementary
  8. Helping Hand of Oakview
  9. J. F. K. Elementary
  10. Southdale Elementary
The object of Junior Optimist Clubs shall be to provide opportunities for Members individually and collectively to participate in community service activities, develop leadership abilities and prepare for responsible roles in society.

Kettering Safety Village

Kettering Safety Village, sponsored by  the Dor-Wood  Optimist Club, is a   week-long transportation and life-safety  program for children who are entering  Kindergarten.

The City of Kettering’s Engineering Department Safety Section in  collaboration with Kettering City Schools is proud to operate this program designed to teach our youngest citizens how to be safe.

Youth Fishing Derby

The Youth Fishing Derby is held at Kettering's Delco Park. It is sponsored by the Dor-Wood Optimist Club and the Kettering City Police Department along with the Kettering Parks Department. As kids catch fish, club members measure each fish and record. Trophies, medallions, fishing poles, tackle boxes are awarded. Food & drinks are provided.

Optimist Kids Day in the Park

Bring your family out for an old fashioned day in the park. Multiple Optimist Clubs from the Montgomery County area will be on hand to provide games for kids in grades K-8. Children must be  accompanied by an adult and all are invited to a free picnic style lunch. The event is being co-sponsored by the Dor-Wood Optimist Club and Kettering Noon Optimist Club

Tri-Star Basketball: Pass - Shoot - Dribble

Kids compete against others in their own age and gender group
(12 groups) in 3 skills: dribbling, shooting and passing.  Awards are given to the winners of each
group.

Optimist Essay Contests

Dor-Wood and Optimist International sponsor essay contests for students to earn scholarship money to pursue opportunities in higher education.
The contests are conducted at the Club level, then Zone and Regional (if necessary) and at the District level. District-level scholarships are funded by the Optimist International Foundations and awarded by Optimist International.

Optimist Oratorical Contests

Since its start in 1928, the Optimist Oratorical Contest has become the longest-running program sponsored by Optimist International. The contest is designed for youth to gain experience in public speaking, perfect self-expression, gain self-assurance, improve communication skills,and provide them with the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship