Meeting the needs of young people in communities worldwide, Optimist Clubs have been “Bringing Out the Best in Kids” since 1919. Optimist Clubs conduct positive service projects aimed at providing a helping hand to youth.

Club members are best known in their communities for their upbeat attitudes. By believing in young people and empowering them to be the best they can, Optimist volunteers continually make this world a better place in which to live.

The Castle Rock Optimist Club is involved in many service projects and fundraising activies. Some of them are listed below - for more information on other service projects available, go to www.Optimist.org.

Involvement in our club will provide you with a great opportunity for fellowship with other service minded members, volunteer opportunities, and the undescribable satisfaction that comes with affecting the life of a child!

Join us every first Tuesday of the month at the Grange in the Meadows at 7pm or email us for more information at info@castlerockoptimist.org. New members are always welcome!

Optimist Service Programs:

This Essay Contest requires students under the age of 19 to compose a 400- to 500-word essay around a central idea to develop their writing and critical thinking skills. One scholarship of $2,500 per District and 3 International-level scholarships of up to $6,000 are awarded by Optimist International each year. Visit www.optimist.org for an application.

The Internet Safety program was established in December 2008 with the focus of providing Clubs with resources to educate both young people and their parents about potential dangers on the internet and offering information about safe practices while online.

The Optimist Junior Golf Program is an exciting and unique junior golf program for ages 10-18. More than 5,000 boys and girls throughout the United States and Canada and in several foreign countries compete in official Optimist qualifying tournaments. The best of these golfers, along with international golfers from around the globe, advance to the annual Optimist International Junior Golf Championships. Commonly referred to as simply the Optimist, the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships is one of the largest and most prestigious junior golf events in the world. In addition to top-level tournament golf, participants have the opportunity to meet new friends and to have a great deal of fun. Each year, more than 650 junior golfers from 30 countries participate in the Optimist.

The Oratorical Contest is open to students under the age of 16 as of December 31 of the current school year. 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.