Orange County Government Public Information Officer
Email: PIO@ocfl.net

Orange County Parks and Recreation Receives 2020 NACo Achievement Award

Orange County Parks and RecS.T.R.E.A.M. Program Helps Local Youth Develop Thinking and Creative Skills

 Orange County, Fla. –  Orange County Parks and Recreation has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. The County was recognized for S.T.R.E.A.M. – a program devoted to Science, Technology, Reading/Recreation, Environment, Art and Math – in the category of Children and Youth.

In 2019, Orange County kicked off the S.T.R.E.A.M. Club curriculum at 13 Camp Scooter sites, and approximately 980 students in kindergarten through 5th grade attended. Each location focused on learning fundamentals for an hour each day. It was offered in four- and nine-week increments, and curriculum was designed with each age group in mind.

“S.T.R.E.A.M. not only helps our young participants develop critical thinking and creative skills,” explained Parks Manager Matt Suedmeyer, “but it also provides an interactive environment in which they can learn and have fun.”

Scooter statueParticipants increased their knowledge by participating in Domino Math (teaching math facts by using dominos as addition equations); Tornados in a Bottle (learning about tornados and how they form); and Seed Germination (planting and watching seeds grow). Fun, fitness and a weekly field trip were also incorporated into the summer camp experience.

“This year’s Achievement Award-winning programs showcase how counties build healthy, safe and vibrant communities across America,” said NACo President Mary Ann Borgeson.

Nationally, awards are given in 18 categories, including Children and Youth, Criminal Justice and Public Safety, County Administration, Information Technology, Health, Civic Engagement and more.

For more information about the S.T.R.E.A.M. Club program, please email parks@ocfl.net or visit www.orangecountyparks.net.

About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.

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