Orange Community Education & Recreation

Orange Community Education & Recreation (OCER) seeks to create and promote integration across all facilities, programs and classes that we offer. We welcome all people of all ages and abilities to participate in any of our programs. Our goal is to ensure that all individuals have equitable access to the benefits of high-quality educational and recreational programs that foster social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth. Our seasoned, dedicated staff are highly trained and licensed professionals that are skilled in their area of expertise, have extensive experience working with participants with special needs and demonstrate the ability to embrace the inclusive nature of our organization. Another big component of our programs that set us apart is our encouragement and promotion of integrating those without disabilities to join in on all of our experiences. We are actively seeking children and adults that want to discover the value of playing and learning side by side. Adaptive & Integrated Programs for children and adults aim to: Meet each participant’s needs with care and concern. Provide each participant with an opportunity to shine and share his or her special gifts. Enable all participants to take risks while developing self-esteem. Create opportunities for everyone to experience recreation together. Participant Accommodation Plan For those parents that would find it helpful, Orange Community Education & Recreation offers participants with special needs the opportunity to meet one-on-one (prior to participating in a program) to create an individualized Participant Accommodation Plan. The plan is not required to participate in any of our programs, however, it can help us identify what programs make a good fit and how we can help support the participant. During this one-on-one meeting, you can tell us all about your child and we can work together to create a plan for success. To learn more about Adaptive/Integrated programming or to discuss how we can support participant needs, please contact Kelly Borders, M.Ed. at 216-831-8601 x5623 or Nate Muhlbach by emailing nmuhlbach@orangecsd.org or calling 216-839-1179 x5649

The Adult Recreation & Discovery departments offers a comprehensive array of classes and workshops for adults of all ages in the areas of artistry, craftsmanship and design, cooking, career development, health, fitness and wellness, language, travel, technology, adult sports and more. Classes are offered in the traditional classroom setting and online.

The Aquatics division offers a variety of programming for swimmers of all ages and skills including swim lessons, aquatic exercise, lap swim, lifeguard certification, swim team and swim club.

Our Early Childhood program includes a variety of educational, developmentally appropriate activities designed for young children. From arts and crafts, to sports, to parent and child fun, we have the whole child in mind.

The Orange Art Center (OAC) is a division of Orange Community Education & Recreation. OAC is located on the Orange Schools campus and offers fine art classes to adults and K-12 young artists. The OAC has a 40+ year legacy in providing arts and cultural experiences in the Orange Community. Learn more about the OAC at orangeartcenter.org.

Lions Club Extended Care is a before and after school and before and after camp activity program for students in grades K-5. Lions Club Extended Care focuses on social and recreational activities which are designed to provide children with a choice of developmentally appropriate activities. A typical day allows for children to learn healthy social skills as well as enjoy sports, crafts and games in a safe, welcome, relaxed environment. Members of the Youth Department's Lions Club Extended Care team come from a variety of educational backgrounds to enhance the experience offered to your child.

The Orange Senior Center is the district's focal point for programs and services specific to individuals age 55 and over. The program provides opportunities for enrichment, education, socialization and companionship in a welcoming atmosphere.

OCER is growing our list of special events. From family favorites like Trunk or Treat to new events like Puzzle Palooza, Concerts on the Patio, Family Bake-Off, Touch-a-Truck and more, we look forward to seeing you soon!

Our main objective is to foster positive sports experiences. We offer opportunities in soccer, football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, tennis, cheerleading, lacrosse, wrestling, camps and more! In order for participants to truly benefit from these experiences, a positive approach must be embraced by everyone in the program, including program administrators, staff, instructors, coaches, parents and participants. The purpose of these programs is to provide a fun and accessible sports experience for all. Participation in athletics helps develop self-esteem, promotes teamwork, and develops the mind and body. To ensure our philosophy is successful, we will follow these guidelines: Everyone can participate: Registration is open to adults and all boys and girls ages 3-14 (Grade 8), regardless of skill level or physical abilities. In regards to competitive travel teams, everyone is provided the opportunity to try-out. Everyone plays: Our goal is for everyone to PLAY. Rules mandate that every player must have equal playing time; we do not favor competition over participation. Everyone will play safe: Making safety a top priority for coaches, instructors and participants helps to prevent and reduce the number of injuries incurred by participants. Everyone will receive positive coaching: Positive encouragement from coaches and instructors will provide a positive atmosphere and experience for participants to develop skills. Everyone will play fair: Participants will be placed on balanced teams, giving each team a chance to compete fairly.

The program seeks to provide a family atmosphere, fostering growth and confidence within each individual, through their philosophy of process over product. Stagecrafters prides itself on nurturing students' independence while maintaining the importance of teamwork. From afterschool and Saturday classes to Private Coaching for Acting and Voice, Stagecrafters offers a wide variety of classes and activities for students of all ages from preschool on up. We stage eight mainstage productions each year!

Summer Camp Registration is coming in 2024! Residents can register on January 29, 2024 at 12 pm. Nonresidents can register on February 5, 2024 at 12 pm.

Our trips and tours are designed for group adventure. From one day local trips to European multi-day travel, we look forward to our next big adventure and hope you'll join us!

Orange Community Education & Recreation has a variety of volunteer opportunities available for teens and adults of all ages. Whether volunteering to assist with summer camp, coaching, senior center activities or special events like Trunk or Treat, you'll have the opportunity to share your talents and gain valuable experience. Here is a short list of some of the amazing benefits you’ll receive! Gain confidence. Volunteering can help you gain confidence by giving you the chance to try something new and build a real sense of achievement. Make a difference. Volunteering can have a real and valuable positive effect on people, communities and society in general. Volunteering can help you meet different kinds of people and make new friends. Be part of a community. Volunteering can help you feel part of something outside your friends and family. Learn new skills. Volunteering can help you learn new skills, gain experience and sometimes even qualifications. Take on a challenge. Through volunteering you can challenge yourself to try something different, achieve personal goals, practice using your skills and discover hidden talents. Have fun! Most volunteers have a great time, regardless of why they do it.

The Youth Department offers comprehensive after school, Saturday, and summer enrichment programs for students in grades K-5. Each of our youth programs offers a stimulating and active environment where students can have fun while learning and socializing with friends. Our teen programs are packed with fun, service and adventure for middle-school and high school students. With many exciting activities and enrichment opportunities scheduled this season, you are sure to find something for everyone.