Take a look at what we did during Eco Explorers: Animal Hibernation Exploration! We learned about animals that sleep through winter, like bears and bats, and how hibernation happens. This program is all about using your imagination!

Did you know we have a swim team dedicated entirely to adults? Orange Master Swim Team is open to adults (18+) who are interested in swimming competitively, are training for triathlons, or just want to work out with friends. This program has varying levels of workouts with a coach on deck to help with strokes and practice sets.

Practices are twice a week and Saturday mornings through November 25.

Times are Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-8pm and Saturdays from 6:45am-8am. You can register here: https://orangerec.arux.app/.../orange-master-s-swim-team

Take a look at what we explored and learned during our Eco Explorers STEAM in Nature: Curious by Nature session!
Our young explorers discovered the wonders of clouds, leaves, evaporation, and sunlight through hands-on activities that connected science, nature, and creativity. We loved seeing their curiosity grow as they explored the world around them!

Our next Heartsaver First Aid, CPR, AED class is coming up on November 14 at the Pepper Pike Learning Center. This course is designed to provide participants with a basic understanding of events which may require a person to need medical attention. Can't make it in November? Check out the next class on December 12

Unicorns, burgers, and Hulks, oh my! (that's what they say, right?) Our Early Childhood costume parade was the perfect way to get us in the Halloween spirit. Thanks to all the parents who stopped by along the parade route!

Adaptive & Integrative Rec has been busy exploring Holden Arboretum, Derthick's Corn Maze, and other fun field trips this fall

We couldn't have asked for a better Trunk or Treat day! Thank You to all Orange Schools Organizations and local businesses that participated this year, and special shout outs to Trader Joe's, Moreland Hills Police Department, Orange Village Police Department, Orange Village Fire Department, Pepper Pike Police Department, and the Community Emergency Response Team. This event would not be the same without you!

Have you met our newest teacher yet? Say hi to Miss Longhenry!

We're Hiring!

Orange Community Education & Recreation is currently seeking certified lifeguards to fill flexible, part-time hours throughout the year. American Red Cross Certification is required for lifeguards. If you are interested, but not yet certified, please contact Aquatics Supervisor Ben Morris at bmorris@orangecsd.org and ask about our next class and opportunities to earn the class fee back! This is a great job for high school and college students. Pay starting at $15/hour.

It's Trunk or Treat week!!

This fun Halloween event encourages participants to wear their costumes and stop at decorated cars to trick-or-treat in a safe and kid friendly environment. Trunk or Treat is this Saturday, October 24 from 3-5pm in the PPLC parking lot. Trunk or Treat is open to Orange City School District residents only and registration is required to attend. Proceeds will be donated to the Orange Community Education & Recreation Scholarship Fund.

NEW THIS YEAR
Families who prefer a quieter, more accessible experience are invited to attend our Low-Sensory Soft Launch 30 minutes before Trunk-or-Treat officially begins. During this time, music, costumes, and other sensory elements will be reduced, creating a calmer environment for trick-or treating and exploring the event. This early access opportunity is designed to support participants of all abilities who may benefit from a lower sensory setting. The Low-Sensory Soft Launch will begin at 2:30 PM.

Ever wonder how the SCOOP gets delivered to your mailbox? These are the masterminds behind it!

A massive thank you to our amazing volunteers who helped get the latest edition of The Scoop newsletter sealed, labeled, and stamped!

Because of their dedication and hard work, our members stay connected, informed, and up-to-date on all the fun events coming up. We truly couldn't do it without you!

Take a look at what we explored in our Eco Explorers: Curiosities of the Wild class! We learned about animal adaptations and the different ways animals are able to survive and thrive in their environments.

For our activity, students used pipe cleaners to create camouflage! They had to hide their creations in their surroundings, just like animals use colors, patterns, shapes, and other adaptations to help them blend in and stay safe from predators.

It was a fun, hands-on way to see how an adaptation can make a big difference in the wild!

Congratulations to our Safety Town and Personal Safety Seminar graduates! We hosted a panel at the Personal Safety Seminar with the help of Chagrin Valley Fire Department, Moreland Hills Police Department, Pepper Pike Police Department, and Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. These programs focus on everyday safety skills, bus safety, water safety, public space safety, internet safety, and more.

Thank you to the Pepper Pike Fire Department for teaching our preschoolers in room 13 about fire safety! We saw a fire truck, learned about their uniforms, and met real life firefighters!

Looking for a preschool for your little learner? Look no further than Orange Early Childhood! We have availability in our 2s program! We have spots for half days (9am-12pm) or full days (9am-3pm) for either three days or five days a week.

The Orange Early Childhood Center offers comprehensive programming, enrichment classes, and family activities for children from ages two through five. We offer enrichment classes for toddlers, preschoolers and parents that are open to both children enrolled in the preschool program and children in the community.

The Trunk or Treat pumpkin decorating contest is back!!

Your registration includes a donation to the OCER Scholarship Fund, one large foam pumpkin, and a booklet of ideas to get you inspired (real pumpkins not accepted)!

Pumpkins can be picked up at the Pepper Pike Learning Center from 7:30 am - 5:30 pm (M -F) from September 22 - October 15. Decorated pumpkins must be dropped off on Thursday, October 22 or Friday, October 23 to be entered in the contest. Pumpkins brought to Trunk or Treat will not be accepted.

Trunk or Treat attendees will vote on the best pumpkin; you do not need to be present at Trunk or Treat to win! The winning family will receive a prize - winners announced the Monday after the event.

On Oct 2, we invited our youth flag football players to the OHS Varsity football game. The kids watched warm-ups from the sidelines, welcomed the Varsity football team to the field, and even got to run through the tunnel on the field behind the Varsity team! We also invited 60 youth cheerleaders out to the game who cheered with the OHS & BMS cheerleaders during the first quarter of the game.

Then, on Oct 4, we hosted CVC youth tackle and flag football games with local communities. Our youth cheerleaders were back again to cheer on our two tackle football teams during their games. To top it all off, two students were on the announcements for our Orange games. Thanks to the Orange Boosters for running the concession stands and to the OHS Varsity football team who were helping with the football operations.

We know you know this face! Kasey, our bubbly building sub, has probably been in your child's classroom at least once already this year! She'd love to say hi to you, so give her a wave the next time you see her!

Survivor: Kids Wild Edition was a hit this fall! In this four-week outdoor program, kids worked together in teams to complete exciting challenges and nature-inspired missions. Would you have what it takes to be the ultimate survivor??

Trunk or Treat is on Saturday, October 24! Don't miss your chance to be a trunk at this year's event, where kids of all ages can come and enjoy a fun and safe trick-or-treating experience from the trunks of decorated cars.
To register as a trunk, click this link: https://orangerec.arux.app/.../fall-2026/trunk-or-treat-2026