The Osceola County Historical Society on May 12 was presented with a check as the recipient of the Disney Helping Kids Shine Grant, which the society had applied for earlier this year.

The amount of the grant was undisclosed until the award was presented in person by Disney representative Matt Thurson to society staff and board members. The presentation took place on the grounds of the society’s Pioneer Village and Museum at 750 N. Bass Road, Kissimmee.

“We are very thrilled to be first-time recipients of this very competitive grant, and we are looking forward to making the Summer Camp Program a success this year with the help of the $5,000 check which was received,” society officials stated in a press release.

The society partnered with the Osceola County Drug Court Program to be able to offer three-week-long camp sessions over the summer to children, ages 5-12, whose parents are currently enrolled in the Drug Court Program curriculum. The idea of the partnership is to be able to provide several of the children with a safe, educational opportunity at no cost to their families during the summer break in order for their parents to continue focusing on successful completion of the rigorous requirements for the Drug Court Program.

The summer camp, society officials stated, allows for the children to be able to actively learn of the county’s rich cultural history by providing constructive use of free time through character building games, art and craft projects and relationship building with other campers and camp leaders.

Summer camp applications specific to drug court families will be handled through the Drug Court Program Office.

The society also is looking for interested high school juniors and seniors to volunteer their time as camp leaders.

Call 407-396-8644 or visit www.osceolahistory.org for more information about the society.