Schools in Frederick County collaborate routinely on CHARACTER COUNTS! projects. Staff members from each school meet regularly to share information about activities at their individual schools, and teachers throughout the county contribute to a "Best Practices CHARACTER COUNTS! Handbook," which is updated annually.

Teachers nominate students in each of Frederick County’s "feeder systems" (a high school, middle and elementary schools within a district) for exhibiting exemplary character. These students are recognized at a high school play, concert or athletic event in their district. All students throughout the county who are nominated are invited with their parents to a celebration picnic at the end of the year. Corporate sponsors provide food, T-shirts and other incentives for students. More than 1,000 people attend the picnic each year.