Creating Leaders on the Course and in the Classroom: The First Tee of Greater Charlotte

written by Guest Blogger March 8, 2016

By our Smarty friends at First Tee of Greater Charlotte

Ready or not, spring is on its way! With sunshine and longer days ahead, it’s time to get outside and get involved. The First Tee of Greater Charlotte is the perfect place to do so. The First Tee delivers character education and life skills programs to prepare youth ages 5-18 for success at school, at home, and in our community. The best part? We deliver the curriculum through the wonderful game of golf.

“I thought Scarlett was going to The First Tee to learn how to play golf. Turns out, she was learning valuable life skills to use with her friends, family, and teachers at school…and as a bonus she hit some golf balls too!” Shawn, father of Scarlett (age 6)

After-School Programs

The First Tee Life Skills Experience classes are hosted at several locations across the greater Charlotte area: Revolution Park, Sunset Hills, Charles T. Myers, Highland Creek, Emerald Lake (Matthews), Fort Mill Golf Club, and Springfield Golf Club (Fort Mill). The weekly classes are taught by The First Tee trained coaches and passionate volunteers. Participants engage in learning the fundamentals of golf on up to tournament play. While learning the game, participants also learn essential life skills such as:
– Setting goals
– Managing emotions
– Conflict resolution
– Communicating with others

Spring registration is open for enrollment with classes starting March 12. Summer camp registration opens March 7. Participants can bring their own clubs, but we also provide an assortment of clubs to borrow for both “lefties” and “righties.” Click here to see the complete schedule and to register.

National School Program

Did you know? The First Tee Life Skills Experience Curriculum is taught in every CMS elementary school. In addition, Fort Mill, Union, Cabarrus, Lincoln, Catawba, and Hickory County elementary students learn the Life Skills Curriculum, Healthy Habits, and Golf Skills in their PE classrooms. Upon completion of the unit, PE teachers are invited to bring one grade level to our facility for a free “green grass” experience field trip. For most students, this is their first time on a golf course.

“While using this program I have noticed my students gaining better knowledge of teamwork and being more courteous and supportive of one another.” Matthew, PE Teacher at Berryhill Elementary

Get Involved!

Participate: register your child for after-school and summer camps today! Research shows that youth who participate in The First Tee gain confidence in their social skills and their ability to do well academically. Plus, golf is a fun, life-long sport! Click here for more info.

Volunteer: Ages 14 and up are invited to get outside and contribute their time as a volunteer coach. You can make a difference in the life of a young person today. Extensive golf knowledge is not required. Click here for more info.

Give: Your gift is an investment in young people who represent the future of the greater Charlotte community. Consider giving towards our Annual Fund or donating new or used golf equipment. Click here for more info.

“By leveraging the game of golf to enrich the lives of young people, we can accomplish our mission of building character, critical life core values and healthy choices across the greater Charlotte community. We just need people to get involved – as participants, volunteers, and donors. The possibilities of our youth become limitless when we work together to provide them the tools to succeed in life.” Jane Singleton, Executive Director