KSUGCMRF: The First Tee Fund

First Tee - Manhattan is a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges.

By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do.

First Tee’s curriculum was developed by experts in the field of positive youth development through sport and is delivered by caring adults (coaches) who have been formally trained by The First Tee. Golf and Life Skills are seamlessly incorporated into each lesson.  In addition to learning the fundamentals of the golf swing and the game, lessons can include teaching and learning around the following developmental focus areas:

Interpersonal Skills: Proper introduction when meeting someone new and how to effectively communicate with others.

Self-Management: Techniques for managing thoughts and emotions.

Goal-Setting: Setting attainable goals to reach desired dreams.

Resiliency Skills: Strategies to adapt, to manage and overcome challenges.

Programs are offered at green grass locations (Life Skills Experience), elementary schools (School Program), and after-school programs designed for youth-serving organizations (Boys & Girls Clubs).

First Tee Life Skills Experience program provides levels of progression that are age and developmentally appropriate.  In addition, The Life Skills Experience program provides unique regional and national opportunities for participants to demonstrate their golf skills and application of Life Skills learned through the program.

Program Levels:

TARGET(Ages 5 & 6) Introduction to the Life Skills Experience.  This level provides a fun and safe environment that creates curiosity about golf.

PLAYER  (Required minimum age 7) Introduces playing the game of golf with a special emphasis on learning golf and The First Tee Code of Conduct, appreciating the rules and etiquette of the game, and The First Tee Nine Core Values.

PAR (Minimum age 9) Focuses on interpersonal communication and self-management skills.

BIRDIE (Minimum age 11) Emphasizes goal-setting.

EAGLE (Minimum age 13) Emphasizes resilience skills, conflict resolution, and planning for the future.

ACE (Minimum age 14 or entering 9th grade) Once a young person has progressed through all program levels, he/she can become ACE-certified, focusing on setting goals for golf, career, and education and giving back to the community.

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