This time of year, everyone is looking for ways to be a better person. Just ask Ebenezer Scrooge, whose Christmas Day change of heart saw him become a beloved benefactor to his community and friend to his neighbors.
You don’t need to be visited by three spirits to begin your own holiday drive to give back. All you have to do is get involved, and First Tee – The Lowcountry has a great way to do exactly that. The organization, which teaches children invaluable life skills while also showing them the joys of golf, is looking for a few charitable folks to sign up.
“We’re really trying to expand and grow into the west end of Bluffton, north of the Broad River and into Jasper County. That’s where all the growth is happening and will continue for the foreseeable future. But we need volunteers and coaches for that,” said Executive Director Pat Zuk.
The coaches and volunteers of First Tee serve as the backbone of the organization, working one-on-one with kids at school and at courses around the Lowcountry. While providing instruction on the game of golf, from etiquette to ironing out a wobbly swing, volunteers also impart invaluable life lessons on First Tee students, helping them grow through challenges, pursue their goals, and work as part of a community.
“Our volunteers play such a tremendous role in these kids’ lives,” Zuk said. “It’s a great way to help a child who needs the guidance. We are able to offer them a safe place to learn the game of golf, have fun, and grow as people.”
Over the next few months, First Tee will be rolling out meet and greet events throughout the Lowcountry’s mainland, giving interested coaches and volunteers a chance to learn a little bit more about the program and the extraordinary work they do for area youth.
And if you’re thinking that your golf game isn’t quite up to par, don’t worry. The First Tee welcomes even the most hapless hackers.
“We have coaches who don’t golf at all, but they’re just really interested in making a positive impact on these kids,” said Program Director Aaron Immel. “We have them focused on some other things – for example, they’ll work on putting with the younger kids and they’ll work on the life skills.”
Immel said volunteers need to complete two easy online training sessions, the first a safe sport training, and the second an assistant coach training. Once they’ve done that, they’ll shadow one of First Tee’s volunteer coaches to get hands-on experience.
“And if they want, there are opportunities after that to become lead coaches,” Immel said. “But there are some coaches who prefer to just be an assistant coach, which we absolutely welcome. Whatever way someone wants to get involved, we welcome them.”
To help make a difference in children’s lives as First Tee expands throughout Beaufort and Jasper counties, visit firstteelowcountry.org.