The start of the new school year means so many things. Some students are taking their first classes in a new school, moving up from elementary to middle school, or middle to high school. For others, the fall means a new world of educational pursuits, moving up the ladder as they pursue their goals. But for all of those kids, at least in the 24 schools in Beaufort and Jasper counties where First Tee – The Lowcountry is active, the start of a new school year means another chance to enjoy the game of golf while absorbing important life lessons.
“With the start of the new school year, the students are very excited for our golf unit,” said Stephen Reilly, a PE teacher at Royal Live Oaks Academy, a public charter school serving K-12 students in Beaufort and Jasper counties. “I’m looking forward to seeing our kids continue to build their confidence, incorporate their math skills, and motivate their classmates to try their best with this program.”
The program First Tee has cooked up for our schools is a multi-dynamic curriculum that incorporates several of the philosophies that have made their afterschool, summer camp, and in-facility programs such a success with area kids. Going beyond the fundamentals of golf, these lessons integrate life lessons centered on five core commitments: Pursuing Goals, Growing through Challenge, Collaborating with Others, Building Positive Self-Identity, and Using Good Judgment.
Each lesson is designed so that golf skills become a framework for character development. For example, setting targets on the course models how to set and pursue goals in life. Facing difficult shots helps participants embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Team-based activities emphasize collaboration, showing how working with others leads to success both on and off the course. Celebrating small wins and reflecting on strengths nurtures a positive self-identity. Finally, learning when to take risks or play it safe highlights the importance of sound judgment.
“It’s really cool to get this program into schools because a lot of these kids are never going to get to play golf this early in their life,” said Ryan Wolfe, program manager and lead coach for First Tee – The Lowcountry. “It’s a great way to mix in those core values and key commitments we want to teach those kids.”
And while it’s the First Tee’s lesson plans, the organization trusts each teacher who takes on their curriculum to deliver those lessons in their own way, giving teachers freedom to lead their own classes.
“We actually send them lesson plans, plastic golf clubs, and targets that are free for them to use,” Wolfe said. “But then they teach it how they would any other lessons. And a lot of those teachers have been working with us for many years.”
For kids, it’s an enjoyable way to tee off on the new school year. For First Tee, it’s one element in a multi-faceted approach that blends the game of golf with life lessons that enrich, educate, and create better students.