With the last few weeks of the school year upon us, the looming prospect of summer has parents scrambling to find ways to keep their kids active, engaged, entertained – and out of the house. There are any number of options, of course, but what about giving your child a chance to try something new? What about a summer camp that not only lets them get some fresh air and enjoy the beauty of the Lowcountry, but also lets them learn a new sport, make new friends, and develop valuable life skills?
The First Tee – The Lowcountry has been offering exactly that through their popular programs all year long, and this summer they’re teeing up a whole summer of opportunities for kids at their Hilton Head Island campus as well as at Pinecrest, The Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes, and The Landings at Pleasant Point.
“These camps are a great way to introduce kids to the game of golf and everything First Tee has to offer,” said Executive Director Pat Zuk. “With our summer camps, we incorporate all the instruction and activities that you’d find in our regular classes in a really fun environment that’s perfect for students who maybe never have been introduced to the game. And kids who are already familiar really benefit from the extra instruction.”
Camps at the Hilton Head campus are held Monday through Thursday starting June 9, with Bluffton camps running Monday through Wednesday starting July 21. Hilton Head camps are $160 a week and Bluffton camps are $120 a week, with scholarships and financial aid available. Campers do not need to bring their own equipment, although they are encouraged to bring it if they have their own. Divided into different age groups, these camps let kids learn at their own pace, discovering the joys of the game while learning the fundamentals with friends. Along the way, they’ll be introduced to First Tee’s nine core values and discover how the program puts an equal emphasis on personal development and golf skills.
“Parents are really looking for something that is going to keep their child active while enriching their lives. That’s precisely what First Tee does,” Zuk said. “These camps are a perfect way to build their confidence and let them enjoy their summer.”
Along with hosting summer camps, First Tee’s Hilton Head campus on Gumtree Road is open to the public all summer long. Boasting a six-hole, par 3 golf course, 325-yard driving range, two USGA greens, short game practice area, and a stocked fishing pond, there’s no shortage of ways to spend a day enjoying the outdoors across their sprawling facility. Use of the facility is a $10 donation for adults, $5 donation for children, with a $70 donation earning unlimited use for a month. The facility is free for First Tee participants, active duty military and their families.
To learn more or sign up, visit firstteelowcountry.org.