Category: Youth Programs

Nicole Chang to Attend Life Skills & Leadership Academy

RVA Teen Selected for The First Tee’s National Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy

96 teens tapped nationally to attend academy in Boise, Idaho July 24-30

(Richmond, Virginia) The First Tee of Greater Richmond is proud to announce Nicole Chang, Ace Level participant, is headed to the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy in Boise, Idaho July 24-30. Nicole will join more than 90 junior golfers, ages 14-17, from The First Tee chapters around the country at the youth leadership event. Hosted by The First Tee headquarters, the academy recognizes and rewards exceptional teen participants who are prepared to build upon leadership skills introduced through programs at their local chapter. Top coaches in The First Tee’s network deliver the golf and leadership instruction that incorporate The First Tee’s Nine Core Values in a concentrated, week-long event. Participants build skills preparing them for success beyond the golf course. They will experience championship golf, career exploration, dorm living at Boise State University and meeting other teens from around the country sharing golf as their common bond.
The First Tee is an outstanding program that allows junior golfers to experience golf in a fun and safe environment. I am grateful to have this opportunity to travel to this camp and learn life skills, make new friends, and develop my game.” – Nicole Chang
Nicole Chang, 15, is a rising junior at Clover Hill High School in Midlothian, Virginia. Active in The First Tee of Greater Richmond for four years. She participates in Life Skills Experience Classes, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, and the Junior Leadership Board. She is also on the varsity golf team, public speaking/forensics team, service chair for YMCA Leaders Club, and student council for her junior class. “Nicole always goes above and beyond the expectation and represents The First Tee of Greater Richmond well,” said Berkley Jackson, Program Coordinator at The First Tee of Greater Richmond. “We are thrilled that Nicole will be attending this year’s Life Skills and Leadership Academy and are excited to hear about her experiences!” The First Tee is a youth development organization dedicated to helping youth build character through the game of golf. Through in-school and after-school programs, it helps shape young people’s lives by reinforcing values like integrity, respect, and perseverance embedded in the game of golf.

Learn more about national participant opportunities

With the help of The First Tee national corporate partners, more advanced participants can apply to attend these golf and leadership events. These events often become life-changing experiences. Click here to learn more.  

Meet the 2019 Summer Interns

The First Tee of Greater Richmond’s annual summer internship program is kicking off June 10th! We are thrilled to welcome ten college students to our chapter for a summer of coaching and mentoring our youth. The Summer Internship Program will: introduce interns to inspiring young people; develop interactions with families, board members, staff and other constituents of The First Tee of Greater Richmond; expose interns to all elements of a thriving, growing, and successful nonprofit in the Richmond area including but not limited to marketing strategies, fundraising, and professional development.

Meet our Interns

We are pleased to introduce our TEN summer interns. Click their names to learn more about each aspiring young leader.

Bradley Vespa

School
University of Alabama, 2020
Major
Marketing – with an Advertising minor.

Dylan Taylor

School
Georgia Southern University, 2020
Major
Master’s degree in Political Science

Eleshia Jones

School
University of Maryland – Eastern Shore, 2021
Major
Exercise Science with a clinical concentration

Joshua Murphy

School
Appalachian State University, 2019
Major
Parks and Recreation Management

Kristen Pratt

School
Virginia Tech, 2020
Major
Finance

Riley Kern

school
Ferrum College, 2020
Major
Outdoor recreation – with an Accounting minor

Robert Morris

school
University of North Florida, 2019
Major
Sport Management – with a marketing minor.

Sirena Walsh

School
Longwood University, 2020
Major
Business Administration

Tristan Bazemore

School
Madison University, 2019
Major
Business Administration and Management

Vivian Satterfield

School
University of North Carolina, Wilmington
Major
Communications
For all questions regarding The First Tee’s Summer Internship Program, please contact Berkley Jackson, Program Coordinator: [email protected].

Values Instilled in Participant Tia MacDonald

The First Tee of Greater Richmond is proud of participants seeking outside opportunities to highlight their golf skills but with great excitement, we highlight participants expressing the life skills learned in our programs in other aspects of life. Tia MacDonald, Par Participant, sought an opportunity to share her understanding of core values honesty, sportsmanship, and integrity through the Annika Foundation “Share My Passion” Letter Contest. At a young age of 9 years old, Tia shares her insight to values, friendship, and the importance of practicing.

Annika FOUNDATION “Share My passion” Letter Contest

  This fall, along with Meg Lavinder, Tia mailed an letter into the Annika Foundation “Share My Passion” Letter Contest. Girls aged from 8-13 who reside in the United States are invited to write an open letter about their love of golf and why other girls should learn to play. The top 40 letters, as handpicked by LPGA Tour legend Annika Sorenstam and her selection committee, will then be invited to attend the “Share My Passion” LPGA*USGA Girls Golf clinic. Not only was Tia chosen as a finalist but she also was selected to participate in the 2019 LPGA*USGA Girls Golf “I Can!” PSA!  Click the image below to play the video – Tia comes in at 16 seconds. Her full letter reads:
Hi! My name is Tia! I am 9 years old. I love golf! In golf, you need lots of things. You need honesty because you keep track of your own score, so you need to be honest and tell the truth about it. You need sportsmanship because even if you lose, you need to be nice to your competitor. You need integrity because even if you are playing alone, you need to do the right thing. I learned all of these thins from playing golf. Golf gives you lots of friends. I have lots of friends from golf. It’s good when you have golf friends because you always have someone to practice with. You always learn from them and they always learn from you. Practicing is important. You don’t need to practice too much but you can. I learn a lot from practicing. My mom takes a video of me on her phone and we look at it, find out what’s wrong, and fix it! You might not notice your swing get better but it will. Golf is hard, but once you learn how to swing, you will get the hang of it. Practice every now and then… ta-da!! It’ll be a piece of cake! Who knows? You might be a pro! Sincerely, Tia MacDonald, Age 9
The First Tee of Greater Richmond is proud of you both on and off the course – you will continue to inspire girls with your encouraging attitude and handwork. Thank you, Tia, for sharing your insight and your passion.
To learn more about the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Program or The First Tee of Greater Richmond’s programs, please contact: Berkley Jackson, Program Coordinator – [email protected].

Three Goal Setting Steps to Make A Dream A Reality

Setting goals and working hard is the only way to make dreams a reality. Learning to set challenging, but realistic goals is a vital skill youth must learn. These three steps can help youth successful turn their dreams into achievable goals:

1. DEFINE YOUR DREAMS AND GOALS

Goals start with dreams. What do you dream of accomplishing in life? Where do you envision yourself? Once you clearly visualize where you want to be or what you want to do, start thinking about small goals to help you get there.

2. SET GOALS THAT ARE POSITIVE AND IMPORTANT TO YOU

It is easier to reach a goal that is stated positively. Stating what you WANT to happen in positive terms rather than what you don’t want to happen. Think about the WHY of your goal. If a goal is important to you, then you can pull from that motivation and will work harder to reach it.

3. SET GOALS THAT ARE SPECIFIC AND UNDER YOUR CONTROL

A goal that is specific says exactly what you want to accomplish so you will be able to measure it and know when you have reached it. As you begin to hit those goals, you can build off of that momentum and gain confidence.

OUR PROGRAM

At The First Tee of Greater Richmond, we encourage youth to dream big and practice effective goal-setting techniques they can use for life. From aces to triple bogeys, golf is a perfect platform for helping kids and teens develop character as it closely parallels real life. Just like in life, junior golfers experience the highs and lows of the game. Our curriculum was developed by experts in the field of positive youth development and is delivered by coaches trained through The First Tee Coach Program. Our goal is to help prepare kids and teens of all backgrounds for success in school, at home and in their community. Our locations offer fulls scholarships and reduces fee programming for those with financial needs so no one is ever turned away for inability to pay. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS  

A Message From Our CEO

The First Tee of Greater Richmond is strengthening the character of our community by providing programs that build resilience in our youth, teach critical life skills, and provide caring adult supervision in a safe environment. All of our programs are based on The First Tee Nine Core Values, which are essential for young people to make positive choices and overcome challenges. In a study of participants, 82% felt more confident in their engagement with peers because of their involvement with The First Tee, while 85% of alumni credit the program for helping them become better students. Our participants are learning more than just golf. We are impacting the lives of young people by providing programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices. In addition to our program offerings, we operate two public golf facilities: The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range near downtown Richmond and The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course. Both facilities provide an inclusive environment for both program participants and thousands of golf patrons annually, making our organization a multi-faceted resource for youth and families in our area. The time is now. Please join me by making an annual gift to The First Tee of Greater Richmond. Your support will allow us to continue addressing the needs of young people in our community by providing high-quality, positive youth development programs that build up children of all backgrounds. Sincerely, Brent Schneider, CEO [email protected] Click here & join our mission
     

What Are You Waiting For? A Message from Participant Meg Lavinder

The First Tee teaches life skills and core values using golf as its context. It provides a platform to teach goal setting, opens doors for leadership opportunities, and allows youth a safe place with caring mentors to learn and thrive. Birdie participant, Meg Lavinder, is no exception to the power of our programs. At a young and mature age of 13, she seeks opportunities for growth within the sport and connects them to her school, community, and family life.

Annika FOUNDATION “Share My passion” Letter Contest

This summer, Meg mailed an letter into the Annika Foundation “Share My Passion” Letter Contest. Girls aged from 8-13 who reside in the United States are invited to write an open letter about their love of golf and why other girls should learn to play. The top 40 letters, as handpicked by LPGA Tour legend Annika Sorenstam and her selection committee, will then be invited to attend the “Share My Passion” LPGA*USGA Girls Golf clinic. And our very own Meg was one of the 40 finalists chosen. Unfortunately, late notice of her selection prevented her from attending the event in Naples, Florida, but the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Program highlighted her letter publicly via social media:
I. LOVE. GOLF. The truth is without it, I honestly don’t know where I’d be. In a town like mine, girls are expected to play softball, soccer, or basketball. But those sports just aren’t the same. On the golf course, you feel safe, no one’s gonna judge you or yell at you, or put another girl before you. Golf has given me endless opportunities. You get to meet new people, work on social skills, and work hard at getting better at this great game. It will take lots of dedication and hard work but this game can take you sooo many places. So what are you waiting for? Go hit the range! – Meg Lavinder, Age 13
Thank you, Meg, for sharing your insight and your passion. The First Tee of Greater Richmond is proud of you and your work both on and off the course – you will continue to inspire girls with your positivity and encouragement.
To learn more about the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Program or The First Tee of Greater Richmond’s programs, please contact: Berkley Jackson, Program Coordinator – [email protected].

Annual Champions Day Highlighted Exemplary Students in The First Tee National School Program

On Tuesday, The First Tee of Greater Richmond hosted its third annual Champions Day for Richmond City Public Schools at the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range. Each of the 26 elementary schools selected four exemplary students to represent their school based upon the student’s performance and understanding of golf skills and life skills taught through The First Tee National School Program. Champions Day gave students an opportunity to apply their knowledge and showcase their skills learned in physical education classes at a green grass facility. Students will rotated through a variety of stations including a combination of golf skills, The First Tee Nine Core Values, The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits, and STEM curriculum. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) has been used by the United States Golf Association as an exciting way to educate young people using the game of golf.

Thank you to our Champions Day partners!

The Richmond City Fire Department taught students the importance of fire safety with one of their fire engines present.
VCU Mary Frances Youth Center brought Lobs & Lessons to include a station with tennis, a sport using similar motor skills.
           
Adams Performance included a station activating youth fitness and strength in conjunction with the Healthy Habits curriculum taught in The First Tee Program.
The Science Museum of Virginia sent robots for the STEM station giving students the opportunity to navigate robotic “golf balls” by iPad to score points.
                  For all questions about Champions Day, please contact Berkley Jackson, Program Coordinator: [email protected]
 

Hampton Roads Wins The 2018 Redmond Cup

Sam Rogers (left) and Benjamin Rogers
The Redmond Cup wrapped up at Salisbury Country Club on Wednesday, August 8th. In its 8th consecutive year, the event serves as a platform for participants of The First Tee from around the mid-Atlantic region to exhibit sportsmanship and fellowship in a friendly competition. The Redmond Cup Participant Dinner kicked off the two-day event on Tuesday, August 7th. Participants heard from two guests speakers, brothers Benjamin Rogers and Sam Rogers, about the importance of taking life skills learned from sports and translating them into their every day lives – at home, in the community, and at work. Benjamin spoke on responsibility and Sam spoke on perseverance, two of The First Tee Nine Core Values.               Chapters in attendance: Greater Richmond, Greater Charlotte, the Triangle, Hampton Roads, and Greater Washington, D.C.
2018 Redmond Cup Champions: The First Tee of Hampton Roads

The redmond cup

In six player teams, two 9-holers and four 18-holers, total scores determine the Redmond Cup winner.  For the first time since the event’s inception, The First Tee of Hampton Roads won The 2018 Redmond Cup with a total score of 179 (-1). Their win knocked off four-time defending champions from The First Tee of Greater Charlotte.

9-Hole Division

In a captain’s choice format, participant pairs played 9-holes on the Huguenot track of Salisbury Country Club. The First Tee of Greater Richmond’s Paul Ancona and Madison Lehr scored 34 (-2) placing first and The First Tee of Greater Charlotte’s Ella Kue and Samanyu Bedi won runner-up the division with a score of 36 (E).

18-HOLE DIVISION

In a best ball format, two participant pairs played 18-holes – both the Huguenot and Buckingham tracks of SCC. The First Tee of Greater Richmond’s D’yan Robinson and Noah Wheeler secured runner-up with a score of 70 (-2). The First Tee of Hampton Roads’ Gerry Jones, Jr. and Amber Mackiewicz took home the win with a tournament record score of 66 (-6).
9-hole Champions – From left to right: Madison Lehr, Scott Redmond, Paul Ancona
18-hole Champions – From left to right: Gerry Jones, Jr., Scott Redmond, Amber Mackiewicz
                Thank you, Scott Redmond of Redmond Asset Management for bringing this event to life. It is because of his vision and commitment that participants of The First Tee can gather for a special tournament at an exclusive country club each year.    

Meet Our 2018 Summer Interns

The First Tee of Greater Richmond’s Summer Internship Program is in its fourth year! Summer Interns are responsible for helping to guide and coach young people to become responsible citizens and active golfers through the delivery of daily life skill and golf instruction in summer camp. The Summer Internship Program will: introduce interns to inspiring young people; develop interactions with families, board members, staff and other constituents of The First Tee of Greater Richmond; expose interns to all elements of a thriving, growing, and successful nonprofit in the Richmond area including but not limited to marketing strategies, fundraising, and professional development.

Meet our Interns

We are pleased to introduce our EIGHT summer interns. Click their names to learn more about each aspiring young leader.

Lain Barclay

2017 Summer Interns
School: The University of Georgia Major: Economics

Peyton Broach

School: Radford University Major: Marketing

Kathryn Cardenas

School: The University of Virginia Major: Commerce

Reynolds Griffith

School: Washington and Lee University Major: European History

Luke Guenther

School: The University of Georgia Major: Communication Studies

Morgan Hoff

School: Virginia Commonwealth University Major: Public Relations

Trey Kelleher

School: James Madison University Major: Sports Management

Josephina Oh

School: The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Major: PGA Golf Management

RVA to Host National Participant Opportunity

Each year, The First Tee of Greater Richmond welcomes 32 participants from around the country to attend The First Tee National Par-3 Championship. Hosted at The Kanawha Club, this national participant opportunity not only provides deserving youth with a platform to showcase their golf skills, but also highlights the good work behind The First Tee’s mission: teaching life skills and core values beyond the course.
This year, participants arrive in Richmond on June 12th to begin their six-day experience consisting of three main components:

1. life skill development

Participants will work on life skill development through dorm living at the University of Richmond, interaction with participants from around the country, and engagement with local supporters. On Wednesday, June 13th, a Kick-Off Dinner brings sponsors and friends of the Richmond community gather to meet The First Tee participants and hear from special guest, American Sportswriter James Dodson. The First Tee National Par-3 Championship Junior/Am Tournament on Thursday, June 14th provides participants an opportunity to engage with event sponsors in a 9-hole.

2. East vs. West: The Territory Cup

Prior to individual stroke play, participants will represent their territory, East and West, in a team match-play format. The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course is set to host this year’s Territory Cup the morning of Wednesday, June 13th.

3. THE FIRST TEE NATIONAL PAR-3 CHAMPIONSHIP

The purpose of The First Tee’s National Par-3 Championship is to provide a top-tier player experience for exemplary participants of The First Tee from around the country. This event provides 32 participants the opportunity to play in a 36-hole competition – 18-holes of individual stroke play on Friday, June 15th and 18-holes of individual stroke play on Saturday, June 16th. Total scores determine the Boys’ and Girls’ National Par-3 Champion.
The First Tee of Greater Richmond is proud to host this annual event to celebrate The First Tee mission fulfilled in the lives of young people. Event support directly benefits annual operations and programs. For all questions about supporting this event, please contact Madison Medlin, Senior Director of Marketing and Events: [email protected].  

Winter’s Harsh Reality

400 School Street, Richmond, VA 23222
Last fall, the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range re-opened after receiving a $1.2 million facelift which included renovations to the clubhouse, the addition of two TrackMan 4 simulators, reshaping and re-sodding of the driving range, and converting the greens on course to Champion Bermuda grass. The Richmond community, golfers and non-golfers alike, embraced these improvements with ease showing increased use of the public golf facility, thus confirming the great work accomplished through the renovation. But unfortunately, Mother Nature welcomed us to the reality of living in a transition zone state – a place where extreme weather in all seasons poses challenges for each turf species. This winter was no exception.

THE EFFECT

According to a study1 between the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Virginia Cooperative Extension, “We had spring in February, revisited winter during March, then went through the weather roller coaster ride that is April and early May in [Virginia].”  And our upgraded turf, specifically Champion Bermuda, took a hit. While we saw improvements over the last two weeks, further evaluation proved selective tees and other areas could not rebound to its original, immaculate condition.

The RECOVERY

The Latitude Bermuda Practice Tee Remains Open
As we recover from the winter damage, all greens at the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range will undergo re-sprigging with Champion Bermuda. During this time, we will also further enhance the practice facility by leveling out the putting green. This course renewal project is estimated to begin early June and continue for an eight-week period. The main practice tee and driving range were not affected and will continue to operate as normal throughout the summer. Your patience is appreciated as we close the 6-hole golf course and practice greens during this time of re-grassing. All youth programs (classes & camps) and community-wide events will be unaffected and will proceed as normal.

 OUR COMMITMENT

The First Tee of Greater Richmond is committed to maintaining a premier facility for our youth, our patrons, and our partners. In the meantime, we welcome you to utilize the grass tee driving range and the indoor TrackMan 4 simulators to improve your game. For club fitting or private lessons please see a member of our professional staff. Click here to stay informed about this process. For all questions, please contact: Kelly McAnally, Senior VP of Operations – [email protected]
1 2018 Turfgrass Winterkill Update    

Make Summer Count

Looking for something your child can do this summer that is both fun AND educational? Consider an activity that keeps them active while learning values and life skills that will help in school and at home: GOLF.  The First Tee of Greater Richmond is the perfect fit. We offer camps and 8-week programs all summer long – all skill levels welcome!

three reasons why your child should learn golf this summer

ANYONE CAN PLAY

Golf is for everyone – and it’s a lifelong sport! We offer youth golf programs and summer camps to youth ages 4 to 17, no matter their background or experience – and scholarships are available! Our policy is to provide access to programs regardless of a participant’s ability to play.

MORE TIME OUTSIDE

Studies1 show that kids are spending less time outside these days. Coaches at The First Tee teach participants the game of golf through experience-based learning – on the driving range, the practice greens, or the golf course.

golf is more than a game

While learning the game of golf, The First Tee delivers seamless lesson plans teaching life skills, core values, and healthy habits through the game of golf. This character education program provides a fun, active environment to teach youth how to set goals, resolve conflicts, communicate, and manage emotions.

make your summer count

Registration is open! Give us an opportunity to teach your child more than a sport this summer – we will teach life skills that last.

The First Tee golf Camp

We offer seven weeks of camp, both half day and full day options available. Click here to learn more! The First Tee Golf Camp FAQs

8-week Summer Programs

Summer programs begin June 19th at both programming facilities – click the links below to view class schedules: The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range
Sources:
  1. https://www.childinthecity.org/2018/01/15/children-spend-half-the-time-playing-outside-in-comparison-to-their-parents/