What happens when you provide free programs? The results are game-changing.
With support from Southern Hills Country Club, host of this week’s PGA Championship, First Tee – Tulsa provides free character-building programs to everyone who walks through their door. JP Ray is one of many participants impacted by the program.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a great time to check in with yourself and consider how you might be able to support others.
“Showing up for others means that you are there for someone when they need you,” explained Emma Laker, a participant with First Tee — Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky. “You show kindness by helping others and not just thinking of yourself. You give people the respect they deserve.”
Mental health challenges can affect anyone – from professional golfers to friends and family. In 2019, a third of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
All of that is to say: If you’re struggling, you’re not alone.
Emma said it feels good to have people she can count on. “It shows me that I am surrounded by friends and family that love me no matter what. I can look up to my friends and family to help me through the rough times,” she said.
Who is on your go-to team? Maybe it’s family, friends, teachers and coaches. Building strong relationships is one of the best strategies for improving your mental health, according to the CDC.
Game Changers seek out good groups of people that lift them up and allow them to feel safe to be themselves.
If you’re feeling alone, there are organizations that can help.
It takes lots of courage to speak out about mental health issues you may be facing. By sharing your challenges, you’re not only helping yourself but others, too.
Recently prominent members of the sports world, from Simone Biles to Michael Phelps, have talked about their own struggles and the importance of destigmatizing mental health challenges. No one should feel embarrassed or scared to acknowledge the difficulties they’re facing.
Talking about your problems is the best way to find help! Some mental health situations do require bigger interventions, which is why it’s important to talk to adults about how you’re feeling.
As we’ve all seen over the last few years, there are periods when unexpected challenges appear. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many kids experienced the difficulties that come with virtual school, family financial troubles and even losing loved ones.
Fortunately, there are ways to help prepare for tough times.
These past four months have set the tone for First Tee — Monterey County’s goals in 2022: Building Game Changers.
First Tee — Monterey County will celebrate and embrace a monthly theme throughout 2022. Each monthly theme encompasses a life skill that will be connected throughout First Tee — Monterey County’s programming, curriculum, media, and coachable moments.
In January, we celebrated adaptability. Now more than ever lies an intense demand for us to act quickly and decisively in the face of change. First Tee — Monterey County’s newest Golf and Life Skills Coach, Thomas T., is an example of just that.
“I came from a career where I had to teach myself everything I know. After my injury, the years I had spent planning my future were starting to disappear. With the supportive culture at First Tee — Monterey County, I have found the confidence and perseverance I thought I had lost.”
In February, First Tee — Monterey County celebrated Black History aligned with First Tee’s initiative of diversity, equity, and inclusion by encouraging positive self-identity. Understanding our impact on the development of positive self-identity is an essential first step in supporting our participants, coaches, and volunteers on their individual journeys.
In collaboration with the Cameron Champ Foundation, Chevron, and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, First Tee — Monterey County presented the Cameron Champ Foundation Youth Clinic at the beautiful Monterey Pines Golf Course. The mission of the clinic is to unlock potential in youths from underserved and underrepresented communities.
The clinic featured a Q&A with PGA Tour Star and First Tee Alumnus Cameron Champ and AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am celebrity golfer and Rapper ScHoolboy Q. Participants from organizations like the Boys and Girls Club and students from nearby schools attended the clinic. Coaches from First Tee — Monterey County and Cameron Champ worked with the participants to teach First Tee Core Values and target awareness through chipping and driving range activities.
A few days later, First Tee — Monterey County participants, coaches, volunteers, and scholars strutted down the Del Monte Macy’s runway. Store Manager Anne Sierra and Personal Stylist Pamela Dix encouraged our models to embrace First Tee’s Core Value, confidence, and February’s monthly theme: Building Positive Self-Identity. Each model rocked three different outfits while friends, family, and shoppers gathered to cheer them on. First Tee — Monterey County Coaches even hosted a putting station for shoppers to enjoy.
The Fashion Show provided a perfect platform to announce the partnership between First Tee — Monterey County and Macy’s through a charitable donation check for $10,000. The donation was presented by Sierra to First Tee — Monterey County to support the development of the youth and provide them with opportunities for a brighter future.
To close out that same week, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and special donors allowed First Tee — Monterey County participants the opportunity to attend Championship Sunday at the 76th AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. First Tee — Monterey County participants and their families spent the afternoon under the sun, enjoying the swings at the tenth hole with the ocean’s waves crashing against the coast.
In March, we encouraged active listening by teaching our participants to listen with the intention to learn, reflect, and understand. The Golf and Life Skills Coaches taught the participants how to use the First Tee Tool: A-L-R to help our participants better connect with others through active listening. Coach Itzel V. adds, “After teaching the three steps to A-L-R, it is reassuring to hear the kids ask questions in response to instructions. That is the biggest clue we [coaches] can use to gauge whether the kids are ready to participate safely in an activity.” The first step in A-L-R is to ask questions. Asking questions is a way to learn more and keep the conversation going. Next is listening to understand. After asking a question, it is important to listen carefully to what the other person is saying. The last step is to reflect and respond. Rather than thinking about what to say next in a conversation, reflect, restate, then respond to connect with what the other person is saying.
Throughout April, First Tee – Monterey County has been dedicated to building positive self-identity. While self-identity is a journey each person will navigate mainly on their own, support from organizations, schools, and community leaders can help develop a solid and positive self-identity. At First Tee — Monterey County, we present venues and opportunities to help define our mission of Building Game Changers. We help those in our community make self-identifying discoveries. We encourage natural strengths and abilities, instill the importance of Core Values, and remind our community that we are all Game Changers.
To follow our journey of Building Game Changers, stay updated on Instagram and Facebook @firstteemontereycounty.
First Tee — Monterey County could not offer these opportunities without our supporters and advocates. If you’d like to invest in your community’s Game-Changers, please click the button below. To make a pledge, please email Mitch Massey at [email protected].
Every conversation can be an opportunity to learn something new, build trust with someone, and deepen connections. This happens when we build the skill of active listening and learn to treat listening as an active process – not a passive one.
Active listening is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding. It’s about being present, listening to understand (not respond), and showing active interest and engagement in the dialogue.
Active listening is an important skill for all of us to cultivate. Not only is it an important leadership skill, it has been shown to promote mindful thinking, can reduce anxiety and depression, helps build relationships and can promote empathy.
At First Tee, we use a process called A-L-R to help build connection through active listening. This helps us to deepen conversations, keep them going, and get the most out of them. Here’s how A-L-R works:
Active listening requires work, but you’ll be surprised at how much reward there is when you approach conversations and communication with this skill. Active listening is just one of the skills we are supporting kids and teens to build at First Tee. Click here to find out more about our programs.
Self-identity is a journey each person will navigate mainly on their own. Still, support from organizations, schools, and role models can help guide growth, success, and the development of a solid and positive self-identity.
Understanding our impact on the development of positive self-identity is an essential first step in supporting our participants, coaches, and volunteers on their journeys.
First Tee’s Nine Core Values create the foundation for a solid, positive self-identity. PGA Tour Star and First Tee Alumnus Cameron Champ credits the game of golf for giving him a platform to model some of his favorite First Tee Core Values like respect, courtesy, and sportsmanship. When a First Tee — Monterey County participant asked Champ, “What is your favorite First Tee Core Value that you apply to your life every day?” Champ takes a moment before stating: “Perseverance.”
Champ says that perseverance has taught him to embrace the unpredictability of life, to focus on things that bring him joy, and not let the past rule his future. “What my parents had to go through to get me to where I am now, my past injuries, and college…it allowed me to grow and work to get where I want to be. No matter what we do, in golf and at home, we’ll have situations where we need to persevere.”
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am celebrity golfer and Rapper ScHoolboy Q agree that golf has helped develop his confidence, respect, and honesty. “You’ve got to be confident in everything you do. The spark that you feel…hold on to that. Life is filled with ups and downs, and if you face them with confidence, you’ll make a comeback, and you’ll feel like you’ve just made that last shot during the buzzer at a basketball game.”
Both Stars hope that First Tee — Monterey County’s plans to expand to the Monterey Peninsula will help reach more kids in underserved areas, and they encourage kids to look at golf as more than just a sport. ScHoolboy Q hopes that the moment will “click” when the youth understand that sports are an excellent basis to grow: “The more opportunities, the more people you meet, the more barriers you break,” he concludes.
We encourage the development and protection of a solid, positive self-identity. At First Tee — Monterey County, we help our community make self-identifying discoveries; we encourage natural strengths and abilities, instill the importance of Core Values, and remind them that they are all Game-Changers.
Every month, First Tee will highlight a monthly theme which First Tee – Monterey County will incorporate into its programming, blogs, and social media. We are excited to align ourselves with the Home Office’s initiative: January’s theme is adaptability.
In today’s environment, adaptability is a top success factor. Now more than ever lies an intense demand for us to act quickly and decisively in the face of change. First Tee — Monterey County’s newest Golf & Life Skills Coach, Thomas T., is an example of just that.
When we first met Thomas, the future he had planned for himself was starting to shift. Thomas was scared, uncomfortable, and unsure, yet he embraced complete and transparent adaptability amidst it all.
“I came from a career where I had to teach myself everything I know. After my injury, the future I planned for was drifting away. With the supportive culture at First Tee — Monterey County, I have found the confidence and perseverance I thought I had lost. It’s amazing how effective a welcoming environment and our participants’ smiles can be to physical, mental, and emotional recovery.”
Thomas never let challenges stop him, and he credits the programs for pushing him outside of his comfort zone and testing his adaptability every day. Thomas adds, “When you work in an environment where we teach kids from as young as seven years old and interact with adults & volunteers, it’s second-nature to exercise adaptability.”
Whether we are about to start at a new school, a new job, or wrap up a massive chapter of our lives, change may feel like the new normal. It is up to us to be ready to adapt our policies and our mindsets to ensure continued growth and success like Thomas has. Having techniques can help us effectively deal with changes and become comfortable with our new normal. Our program implements a method called S.T.A.R. to encourage our participants to be confident while persevering through challenges and changes on the course and in our daily lives.
When was the latest time you experienced a change from your daily routine? Apply these four steps to the situation and develop new insights while navigating through the situation.
S.T.A.R.
Stop: This is where you pause and give your mind a break. Take a breath. What are things that help you calm down?
Think: Consider your choices. What are some of the options you have in this situation? Think of it from all angles.
Anticipate: This means to look ahead. What could happen (good or bad) due to each choice? Think about how each consequence will affect your ability to reach your goals.
Respond: Select the best choice of what to do. Each person’s “best choice” may be different from the next. The best option is the one that helps you progress to your goal while maintaining your values.
We all deal with highs and lows in life. Even as kids, we experience a variety of emotions that have a direct impact on our choices, and the way we think about ourselves. A bad experience can result in negative thinking which can be detrimental to a young person’s self confidence and outlook on life. That’s why positive thinking is so powerful— not just for adults but kids as well. Maintaining a positive attitude can be challenging at times, but through practice and encouragement it becomes a skill that can shape and transform young lives.
Just as you exercise your swing before hitting the ball, it’s important to practice things that can promote positive thinking. Our minds are valuable tools, and maintaining a healthy and positive headspace can improve confidence and drive in all aspects of life.
Here are four ways that you can encourage positive thinking in your kids:
First Tee guides kids and teens to strengthen what’s inside them and put it into action. It’s a priority for us to show young people the value of caring for their social and emotional wellness. So when they step up to the next shot, math test, or presentation they have the strength to move forward, aim further, and finish stronger than the last time.
If you are interested in getting your child involved with First Tee, you can learn more and sign up today.
Experiences can be some of our greatest teachers, and there are a variety of learning opportunities ahead for parents and students alike. While some will be fun and exciting, others may be challenging or difficult to navigate. Without practice or understanding, some of these new experiences are likely to leave students feeling overwhelmed and stressed. However, if you can help your student choose to see every experience as one that can build character, they’ll always come out better equipped for whatever comes next.
We believe in developing experiences that are just as fun as they are meaningful. As a result, our students are empowered by new challenges which result in continuous personal growth and essential character development.
Going back to school is the perfect opportunity to practice growing through challenges. To help parents and students navigate their back-to-school transition, we’ve developed a few tips to help them get ready.
Each of these steps can plant seeds of mindfulness as students go through everyday life. Taken directly from our First Tee programs, where we prepare kids to face new experiences by helping them to identify their support team, reflect on their opportunities, and strengthen what they bring to everything they do. We define strength of character as the self-confidence to show up to the challenge, the resilience to keep going when you fail, and the inner strength to do the right thing even when it’s the hard thing to do. It’s what will allow your child to walk away from failure determined, not defeated.
With our over 20 years of experience, we’ll continue developing experiences that build character to empower kids and teens through a lifetime of new challenges and continuous personal growth. This way your kids will never face a challenge they can’t go through or grow through. To learn more about getting your child involved with First Tee, you can find a chapter near you today!
Having someone that you can look up to and go to for support is one the most important things a kid can have. Mentors give youth (and even adults) the confidence they need to confront challenges and come up with their own solutions. They provide a safe place for kids and teens to be themselves and have fun, while also learning valuable life skills.
A great mentor has many traits— they can be a role model, cheerleader, policy enforcer, advocate, and friend to the students they work with. First Tee mentors have a sincere desire to be involved with their students, and treat them with respect. They practice active listening skills and empathy, while also seeking solutions and opportunities for those they work with.
We celebrate each of our coaches, and recognize them for the unique role they play in young lives. In fact, research shows that First Tee participants think of their coaches as more than just teachers and counselors, but real mentors who have made a positive difference in their lives.
They are always growing and showcasing that to their mentees who can feel inspired by how they adapt to life’s challenges.
“I constantly heard that sport emulates life, and life emulates sports. I didn’t understand this concept until I started the First Tee program. Through this sport, I learned accountability and responsibility for my actions and how to respond to adversity. These lessons have affected my thinking about the impact I have on those around me and how important it is for me to strive to be my best self.” – Quincy Crawford, participant, 2021 Scholar
Not just for themselves, but in their everyday lives and especially with their peers.
“Having an amazing mentor through the First Tee who I have developed a strong relationship with has inspired me to help others find mentors that can help them through their education and career.” – Remi Shendell, participant, First Tee Scholar
Not only do they offer support, but they show how valuable it can be to listen to someone in both good and bad times.
“Coach Mary Beth McGirr has been a major influence in my life, helping me with golf and with learning critical life skills that will aid me throughout my life. She took me under her wing and has been a shining example for me to follow. Additionally, as a woman, she has been an amazing mentor and example of a strong, confident female for me to look up to and admire. Coach Mary Beth has been one of my biggest fans and encourages me to do my best. She takes time to talk about my golf, life, family and personal struggles. She has been an excellent example of a strong leader and businesswoman who consistently gives back to the game and the community.” – Alyssa Caraballo, The First Tee of Roanoke Valley
It’s easy to tell someone what to do, but more impactful to give students the tools and examples they need to come to their own solutions.
“Coach Donnie Caldwell, PGA has given me great advice with my golf but more importantly, in my life. He has told me ‘make choices today that you’ll be proud of tomorrow.’ I used to just make choices that seemed the easiest or most convenient. But now I take time to think about those big decisions and how my choices may also affect others. Without him and his advice, I don’t know where I would be with my life, and that’s scary. He has made me a better person and he has shown me how to make the most of my life.” – Braxton Caldwell, First Tee of Pine Mountain
As you can see, the impact of a great mentor is one of our strongest tools in life. Our mentors work to guarantee students that there is someone who cares about them and who will assure them they are not alone in dealing with challenges. Offered at more than 1,200 locations, our program was developed by experts in the field of positive youth development and is delivered by trained coaches, or as our participants say— mentors!
Check with your local chapter about how you can become a mentor to a junior golfer in your community.
We believe character is learned, cultivated, and shaped by our experiences. At First Tee, we focus on taking the valuable lessons learned on the course, and applying them to everyday lives at school, at home, and in our communities. We believe that part of being a good leader and becoming a game-changer involves showing up for others whenever possible. Here are six ways that you can encourage your child to show up and help others:
Denise W, First Tee – San Francisco
It’s easy to get lost and overwhelmed, especially since we now live in an extremely fast-paced world where expectations for us are very high, so having a mentor to guide us through our development process is definitely reassuring.
Listening and being able to communicate effectively are qualities that make someone a good mentor. With such qualities, a mentor will be able to offer constructive feedback which will aid in a mentee’s future development.
My mom has definitely been the most impactful mentor for me.
From my mom, I learned that no matter what the circumstances are, hard work pays off. My mom immigrated to the U.S. in hopes to find better future prospects for the family and despite not knowing any English, she still continued to work hard in the U.S. to achieve her goals. In the end, all of her hard work and efforts paid off because she was able to provide the basic necessities for our family and grant my siblings and I access to a higher education.
My mom always tells me, “Don’t be afraid of failure. Just go for it!” These are words that I will always remember because they encourage me to try new things, even if I don’t necessarily succeed. It’s a way of telling me that failure is a learning experience and if I fail, I can keep trying.
Yes, I have grown as a result of my mom. Her guidance has helped me become more disciplined and more open to new experiences and opportunities. Without her, I don’t think I would be the person I am today.
For me, being a mentor is very meaningful and fulfilling because not only am I able to help others, I am also able to develop myself further as a leader.
Find someone who cares about you and is willing to take the time out of their busy day to listen to your needs and help you.
First Tee has taught me that both the mentor and mentee are learners. Both rely on each other as a resource for new perspectives and knowledge. It’s not a one way relationship where only the mentor is helping the mentee.
1. Why is mentorship important?