[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”2720″ img_size=”162×140″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space height=”45px”][vc_custom_heading text=”New Kalamazoo Summer Youth Opportunity: The First Tee LINK” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”3181″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association (KJGA) has a new summer youth program that will be based at Red Arrow Golf Course – The First Tee LINK. The program is a product of The First Tee®, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “impact the lives of young people by providing education programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.” Read more about The First Tee LINK press release here.
The KJGA, a local 501(c)(3) corporation, has been providing golf instruction, competitive tournaments, and college scholarship opportunities annually to over 350 junior golfers in Kalamazoo since 1987. The KJGA is excited about offering The First Tee LINK to the youth of the community.
More Than a Sports Program for Youth
At The First Tee LINK and KJGA, we believe all young people should have access to safe places and caring adult mentors who help them grow socially, emotionally, and academically. While learning the fundamentals of a golf swing, our character education programs provide a fun, active environment to teach young people how to manage emotions, resolve conflicts, communicate, set goals and much more.
Why golf?
Golf is unique from other sports because players learn values like honesty and responsibility by calling penalties on themselves and reporting their own score. This sport is a perfect platform for helping young people develop character because just like in life, players experience the highs and lows of the game.
Who are the coaches?
The First Tee LINK coaches are trained to create positive relationships that inspire young people to discover their individual potential. Through The First Tee Life Skills Experience, young people build confidence, develop respect and appreciate the value of giving back to their community, all while learning the lifelong sport of golf.
Who can play?
No previous golf knowledge or experience is necessary! We are offering The First Tee LINK group lessons to youth ages 7-10, however older youth are welcome. Young people just need to come with an open mind and positive attitude!
When and where are the group lessons?
All lessons will be at Red Arrow Golf Course in downtown Kalamazoo. Participants will meet in 90 minute sessions twice a week for three weeks at Red Arrow. There will be sessions starting the weeks of June 20th and July 18th. See the back of this sheet for more detailed information on sessions.
What about golf equipment?
If players have their own equipment, they are welcome to bring it. If not – no problem! We will provide access to clubs, balls, and any other equipment needed by our participants.
What does the program cost?
The cost for each participant is $90. We will never turn anyone away due to a lack of ability to pay. Scholarships are available to any and all participants.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”2016 Session Information” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left”][vc_column_text]
| Session 1: | Session 2: | Session 3: | Session 4 | |||||||
| Mon, 6/20 | 10-11:30am | Tue, 6/21 | 4:30-6pm | Mon, 7/18 | 10-11:30am | Tue, 7/19 | 4:30-6pm | |||
| Wed, 6/22 | 10-11:30am | Thu, 6/23 | 4:30-6pm | Wed, 7/20 | 10-11:30am | Thu, 7/21 | 4:30-6pm | |||
| Mon, 6/27 | 10-11:30am | Tue, 6/28 | 4:30-6pm | Mon, 7/25 | 10-11:30am | Tue, 7/26 | 4:30-6pm | |||
| Wed, 6/29 | 10-11:30am | Thu, 6/30 | 4:30-6pm | Wed, 7/27 | 10-11:30am | Thu, 7/28 | 4:30-6pm | |||
| Mon, 7/11 | 10-11:30am | Tue, 7/12 | 4:30-6pm | Mon, 8/1 | 10-11:30am | Tue, 8/2 | 4:30-6pm | |||
| Wed, 7/13 | 10-11:30am | Thu, 7/14 | 4:30-6pm | Wed, 8/3 | 10-11:30am | Thu, 8/4 | 4:30-6pm | |||
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Can a participant attend more than one session?
Yes! Participants begin at the PLAYer level and can advance to the Par level over time. Each level introduces new and more advanced concepts of golf and life skills that help build character on and off the course. If a PLAYer enjoys their experience in Session 1 or 2, they are more than welcome to come back for session 3 or 4.
Can a participant make up a lesson?
Yes! For example, if a PLAYer in session 1 misses a lesson, they can attend one of the sessions that same week in session 2 or vice versa.
How can a participant register?
Complete an online application here. Paper applications are available at Milham Park and Red Arrow Golf Courses. If you need an application mailed to you, contact us at 269-447-1484.
Who can I contact with questions?
Contact the KJGA directly by emailing to KJGA@KalamazooJuniorGolf.org or phoning 269-447-1484. You can also find out more about the KJGA at www.kalamazoojuniorgolf.org . For more information on The First Tee, go to www.thefirsttee.org.
Download a copy of our LINK program Parent Information here.[/vc_column_text][ultimate_heading main_heading=”The First Tee 9 Core Values” main_heading_color=”#1e73be” heading_tag=”h3″ sub_heading_color=”#dd9933″ spacer=”line_only” spacer_position=”middle” line_height=”1″ line_color=”#000000″ main_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:20px;” sub_heading_font_size=”desktop:18px;” sub_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;” margin_design_tab_text=””]
| HONESTY | RESPECT | PERSEVERANCE |
| INTEGRITY | CONFIDENCE | COURTESY |
| SPORTSMANSHIP | RESPONSIBILITY | JUDGMENT |
[/ultimate_heading][vc_cta h2=”” h4=”2016 The First Tee LINK Application is now available!” style=”3d” color=”blue” el_width=”lg” add_button=”right” btn_title=”REGISTER NOW” btn_style=”3d” btn_color=”warning” btn_align=”center” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kalamazoojuniorgolf.org%2Ffirst-tee-link-registration%2F||” btn_smooth_scroll=”true”][/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Change a Child’s life TODAY!” h4=”How Can I Help?” txt_align=”center” shape=”square” style=”flat” el_width=”lg” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”DONATE” btn_style=”3d” btn_color=”warning” btn_size=”lg” btn_align=”center” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-cc-paypal” css_animation=”bottom-to-top” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paypal.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Fwebscr%3Fcmd%3D_s-xclick%26hosted_button_id%3DEP2P5GFX9TS6Y||target:%20_blank” btn_smooth_scroll=”true” btn_add_icon=”true” btn_button_block=”true”]We would love to have volunteers to help with our program. Contact Bob Bales at bbales@pga.com for more information on volunteering. More importantly, we want to be able to deliver the program to all kids, regardless of background, so we will be offering scholarships to those in need. Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated![/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row]