Parent Guide Book

Our Mission Statement: To impact the lives of young people by

providing educational programs that build character, instill life-

enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of

golf.

Cole HylandProgram Directorchyland@thefirstteegreaterchicago.org847-729-9333 x101

Darryl Stackhouse Lake CountyEducation Director/PGA Member

Lake Countydstackhouse@thefirstteegreaterchicago.org847-729-9833 x102Who We Are:

The First Tee is a youth development initiative of the World Golf Foundation and is supported by the leading organizations in golf including the Masters Tournament, LPGA, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and United States Golf Association. The First Tee of Greater Chicago is one nearly 200 chapters located throughout the country and in five international locations. The First Tee of Greater Chicago is dedicated to impacting the lives of young people, of all socioeconomic backgrounds, by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. We do this through three core programs: The First Tee Life Skills Experience (LSE), The First Tee National School Program (NSP), and The First Tee DRIVE Program (DRIVE), where we use The First Tee Nine Core Values to help teach participants important life skills while they also learn to play golf. Recently added to the curriculum is the framework for teaching young people healthy habits through golf. The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits is a comprehensive approach to educating young people on physical, emotional and social wellness.

At The First Tee, golf and life lessons are seamlessly incorporated into each experience. In addition to learning fundamentals of the golf swing and the game, samples of life skill lessons include:

‐ Interpersonal skills ‐ Proper introduction when meeting someone new and how to effectively communicate with others.

‐ Self‐management ‐ Techniques for managing thoughts and emotions.

‐ Goal‐setting ‐ Setting attainable goals to reach desired dreams.

‐ Resiliency skills ‐ Strategies to adapt to, manage and overcome challenges.

An independent research study* confirmed that youth involved in The First Tee Life Skills Experience learn and use life skills on the golf course and transfer these skills to other areas of their life. The study also revealed The First Tee Life Skills Experience’s ability to impart core values on youth. After participating in The First Tee for three years, 73% reported high confidence in their academic ability and 82% felt confident in their social abilities with peers.

Teaching Young People Life Lessons through Golf: The First Tee Life Skills Experience Program

The First Tee of Greater Chicago Life Skills Experience (LSE) program aims to help young people develop positive character traits by teaching golf and life skills in a seamless manner focusing on Nine Core Values inherent in the game of golf: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment. The curriculum was developed by experts in the field of positive youth development and is delivered by adult coaches trained through The First Tee Coach Program.

LSE includes six levels starting with Target, the introduction level which provides a fun and safe environment that creates curiosity about the game and is recommended for ages five and up. Participants continuing with the program can certify and advance through PLAYer, Par, Birdie, Eagle and eventually Ace, the advanced level, for ages 14 and up, which focuses on personal planning for golf, career, volunteerism and education.

The First Tee of Greater Chicago has 13 LSE program locations:1. Chicago Park District Robert A Black Golf Course2. Chicago Park District Diversey Driving Range3. Chicago Park District Jackson Park Golf Course and Range4. Chicago Park District Southshore Golf Course6. Foss Park Golf TFTGC 7. Glenwoodie Golf TFTGC 8. Cog Hill Golf and Country TFTGC 9. Harborside International Golf Center10. Waukegan Park District Bonnie Brook Golf Course11. Waukegan Park District Greenshire Golf Course12. Renwood Golf Course13. Countryside

At each program location young people not only participate in the LSE program, but also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of other local chapter programming activities including the Points Rewards Opportunities (PRO) incentive program, where participants earn points for exhibiting good behavior, exemplifying The First Tee Nine Core Values, and practicing, and playing golf, which they can then use to “purchase” rewards such as new golf TFTGCs, golf apparel, and range time.

Additionally, thanks to the generosity of individual and corporate donors, The First Tee of Greater Chicago is able to offer a series of educational and leadership opportunities for LSE participants each year. The PwC Financial Literacy Summit is a daylong workshop filled with non-stop interactive activities including PwC’s financial literacy curriculum, golf drills utilizing financial literacy concepts followed by an afternoon golf scramble played with PwC associates. The Healthy Habits & Leadership Camp is where participants attend a day camp that consists of outdoor activities focused on team-building, leadership development, and lessons on The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits - play, energy, safety, mind, family, vision, friends, school, and community.

Greater Chicago participants are also eligible to apply for national academies and experiences that include The First Tee Life Skills and Leadership Academy, a week-long program where juniors enhance their life skills, improve their golfing ability, and build leadership qualities. The Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach is an official Champions Tour event in which junior participants are inside the ropes and paired with a Champions Tour Professional and two amateurs in a tournament at the world renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links. These are just a few of the many opportunities provided and available to The First Tee participants.

Community Outreach: The First Tee National School Program and DRIVE Program

In addition to the LSE program, The First Tee of Greater Chicago’s outreach efforts bring its golf and character education programming to elementary school children, K-5, during their physical education classes, through The First Tee National School Program and through The First Tee DRIVE program (Developing Rewarding Inspiring Values for Everyone) at community facilities, such as The First Tee of Greater Chicago and TFTGC locations.

In both programs staff receives professional development training and are provided a full curriculum with age-appropriate materials and equipment for effective implementation into their existing programs. The lesson plans are designed in a way that allows for indoor and outdoor set up to fit a variety of locations such as gymnasiums, football, and soccer fields.

In 2015, The First Tee of Greater Chicago aims to increase their attention on growing these programs, as they believe it is the best feeder system to grow participation in their LSE program at green grass facilities.

What to Bring and Wear: Collared shirt preferred or First Tee t-shirt, pants or longer shorts -no jeans, golf or athletic shoes, sunscreen, cold drink (we will provide water). We will also provide a First Tee hat, t-shirt, book, and bag tag. Please have the kids bring their book to each class.

Format of the Programs - Our sessions include 12 hours of instruction for the PLAYer and Par level and 16 hours for Birdie and Eagle level. Each class introduces a different golf and life skill, healthy habit and a golf rule and etiquette. Life skills and golf skills will be evaluated to determine advancement to the next level (PLAYer, PAR, BIRDIE, and EAGLE).

Typical Daily Class Agendao Introduction and Reviewo Ice Breaker/Team Builder and Life Skillo Program Activity/ Golf Skillo Wrap-up/Bridge to Life

*Please note: We have added many different class times along with limiting the number of participants per class so we can improve the experience for the children. The national curriculum is designed for a class size of 24 or smaller.

Parents Attending the Class: Parents can sometimes get over-enthusiastic and want to become involved with their own children during the class. This can occasionally disrupt the class, make the children feel uncomfortable and distract from the learning process. Parents, we have found that children learn better if they are left alone to experience one of our main teaching philosophies of empowering youth. If you have any questions in this area please contact the Educational or Program Director.

Student Behavior: If a student is misbehaving we will give them a warning, if the behavior persists we will then ask them to sit out of the activity for five minutes. We will then let them know that their actions are not in line with the etiquette of the game of golf. If the behavior continues, we will talk with the parent about the situation.

1st Time - Verbal warning 2nd Time – 5 minute of “time out” 3rd Time – Time-out for the remainder of class and possible contact with

parents/guardian 4th Time – Parent/guardian contact and possible suspension from the

program.

Inclement Weather: WE RAELY CANCEL CLASS, since we move indoors. The staff will make a decision 30 minutes prior to the start of the program, not before unless we notify you via email. To find out if class is on please in the for locations in Chicago, Cog Hill, Glenwoodie and Haborside Text: “Class? (Your Location)” to the following number 773-885-8258. In Lake County Countryside, Foss Park, Renwood and Waukegan Text: “Class? (Your Location)” 847-561-9578 (PLEASE no call s) and the staff will respond Y for yes and N for No. PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR TEXT EARILER THAN 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO CLASS, THE STAFF WILL NOT RESPOND.

The First Tee Nine Core Values

The First Tee has established Nine Core Values that represent some of the many inherently positive values connected with the game of golf. These Nine Core Values have been incorporated into The First Tee Experience and have been used to name golf holes at several of The First Tee facilities.

1. Honesty - the quality or state of being truthful; not deceptiveGolf is unique from other sports in that players regularly call penalties on themselves and report their own score.

2. Integrity - strict adherence to a standard of value or conduct; personal honesty and independenceGolf is a game of etiquette and composure. Players are responsible for their actions and personal conduct on the golf course even at times when others may not be looking.

3. Sportsmanship - observing the rules of play and winning or losing with gracePlayers must know and abide by the rules of golf and be able to conduct themselves in a kind and respectful manner towards others even in a competitive game.

4. Respect - to feel or show deferential regard for; esteemIn golf it is important to show respect for oneself, playing partners, fellow competitors, the golf course, and for the honor and traditions of the game.

5. Confidence - reliance or trust. A feeling of self-assuranceConfidence plays a key role in the level of play that one achieves. Players can increase confidence in their abilities by being positive and focusing on something they are doing well regardless of the outcome.

6. Responsibility - accounting for one’s actions; dependablePlayers are responsible for their actions on the golf course. It is up to them to keep score, repair divots, rake bunkers, repair ball marks on the green, and keep up with the pace of play.

7. Perseverance - to persist in an idea, purpose or task despite obstaclesTo succeed in golf, players must continue through bad breaks and their own mistakes, while learning from past experiences.

8. Courtesy - considerate behavior toward others; a polite remark or gestureA round of golf should begin and end with a handshake between fellow competitors. Players also should be still and quiet while others are preparing and performing a shot.

9. Judgment - the ability to make a decision or form an opinion; a decision reached after considerationUsing good judgment is very important in golf. It comes into play when deciding on strategy, club selection, when to play safe and when to take a chance, the type of shot players consider executing, as well as making healthy choices on and off the golf course.

The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits

The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits were created through collaboration among The First Tee, ANNIKA Foundation and Florida Hospital for Children to promote healthy, active lifestyles for young people. Parents are encouraged to talk about these healthy habits at home and reinforce their importance by demonstrating them in their own life. World Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam, the winningest LPGA professional since her retirement in 2008, is the spokesperson for Nine Healthy Habits.

ENERGY - It is important to understand and make healthy choices about when to eat, how much to eat, and the types of food and drinks to provide the body with the most useful energy.

PLAY - A variety of energizing play can help the body stay strong, lean and fit, and be fun in the process. Sleep and other forms of “re-charging” allow one to engage in play on a daily basis.

SAFETY - Physical safety includes playing in a safe environment and by the rules, protecting the body with proper equipment, warm-up and cool-down and wearing sun protection.

VISION - In order to make the most of one’s unique gifts-talents, characteristics and abilities - an individual needs to learn from the past, value the present, and create their vision and future to ultimately “leave a footprint.”

MIND - The mind is a powerful tool for health. One’s mind influences his/her emotions and behaviors and can be utilized for self-improvement, building confidence and maintaining perspective.

FAMILY: When family members participate in activities together - share meals, communicate and establish roles and responsibilities - they are more likely to be successful in achieving their health related goals.

FRIENDS - Maintaining healthy relationships includes surrounding one’s self with friends and supportive people, while effectively handling challenging situations, including bullying and navigating the digital age with social media.

SCHOOL - Success in school - learning, building relationships and contributing to the school environment - leads to success in other areas of life.

COMMUNITY - Like the health of one’s body, it is important to also explore the health of one’s community and discover how one can give back and care for its environment and safety.

Participant Opportunities and Benefits

Pro-Rewards PwC Financial Literacy Summit May 2015 Healthy Habits Awareness Week and Leadership Camps September 2015 Careers on the Course summit August 2015 Gongaware Junior Golf Academy (overnight camp in Franklin, IN) June and

July 2015 A/B Honor Roll, report late June 2015 Junior 3,6 & 9-hole League, see your site coordinators Discounted green at our programming sites. Call and mentation your child

is involved with The First Tee. Discounts fee will vary from site to site. National opportunities:

Event Date Location Application Released

Postmark Deadline

Field Announced

 A/B Honor Roll  Jan. 26  N/A  N/A  N/A  N/A

Kasserian Ingera Scholarship N/A N/A Apr. 1 May 8 May 27

*Whitney Need-based Scholarship N/A N/A Apr. 1 May 8 May 27

Wells Fargo Succeeding Together Contest May 12-18 Charlotte, NC Feb. 4 Mar. 29 Apr. 20

*PwC Executive Forum May 7-10 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL Feb. 4 Mar. 23 Apr. 1

IJGA Training Program June Bluffton, SC Feb. 4 Apr. 6 Apr. 29

Par-3 Championship June 24-28 Richmond, VA Feb. 4 Apr. 6 Apr. 29

RBS Achievers of the Year Awards TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

PLAYer Advanced Academy July 8-15 TBD Feb.4 Apr. 13 May 27

Life Skills & Leadership Academy July 22-28 Blaine, MN Feb.4 Apr. 13 May 27

Coca-Cola America’s Future Sept. 24-27 Atlanta, GA May 13 July 20 Aug. 19

Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach Sept. 22-28 Pebble Beach, CA Feb. 4 May 22 July 1

Auntie Anne’s Leaders & Entrepreneurs Forum TBD Orlando, FL May 13 Jul. 31 Sept. 2

A/B Honor Roll July 20 N/A N/A N/A N/A

The Scholars Program N/A N/A November 2015

Jan. 9, 2016 Feb.18, 2016

 NOTE: Application deadlines and criteria are subject to change, please contact your chapter or check the website for complete and current information. Events are often added, changed or deleted based on funding and the requests of sponsors. Please check with your chapter frequently for current information and listing of events for The First Tee participants.

PRO-Reward System

Ways participants can earn points:

ONTIME Attendance for each class in The First Tee Programs. (2 point) Performing well in school (measured when member turns in progress

reports and semester report cards to First Tee Coaches (10 points per progress report; up to 20 points per report card total maximum 20 points) A/B Honor roll a plus.

Reaching new level of The First Tee certification PLAYer, Par, Birdie, Eagle, and Ace. (25 points per level)

Attending Leadership camps and local field trips. ie Denis Walters show, Local Humana, PwC Financial and other national camps (10 points Maximum 25 points if selected).

Participating in local community service (10 points for two hours of service). Maximum 20 Points

Completing monthly 150 word essay assignments (5-10 points per essay). Maximum of 30 points.

Represent The First Tee of Greater Chicago at a special event (15 points maximum 30 points).

Bring your Complete Yardage Book (5 point each class) Turn in a signed score for playing a round of golf. ( 2 points per round with

maximum of 10 points) Bring a Friend to class day on a designated day once a session (5 points)

Reward items available for participants

Exclusive Off-site golf outing to a local private golf or country club. Rounds of golf at local courses. Golf equipment Jr set (possible new or refurbished) Drive or wedges (possible new or refurbished) Private golf lesson Dozen golf balls Range balls gift receipt Sleeve of golf balls Divot Tools Other award items may be available through local donation.

Point totals will be posted weekly. Reward items will be distributed at each individual programming site with a date to be determined at the end of the season. All participants will receive a prize depending on their point levels with the top rewards point achievers selecting first. All award items may be subject to change.

When receiving golf equipment, participants will be required to sign a contract pledging to follow The First Tee 9 Core Values and Healthy Habits. They will be required to return the clubs if they no longer plan on using them. To receive an upgrade to another set of clubs participants will trade the old set and receive points to be used for future rewards depending on the condition of the old set. Points will be posted and redeemed on a weekly basis. Point values may be subject to change.

Certification Process