Category: Programs

Game Changers Hold Mock Trial Event at Charleston Historic Courthouse

Game Changers pose with mock trial volunteers at Charleston Historic Courthouse | Photo by Gabriel Conn

July 20, 2023 | Program Update

Program Update January 1, 2024: The Game Changers Immersion Program is now called Pathfinder Immersion Program.

Our Game Changers Immersion Program (GCIP) held its third annual mock trial event at Charleston’s Historic Courthouse yesterday. Amanda Perry, Esq. and Steven Smith, Esq. have been practicing with GCIP kids all summer in preparation for two cases—the State vs. Gold E. Locks and the State vs. Jack Robinson (of Jack and the Beanstalk).

First-year Game Changers (rising sixth graders) prosecuted and defended Jack. Second and third-year participants (rising seventh and eighth graders) represented Gold E. Locks and her accusers, the Bear family.

While all parties presented persuasive arguments, the jury reached unanimous verdicts in both cases. Gold E. Locks was found guilty of bad manners and theft. Jack Robinson was found not guilty of second degree intentional homicide.

Special thanks to Amanda Perry, Esq. and Steven Smith, Esq. who support this enrichment opportunity year after year with their time, talent, and energy. Our Game Changers have learned so much from you!

And thank you to the many volunteers and staff members who helped make this year’s event a success—Solicitor Scarlett Wilson, Esq. (judge), Officer Gause (bailiff), Officer Rice (bailiff), Ryan Webster, Esq. (juror), First Tee Program Director Meghan Taylor (juror), First Tee Marketing Director Kendall Flock (juror), Game Changers Immersion Program Director Lerone Johnson, and camp counselors Maddie, Antonio, Vada, Olivia, and Gabe.

Learning the Tournament Ropes at Briar’s Creek

First Tee – Greater Charleston program participants pose for a photo at the Rolex Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament at Briar’s Creek.

July 3, 2023 | Program Update

We love it when the Rolex Girls Junior Championship comes to town! This year’s event featured a fundraising tournament on June 19 benefiting First Tee – Greater Charleston. It’s an amazing opportunity for First Tee program participants like Lilly, age 10, to play with and learn from some of the best rising golf stars in the nation…

“I liked meeting and playing with Yurang Li. She was really nice and a good golfer. I liked riding with her and seeing how she warms up for a match and learning about her playing golf in college. I hope I can do that too one day.”

– Lilly, First Tee – Greater Charleston Program Participant

Thanks to a long-time partnership with AJGA and generous community support, we were able to send 20 participants to play in the fundraising tournament at Briar’s Creek, and some of those young people were afforded the opportunity to shadow tournament administration and support staff through AJGA’s Day In A Life program. Participants like Jackie, age 17, enjoyed learning about career opportunities in the industry beyond playing the game…

“I enjoyed playing with Megan Meng during the fundraising tournament, and I especially loved the Day In A Life program. It was great to experience how a tournament works. My favorite part was being able to track pace of play and talking with [AJGA interns] Helena and Mia! They were great to learn from, and I enjoyed getting to know more about how the intern program works because it relates to what I want to do in my future career. …These events are great opportunities for kids like me. It’s important to understand how much work staff puts into making tournaments possible. Participating in events like this is a great way to make new connections as well!”

– Jackie, First Tee – Greater Charleston Program Participant

We look forward to following the careers of all the golfers who played in this year’s Rolex Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament, and we hope that some of our program participants will follow in their footsteps or consider a career in tournament management!

Want to help us make educational opportunities like this accessible to kids from all walks of life? Email [email protected] to learn how you can get involved.

New Bus Opens Enrichment Doors for Charleston Area Youth

June 12, 2023 | Program Update

Thanks to generous community support, we were able to purchase a bus last month! This is our second vehicle and will play a critical role in getting kids to various enrichment activities.

Two vehicles will satisfy the transportation needs of our growing Game Changers Immersion Program, allowing more students to visit local businesses, college campuses, and golf courses Monday-Friday each summer and on Saturdays during the school year. A bus will also open doors for new partnerships with CCSD schools, equipping us to to transport up to five school groups to On-Course Golf & Life Skills classes this fall.

Additional vehicles or transportation partners will be needed as our Immersion Program grows. Want to help? Consider a monthly gift or email Bucky to learn more about how you can get involved.

Get to Know Our 2023 Summer Interns

May 25, 2023 | Program Update

Summer is an exciting season for First Tee – Greater Charleston! When the school year ends, we’re able to reach hundreds of kids through community partner organizations, and we host a full-day, Monday-Friday camp for our Game Changers Immersion Program participants. This is in addition to summer Core Golf & Life Skills classes at six course locations. Needless to say, we need all the help we can get… which is why we are very excited and exceedingly grateful to introduce our 2023 team of summer interns!

Vada Williams, Dee M. Robinson Fellow

Vada will be working with our Game Changers Immersion Program, and as a Dee M. Robinson Fellow, he will also be learning the inner-workings of nonprofit life. Vada is a rising senior at Chicago State majoring in business management. He is currently the men’s golf team captain and serves as the Student Athlete Advisory Board President! He is looking most forward to being able to mentor the kids the same way he was when he was a First Tee participant growing up.

Antonio DelCastillo, Game Changers Intern

Antonio will be working with our Game Changers Immersion Program this summer. He’s a student at the University of Alabama and is expected to graduate in May of 2026 with an Anthropology, Economics, Pre-Med, STEM path to his MBA. He is a member of the National Hispanic Honors Society and is also a Level 1 First Tee Coach who graduated from the First Tee – Orange County program, where he was involved since the age of 6.

Madeline Webster, Game Changers Intern

Madeline will be working with our Game Changers Immersion Program. She is a rising Junior at the University of South Carolina majoring in Sport and Entertainment Management. FUN FACT: She went to a 2019 PGA TOUR event and got a fist bump from Tiger Woods! Madeline is excited to spend her summer on the golf course and connecting with young people who share her love of the game.

Gabe Conn, Game Changers Intern

Gabe is pulling double duty as a marketing and Game Changers Immersion Program intern. He is going into his senior year at University of South Carolina and is majoring in sport and entertainment management. Gabe currently works for the News and Creative Media Team at USC covering all sports and he looks forward to applying those skills to help tell the story of First Tee and our amazing program participants.

Olivia Ratliff, Game Changers Intern

Olivia will be working with our Game Changers as well. She is a sophomore at South Carolina State majoring in Middle Level Education and Political Science. She enjoys playing tennis and watching sports in her free time. She is most looking forward to helping kids develop life skills as her passion lies with teaching, education, and youth development.

Tanner Reynolds, Outreach Intern

Tanner is one of our Outreach Program interns. He is a rising senior at the University of South Carolina and majoring in sport and entertainment management. Before his time at USC, he was captain of the men’s golf team at Montreat University. He is excited to work with the kids in our programs and help them build a relationship with the game of golf!

David Fahrer, Outreach Intern

David will be working alongside Tanner as an Outreach Program intern. He is entering his junior year at the University of South Carolina, and he is majoring in finance. David has been a First Tee program participant since he was five years old and is most looking forward to helping kids learn life skills!

Learn More About Internships

Interning with First Tee is a meaningful way to build your resume, and it’s also a lot of fun! We advertise internships and volunteer opportunities in our monthly newsletter. Subscribe to our email list or contact Meghan Taylor to learn more.

Local Students Demonstrate Golf & Life Skills at Champions Cup

April 4, 2023 | Program Update

Charleston Area elementary school students traveled to Wescott Golf Club on March 29th to compete in the First Tee – Greater Charleston Champions Cup tournament. Each team, led by their PE teacher, tackled 9 golf challenges and 9 core value challenges to demonstrate all they have learned as part of our In-School Golf & Life Skills Program.

Volunteers from the Lucy Beckham Golf Team kept tournament participants on track and having fun.

This year’s tournament featured players from Charleston Development Academy, Chicora Elementary School, James B. Edwards Elementary School, Julian Mitchell Elementary School, Lambs Elementary School, Marrington Elementary School, Montessori Community School, Oakland Elementary School, Orange Grove Charter School, Sanders Clyde Elementary School, and St. John’s Catholic School.

Students enjoyed putting, chipping into our inflatable hippo, driving, and sling-shotting SNAG balls angry bird style. They even had an opportunity to learn about golf course design from course architect Troy Miller.

Students from Charleston Development Academy enjoy “Pin the Hazard on the Dogleg” with course architect Troy Miller.

Teams demonstrated a firm grasp of the interpersonal and intrapersonal skills they’ve been learning about in their PE classes by answering questions about honesty, integrity, courtesy, confidence, judgment, perseverance, respect, responsibility, and sportsmanship. These core value questions factored into each team’s point total.

We are extremely proud of all 2023 tournament participants, including Orange Grove Charter School, Sanders Clyde Elementary, and Marrington Elementary who placed first, second, and third. Our champions will be recognized at a special awards ceremony where they will receive sets of clubs.

Coach Jackson high fives a student (Chicora Elementary), and our 2023 champions (Orange Grove Charter School) pose with their trophy.

The Champions Cup tournament is an annual event, sponsored by First Tee and the Henry & Sylvia Yaschik Foundation, to celebrate school program participation. To maintain COVID safety protocols, we hosted virtual tournaments in 2021 and 2022 where students participated in golf and core value challenges remotely from their schools. While those events were well attended, we’ve missed the magic of a green grass venue. Many of the students who participate in Champions Cup have never visited or played a golf course before. As such, it was all the sweeter to gather in person this year at Wescott… a uniquely special event for kids, coaches, volunteers, and spectators alike.

Thank you to the dedicated Physical Educators who administer First Tee curriculum and go the extra mile to train kids for this event. Thanks also to the MANY volunteers who make Champions Cup possible year after year. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2024!

PGA Jr League Tryouts

March 2, 2023 | Program Update

MARCH 13 UPDATE: ALL SPOTS HAVE BEEN FILLED FOR PGA JR LEAGUE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO HOSTING ANOTHER TEAM IN THE SUMMER OF 2024.

PGA Jr League is back!  Each summer, First Tee – Greater Charleston sponsors a team of 24 participants who compete against other area golf course teams in captain’s choice format matches. To learn more about PGA Jr League, please click here.

To be eligible for the First Tee PGA Jr League team your child must:

  • Be 9-13 years of age (as of July 31, 2023)
  • Have been enrolled in at least 3 total seasons of Core Golf & Life Skills programming
  • Have been enrolled in at least 1 season in the last calendar year (summer 2022, fall 2022, or spring 2023)
  • Be able to attend practices between 12:30 and 3:00pm on Wednesday afternoons June-August at Patriots Point Links
  • Be able to attend matches between 3:00 and 7:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays June-August across the tri-county area

The cost for team participation is $199 and financial aid is available.

Game Changers Immersion Program Fall 2022 Recap

January 12, 2023 | Program Update

We’re gearing up for a new season of Immersion Program enrichment activities, and if fall was any indication, spring is going to be fun!

Game Changers Immersion Program participants meet Monday-Friday over the summer, and once a week (usually on Saturdays) throughout the school year. This past fall, weekly meetups alternated between of golf outings, enrichment presentations, and fieldtrips.

Our Game Changers routinely visited Wescott Plantation, where they worked with Coach Johnson and Coach Perry to improve their golf game. They also spent a few afternoons at Stono Ferry getting pointers from Coach K, Coach JP, and the College of Charleston Men’s Golf Team.

“Being a part of the Game Changers program was thoroughly enjoyable. Due to our students’ busy schedules, interaction with members of our local community doesn’t happen as often as we would like. To share their love of golf with the young men and women of Game Changers allowed our team to work together and hone their path towards becoming community leaders. It was not long ago that students in our program would have been part of programs like the Game Changers. To be able to share their skills and passion was exciting and humbling.”

–  Mitch Krywulycz, Head Golf Coach | College of Charleston

Aside from golf, Game Changers enjoyed a photography lesson by YoArt at the Cigar Factory (complete with photo scavenger hunt) and the Epic Gameshow Experience at Elite Games.

Educational enrichment included a tour of the Charleston Southern University campus with Associate Athletic Director Betty Palmer and a presentation by Officer Michael Rice and Amanda Perry, Esq. The presentation was a continuation of a mock trial activity that took place last summer.

“I had an opportunity to work with [the Game Changers] last summer during a mock trial program. I was thoroughly impressed by their willingness to get involved, ask thoughtful questions and really put in the work that was necessary to make the mock trial a success. Last fall, I had the privilege to assist Officer Rice and Coach Johnson with an educational presentation… The kids asked poignant questions that were applicable to their lives, and hopefully they will carry this information with them into the future. I was honored to be a part of this program because these children are leaders of tomorrow.”

– Amanda Perry, Esq.

The presentation featured law enforcement scenarios constructed by Officer Rice, and Amanda gave examples of legal action that may result from each of the scenarios. Our Game Changers were certainly engaged. We may have a few future attorneys and officers on our hands!

“I wanted these young men and women to leave with a better understanding of policing with an emphasis on why we do what we do. The overall goal for me is to bridge the gap of understanding between law enforcement and the communities we serve, and that effort starts with our youth… The Game Changers were engaged in topics and discussion and were eager to ask questions regarding my career. Not every day a child gets the opportunity to ask numerous questions to a police officer. I was happy to provide them with that opportunity.”

– Officer Rice, Mount Pleasant Police Department

Our Game Changers ended the season with a carefree afternoon at SkyZone—complete with lunch, ice cream, and surprise holiday gifts from our Teen Advisory Council.

“All activities from the start of the Fall to the last fieldtrip before winter break have been very informative and enjoyable for the Game Changers. It has allowed them the opportunity to sharpen their golf games on the golf course as well as learn real life skills from a variety of enrichment speakers. …And our Teen Advisory Council did an awesome job selecting different Christmas gifts for the Game Changers. They were very thankful!”

– Coach Lerone Johnson, Director of Special Programs | First Tee – Greater Charleston

Want to get involved with our Game Changers in 2023? Email Coach Johnson to explore opportunities.

New, Age-Based Curriculum Launching Spring 2023

December 27, 2022 | Chapter News

This spring all First Tee chapters across the country will modernize their Golf & Life Skills Programs to better meet the needs of kids and teens. This transformation will match the way nearly all other youth sports and programs are arranged as well as meet the surveyed preference of kids and their parents to keep participants in groups of a similar age.

While we are excited about this change, we realize that parents and program participants may have questions, which is why we created the following FAQs with the help of First Tee – Greater Charleston coaches and parents.

Age-Based Curriculum FAQs

Why move to age-based programming?

  • Extensive research and feedback from participants and parents consistently show that age-appropriate programming will increase both engagement and retention of kids, especially older youth.
  • Registration will be simpler as parents are familiar with age-based as most sports and activities are set up this way.
  • As participants stay with us longer, they will be eligible for more life-changing experiences and opportunities including college scholarships and national academies.
  • The switch will allow for kids to learn with kids their own age and progress with them. Friends can learn and grow up with their friends.

What are the age groups?

  • 5-6
  • 7-9
  • 10-11
  • 12-13
  • 14+

What happens if my child ages up during the season?

  • The age a child is on the first day of any session will dictate what class they sign up for that season.
  • If a child has a birthday in the middle of a session that qualifies them for a new group, they will remain in the current class until the next session. For example, a child turning 10 in the middle of a session will remain in the 7–9-year-old class.

How will age-based classes affect current level of progression?

  • Kids no longer complete assessments to move into a new level. Once they reach the new age group, they will automatically move into the next age group.
  • Progression will be measured through a new badge system, estimated to launch in 2024.
  • First Tee Headquarters is currently in the development phase for a digital badging system to keep track of participant progression.

How will more advanced players be taught in a class with those who are just beginning to learn the game?

  • Especially during the first few seasons as we navigate this age-based transition, classes will remain small to best instruct all participants.
  • Classes will also be split up into smaller groups for certain activities to better educate all kids.
  • The Life Skills Curriculum has been refreshed so there will be new information for both new and returning participants.

Will class duration change?

All classes will still be 8-weeks long. Class times may change slightly, based on your child’s age:

  • 5–6-year-olds: 45 minutes per week
  • 7–9-year-olds: 1 hour per week
  • 10–11-year-olds: 1 hour per week
  • 12–13-year-olds: 1.25 hours per week
  • 14–18-year-olds: 1.5 hours per week

Will the lottery system change?

  • We have reviewed age group data at all program locations. This data will dictate program schedules for 2023.
  • For at least the first season of age-based programs (Spring 2023), all participants will take part in the lottery to create the fairest system of registration.

Will there be an exception for siblings of different ages to be in the same group if they are at the same skill level?

  • No, we will adhere to the age of every participant to enhance program engagement. Accommodations will not be made for siblings.
  • The curriculum is designed for the specific age groups, and we want to ensure that all children receive a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate.

Contact Us to Learn More

We hope these FAQs have helped to address some of the more common questions about age-based curriculum. If additional questions arise, please contact our Program Director, Meghan Taylor, for assistance.

Coach Johnson Speaks with Golf Today About Game Changers Immersion Program

November 8, 2022 | Program Spotlight

Coach Johnson recently spoke with Golf Today hosts Matt Adams and Damon Hack about the USGA IDEA Grant and how we’re using that funding to expand our Game Changers Immersion Program. The interview, which aired live November 1st, shed some light on what it’s like to expose young people to enrichment opportunities on the golf course and beyond.

A Game for All

First Tee Chapters provide inclusive golf and character building programs for all kids and teens 

By Megan Hart, First Tee HQ 

About a quarter of Americans have a disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but as many organizations have redoubled their focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in recent years, this group can often go overlooked in discussions on the topic. 

For 25 years, First Tee has shown up every day, determined to ensure that every kid and teen feel welcome and included. First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky is just one example of our Chapters who promote inclusive programs.  

The Chapter partners with organizations like Els for Autism, Special Olympics of Hamilton County and SCRATCHgolf to serve players of all abilities and skill levels, proving golf is for everyone. 

Thanks in part to the United States Golf Association’s IDEA Grant, the chapter has been able to expand its opportunities for all kids. The IDEA Grant was created to promote inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility efforts at the local golf level. This grant program awarded $200,000 from USGA to First Tee Chapters across the country in 2021. 

“USGA’s support is a game changer for the youth in the communities that we serve,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “With these grants, our chapters are opening the door to even more youth, especially in underserved and underrepresented communities, to explore the possibilities in golf and beyond as they build their character and life lessons through the game.” 

The USGA’s efforts to make golf more inclusive go far beyond its work with First Tee. The association will host the inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst this July, which will feature the globe’s top golfers with disabilities, including those with limb impairments, intellectual and neurological impairments and seated golfers. Among the field is First Tee — Tampa Bay alum Joey Hill and First Tee — Triangle alum Zachary Duncan! 

‘You just have to love the kids and find out what they need’ 

First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky is focused on reaching children from all backgrounds and abilities, and with the help of the USGA and other organizations, they have found creative ways to become more accessible. 

The Chapter will bring back programming for kids with autism this fall after it was put on hold by the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff first trained with Els for Autism in 2018.  

Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky also partners with Special Olympics of Hamilton County to introduce participants to golf. The program attracted about 20 kids per year before the pandemic, and it’ll return this summer for a weekly series.  

Three kids have transitioned from the Chapter’s Special Olympics program to its golf course program, and Executive Director Alicia Yund recalls seeing a Special Olympics participant return for a community field day hosted by the chapter. 

“It was cool to see him thriving and see how all the other kids were in awe of him and his ability to hit the ball,” she said. “It’s great when all kids are included.” 

Wendy Mockabee manages the School Program at First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky, which integrates First Tee’s life skills program into elementary and middle schools in the community. One of the participating schools exclusively serves special needs students, and it’s been inspiring to see how teachers have adapted First Tee programming to meet the needs of the kids. For example, teachers attached a leaf blower to a golf club so children with mobility challenges could instead push a button to move the ball. 

In addition, the chapter hosts programming for kids with life-threatening and chronic health challenges, including SCRATCHgolf. In partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Heart Institute and the Congenital Heart Alliance of Cincinnati, the chapter recently held a multiday camp for kids with heart defects, who are then provided scholarships for future programming. 

“We’ve been very focused on making sure all kids have a safe space, an environment where we’re prepared to make any modifications necessary to make them feel welcome and part of First Tee community,” Yund said. “Weaving accessibility and inclusion into programming — outside of finding more volunteers — it’s not a daunting or taxing effort. You just need to love the kids and find out what they need.” 

A number of First Tee chapters within the network offer youth development and programming for participants with disabilities. Contact your local chapter to learn more. 

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