At Foss Park Golf Course
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.
Darryl Stackhouse Education Director/PGA Member dstackhouse@thefirstteegreaterchicago.org 847-729-9822 x102
Our National Campaign is to reach 10 Million Children To: Impact, Influence, and Inspire • 10 million new kids by 2017
Why the Campaign for Reaching 10 Million Children? • Nearly 40% of Chicago Public school students dropped out (5,800) in 2011. • 35 % of Illinois children ages 10-17 are overweight or obese. • To make an impact nationally through our mission statement.
100% of First Tee kids are able to successfully transfer life skills learned on the golf course to school and home.* (*Source: Independent research, University of Minnesota)
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 Agenda o Introduction and Review o Ice Breaker/Team Builder and Life Skill o Program Activity/ Golf Skill o 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:
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 Text
“Class ? Foss” to the following number 847-561-9578 (PLEASE no calls) 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 deceptive Golf 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 independence Golf 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 grace Players 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; esteem In 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-assurance Confidence 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; dependable Players 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 obstacles To 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 gesture A 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 consideration Using 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 There are 10 Different National Leadership Academies PwC Financial Literacy Summit (Par, 6th Grade and Higher) Humana Healthy Habits Awareness Week and Leadership Camps (Par, 6th Grade and higher) Gongaware Junior Golf Academy (overnight camp in Franklin, IN) The First Tee Scholars Junior 3,6 & 9-hole Leagues ($3.00 per round)
FOSS PARK GOLF COURSE BENEFITS Special rates for First Tee Members (Must be actively enrolled in The First Tee of Greater Chicago programs) Family - Foursome $20.00 Threesome $17.00 Twosome • All family golfers must tee off from the family tees (yellow) • Walking only Birdie/Eagle Level Players may play accompanied by an adult. 18 hole green fee $5.00 9 hole green fee $3.00 • Walking only Range Balls small basket $1.00 Reduced Memberships to the course: $175 non-resident & $125 resident
$14.00
NEW Reward System (Similar to the system used by the San Diego Chapter) Ways to earn points • Attendance for each class in The First Tee Programs. (1 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 – 20 points Maximum 20 points). • Participating in local community service (10 points for two hours of service). Maximum 20 Points • Completing monthly essay assignments (5-10 points per essay). Maximum of 30 points. • Represent The First Tee of Greater Chicago at a special event or speaking engagement (10-25 points maximum 25 points). • Bring your Yardage Book (1 point each class) • Complete Yardage Book for each class (2 points per 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 (5 points) • Coaches may add points for exemplary behavior Ways to Spend Reward Points • Rounds of golf at Foss Park Golf Course. (-25 points per round) • Off-site golf outings (variable) at local private and public courses (180 points) • Golf equipment Jr set (new and refurbished) (-95points refurbished) (-125 points new) • New Driver (-200 points) • First Tee Golf Wind Jacket (-95 Points) • First Tee Golf Polo (-85 Points) • Fun field trips (-35 to -65 points) • Private golf lesson (-90 points) • Sleeve of golf balls Noodles (-25 points) • Dozen golf balls Noodles (-85 points) • Tees or divot tool (-20 points)
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