Golf & Life Skills Experience Class Progression
Life skills for each class are not taught seperately, but are seamlessly incorporated into the golf instruction. Written and practical assessments on both golf and life skills are given throughout the class sessions to measure competency and readiness for certification to the next level. Repeated exposure to core lessons, especially with younger participants is expected. On average, students usually require 3-4 complete sessions prior to being "certified" to their next level.
Each class level has a specific curriculum of life skills developmentally appropriate to specific age groups. As such, younger children in PLAYer or PAR level classes, who may be accomplished golfers, may need to continue participation at their current level or specialty classes, clinics, camps, mixers and tournaments until they have obtained the life skills and core values associated with that level and reached the minimum age requirements for other class levels.
First Tee Class Descriptions
PLAYer 1&2 - These levels builds on the fact youth have many opportunities to play a variety of sports. It places a special emphasis on playing the game of golf, learning the etiquette of the game, and appreciating the rules of the game. The First Tee Nine Core Values provide the foundation for this introductory level.
PLAYer classes have been restructured for 2013 at Qualchan and Esmerelda.
"PLAYer-1" is required for ALL NEW STUDENTS to the First Tee Program who are ages 7 to 9.
"PLAYer-2" is required for ALL NEW STUDENTS to the First Tee Program who are ages 10 to 17 as well as those returning PLAYer level students who have previously participated in The First Tee program but have not yet met the requirements for the PAR level.
PAR - The Par level program is for those participants what have completed the requirements for PLAYer, have passed the certification tests, and have reached the age of nine (9). PAR focuses on interpersonal and self-management skills.
BIRDIE - This program level is for those participants that have completed the requirements for PLAYer and PAR, have passed the certification tests, and have reached the age of eleven (11). Birdie builds on the interpersonal and self-management skills taught in the Par level while incorporating goal-setting and resiliency life skills.
EAGLE - The Eagle program level is for those participants that have completed the requirements for PLAYer, Par, and Birdie, have passed the certification tests, and have reached the age of thirteen (13). Eagle builds on the four Life Skills taught in previous levels while adding focus on becoming a PLAYer for LIFE, both on and off the course.
ACE - This program is for returning participants ages fourteen (14) and older who have completed the Eagle program. They are given assignments that require them to utilize their newly acquired Life Skills and Core Values in daily life as well as mentoring younger participants within The First Tee.
