Pathways to Growth
firstteebaltimore.org
Program Overview Experiences are our greatest teacher. First Tee believes in developing the ones that are just as fun as they are meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and better equipped for whatever comes their way next. We are committed to providing programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Our curriculum is centered around building Game Changers! The five Key Commitments are the life skills we want our participants to adopt and pursue – these are the keys to unlocking good character.
1
Pursuing Goals
2 Growing through Challenge
3 Collaboration with Others
4 Building a Positive Self-Identity
5 Using Good Judgment
First Tee-Greater Baltimore operates classes at the following locations: • Clifton Park Golf Course 2701 St Lo Dr Baltimore, MD 21213
• Forest Park Golf Course 2900 Hillsdale Rd Baltimore, MD 21207
• Mount Pleasant Golf Course 6001 Hillen Rd Baltimore, MD 21239
• Carroll Park Golf Course 2100 Washington Blvd Baltimore, MD 21230
• Pine Ridge Golf Course 2101 Dulaney Valley Rd Timonium, MD 21093
• Ruggles Golf Course
5600 Ruggles Rd Aberdeen Proving Ground MD 21005
• Arundel Golf Park
1501 Dorsey Rd Glen Burnie, MD 21061
• Five Iron Golf
415 S Central Ave Baltimore, MD 21202
Our Headquarters: 303 International Cr Suite T119 Hunt Valley, MD 21030
Commitment to Being a Game Changer Pursuing Goals I am excited to grow and learn. I am not afraid to fail. I am learning from both my achievements and setbacks.
Growing through Challenge I am discovering my inner strength. I am developing resilience. I can dig deep when things get tough.
Collaborating with Others I respect other perspectives, especially when they are different from mine. I show kindness, consideration, and care for others. I know that my attitude and how I treat others have an impact.
Building Positive Self-Identity I am finding my self-confidence. I am discovering what I’m capable of. I feel safe to be myself.
Using Good Judgement I respect rules in golf and in life. I am honest with myself and with others. I have the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. I can change the game and change the world by simply being the best version of myself. I am a Game Changer.
Evolution of a First Tee Student 4-6 year olds Intro to basic golf skills and First Tee’s Nine Core Values Student Benefits: • Social engagement with peers • Green Grass classes
Experiences are our greatest teacher.
7-9 year olds Intro to real golf clubs and greater emphasis on fundamentals of the golf swing.
• Indoor Winter Classes
Students begin to interact more with their peers, manage their emotions on the driving range, and follow more complex instructions.
10-11 year olds Green Grass classes encourage collaboration with peers
Student Benefits:
Focus on self-regulating one’s interactions with peers
• Youth on Course • Clubs are provided to students who need them
Players start to set goals and work towards a “personal best” Student Benefits: • Network with youth from surrounding First Tee Chapters through the First Tee Metro Tour series • PGA Junior League
14+ year olds Classes for new and advanced golfers Students grow in their personal development and find a sense of place within their community Returning golfers can transition into volunteer or coach roles High school golf team prep via on-course classes and training
Student Benefits: • Higher Education Support – Evans Scholarship – Caves Valley Golf Club Foundation Scholarship – UMES PGM Program
• Leadership Development: – Game Changers Academy – Leadership Summit – Innovators Forum – Drive Your Future Academy – LPGA Conferences, including E-Leaders and Leadership Academy
• Playing Opportunities: – Pure Insurance Championship
– First Tee National Championship – AJGA, MAPGA, and MSGA Tournaments – Peggy Kirk Bell Tournaments
• First Tee Metro Tour • Caddie opportunities at local golf clubs • Access to First Tee Alumni Network • Opportunities for service learning hours • ACE Certification • Winter Fitness Training • Indoor Winter Classes
12-13 year olds Introduction of on-course classes Students develop self confidence through support from their coaches and peers Classes focus on growth of both golf game and character
Student Benefits: • Introduction to Caddie opportunities • Field Trips to local colleges and universities • Opportunities for service learning hours • Winter Fitness Training • Indoor Winter Classes • First Tee Metro Tour • PGA Junior League
Programming Team We are a committed team of leaders in the community and are dedicated to supporting First Tee students in the Greater Baltimore area. Matt Bassler
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Matt@firstteebaltimore.org 410.218.4616
“Because of First Tee I have been given opportunities that have molded me into a successful leader and role model. I am inspired to make an impact on this world that is far greater than what the world expects of me.” - Salloni Gill
March Klein
PROGRAM DIRECTOR March@firstteebaltimore.org 410.449.0878
Jayquann Johnson
COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR jayquann@firstteebaltimore.org 443.681.8343
“I have been with First Tee for 13 years. The program has taught me to never take the moments we share with our peers for granted, as we will always be able to relate and communicate through the game of golf. First Tee introduced me to caddying which helped me receive an Evans Scholarship.” - AJ Carter
Lasting Impact Beyond the Course At First Tee, we help kids learn life skills, not just golf — and we have the independent research to back it up. After speaking to participants who have been in the program for three years, we found:
73%
reported high
confidence in their ability to do well academically
100%
82%
felt confident in
their social skills
52% credited the
program for their ability to appreciate diversity
with peers
bridged what they learned in First Tee to school
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