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Words From Spencer’s mother, Jennifer

“As a parent, it is my goal to help my children grow up to be adults with integrity, who value and respect life and those around them.  So you can imagine my surprise and excitement one year ago when I opened up the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation flier and read the line “character building through golf”.  You see my son Spencer, had tried many sports and never really enjoyed them enough to want to stick with one.  Iwondered if golf would be a good fit.  I also liked the idea of character building!  I love the idea of Spencer becoming a young man with character and integrity. 

I signed Spencer up for the spring session and went to the parent orientation.  All I could say was WOW!  This is an amazing opportunity, an amazing organization! This is more than just swinging a club.       

This is where Spencer’s journey in the world of golf with The First Tee began.  Who knows where it will take him.  This is truly the FIRST time he has stuck with something, stayed excited and interested in something, other than legos or video games.  He has learned the importance of honesty, respect, integrity, sportsmanship, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment.  He has been taught the importance of making right and healthy life choices.      

I appreciate the mentors involved.  They model the attitudes, values, and behaviors I hope to see grow in Spencer.  The mentors encourage Spencer to do what is right.  The mentors show interest in Spencer, in his schooling, life, and attitude.  Spencer needs men in his life who will do this.  I so appreciate it!        

If you know of a young person who needs some direction, who lacks positive role models in their life.  If you want to support young people to grow in character and find a place to learn.  The First Tee of West Michigan is a great place to look for this direction. 

Whether you send your child or support The First Tee with a donation, this is truly a youth development program.  Giving youth direction, life skills, and encouragement to be the best young person they can be. 

Words From Spencer: I enjoy learning and playing golf.  I have learned about honesty, integrity, courtesy, and more.  One of the core values I use every day is perseverance.  Perseverance is when you keep going and don’t give up even when things are hard.   I use perseverance at school when I have a math test and don’t really understand.  I keep trying and don’t give up on it.  I use perseverance at home when homework is hard and I want to give up.  I remember that it is better to keep trying and I ask for  help from my Mom. I use perseverance with my friends too.  Sometimes my friends ignore me or won’t let me play a game with them.  I persevere and choose to find someone else to hang out with instead of getting angry and giving up.  The First Tee helps me learn about things like perseverance.  The First Tee is AWESOME!  

  

Our two most well-used locations are open 4 nights a week from November through March!

• The Highlands (2715 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids)- Tuesday & Thursdays, 4:30-7:30 pm

• Fellowship Greens (3450 36th St. SE, Grand Rapids) – Mondays & Wednesdays, 4-6:30 pm

New Opportunities at Homework & Hitting in 2015!   Maple Hill GC

• Located in southwest Grand Rapids, Maple Hill hosted over 100 of our participants in 2015.  Now, we’re partnering with them for their fantastic indoor facilities.

• Students in the Par, Birdie, or Eagle levels at The First Tee have access every Tuesday to one of two areas:

• Indoor simulator: Our participants are using two simulators, playing on a course on one, while working on their swing in the other.

• Heated hitting bays

• When the snow flies, our participants will still be able to hit outside in Maple Hill’s heated hitting bays.

• For more on this program, contact Program Director Nick Holtrop – [email protected]

This space is open to Par, Birdie, and Eagle participants every Friday afternoon throughout the winter. Coach Tom Koert partners with Nick Holtrop and Tyler Smies from The First Tee staff to provide swing instruction to up to 10 kids every Friday. Heath & Fitness Series – sponsored by the McCahill Group This five class series is working with 10 of our students throughout the winter.   Students will learn strength and flexibility exercises that are specific to the game of golf.  Series is led by supporter and coach Ryan McCahill in East Grand Rapids, MI. First ever Muskegon Location! In a special partnership, The First Tee of West Michigan has partnered up with the Boys & Girls Club of Muskegon Lakeshore to provide our first Homework & Hitting location in Muskegon. Hosted at Nelson Elementary School (550 W. Grand Ave, Muskegon, MI), The First Tee is retrofitting an unused classroom with two hitting nets, and a variety of putting stations. This location will be open 3 hours a week on Wednesday evenings.  

 

4 Person Scramble

Monday, August 1, 2016

Thousand Oaks Golf Club

12:30 PM Shotgun (11:30 AM Registration)

Join us for The First Tee of West Michigan’s 6th Annual Golf Outing held at our new venue Thousand Oaks Golf Club located at 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr, in Grand Rapids. Play in the outing! (click here to register for more info)

• Sign up and fill a foursome for $800.  
  • 12:30 pm afternoon shotgun
  • A foursome includes free range balls, goodie bag, 1 round of golf, a chance to meet our students, 2 meals, and a live and silent auction following play.
• Play as a single for $200
  • We will pair you up with other friends of The First Tee! 
• Email [email protected] for more details
• Part of your payment is tax-deductible – The First Tee of West Michigan is a 501c3 nonprofit! 

Sponsor the outing!

• We are still looking for a Eagle Sponsor for the event.  Email [email protected] for more details! 
• Hole Sponsorships start at just $300! Get your company to sponsor today!

 

Volunteer for the outing!

• We can use your help! We have volunteers stationed at various points throughout the course, and helping in different ways.  We have participants on the course, meeting and greeting our players, and sharing what they’ve learned. 
• We are looking for volunteers for the following shifts: 
  • 10:30 am – 1 pm
  • 1 pm – 5 pm
  • 4:30 pm – end of event (adult only for auction)
• Email [email protected] if you’re interested in volunteering! 

All proceeds from the event go to provide scholarships for The First Tee of West Michigan students.  Your participation is essential to our mission: to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Outing Contacts: Executive Director Tyler Smies Phone: 616-965-6633 Email: [email protected] Intern Event Coordinator Hadley Cunningham Phone: 231-838-4147 Email: [email protected]