April 2020 - First Tee - Howard County

At Home Resources & Activities

Welcome to First Tee of Howard County’s Home Resource & Activities hub, which we will be updating regularly! Check back often for ideas to keep your junior golfers engaged while we are all at home.

First Tee is partnering with PGA TOUR to launch Links to Learning, an offering of PGA TOUR family-friendly educational content. In addition, below are links to First Tee’s character-building lessons and into a one-stop shop for parents, teachers and students. From Art and Math to Science and Fitness, with a little creativity, golf can be applied to just about any subject.

FIRST TEE RESOURCES

HEALTHY HABITS ACTIVITIES CORE VALUES WORKSHEETS (coming soon!)

FUN & CREATIVE GOLF-THEMED ACTIVITIES

ART PROJECT IDEAS, GOLF COLORING PAGES & MORE JOURNAL WRITING GOLF WORD SEARCH PGA TOUR TRIVIA

GET GOLF COURSE READY ACTIVITIES

5 MINUTE GOLF WARMUP

FUN LINK – HOW TO PACK YOUR GOLF BAG

FREQUENTLY USED GOLF TERMS AND QUIZ

NON-GOLF RESOURCES

PBS LEARNING MEDIA

ZOOM SAFETY TIPS

NH FOOD ACCESS MAP

NH DEPT. OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DURING COVID-19

PARENTS MEETING THE CHALLENGE (PMC)

Parents Meeting the Challenge (PMC) is an 8 session educational program that provides parents and primary caregivers the opportunity to learn, share and connect with others who face similar challenges in caring for children/adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders.

4 STEPS THAT HELP KIDS FACE CHALLENGES CONFIDENTLY

The world we face today is so vastly different than what we could have ever imagined 10 years ago (or even 10 months ago!). Aside from the uncertainty and stress stemming from COVID-19, this generation has grown up with technology that can rattle the self-esteem of even the most confident kids. Social pressures are always on, and finding a calm respite can feel impossible — both for children and adults. In these particularly challenging times, it is critical that we encourage our kids and teens to talk through the concerns, fears and anxieties they are feeling, and equip them with the tools to face these challenges head-on.

Our coaches empower kids so they feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and better equipped for whatever comes their way next. Through fun and meaningful programs, our coaches introduce participants to a four step decision-making approach we call STAR:

STOP AND TAKE A DEEP BREATH.

When you face a challenge in life, the first step in deciding how to overcome it is to STOP what you are doing or what you are getting ready to do. This allows you to pause and gives your mind a break.

THINK OF ALL YOUR CHOICES.

The next step in good decision-making is to THINK of your choices. What are some of the choices you have in this situation? Take time to think of as many choices as possible.

ANTICIPATE WHAT COULD HAPPEN.

The third step is to ANTICIPATE the consequences (good or bad) of each choice. When you anticipate the consequences of each choice, think how the choice will affect your ability to reach your goals.

RESPOND BY SELECTING THE BEST CHOICE.

After you have identified all your choices and you have anticipated the consequences of each choice, the final step is to RESPOND by picking the best choice. What makes something the best choice? The best choice is the one that helps you get to your goal. What one person considers the best choice may differ from what another thinks is best. Empowering kids and teens through a lifetime of new challenges is at the heart of First Tee of Howard County. This unprecedented time in history is scary, but we can also seize the opportunity it allows us to connect with our children and grow our perseverance together.

COVID-19 Updates

Dear First Tee of Howard County Families: We are thinking of you during this challenging time and wishing that we could welcome our participants back to Fairway Hills this spring.

As always, the health and safety of our community is our top priority. Under the current directive from Governor Hogan that all non-essential businesses close and Marylanders practice social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, Fairway Hills and First Tee of Howard County remain closed.

At this time, we plan to hold the summer session and will automatically move your child’s spring session enrollment into the same class this summer.

>> If you would prefer to withdraw your child and receive a refund for spring tuition, please email [email protected] with the following information: your name, student’s name, class number and home address.

>> If you wish to move your spring registration to the same class this summer, no action is needed.

We will continue to follow the guidance of Governor Hogan and update our plans if needed. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Amidst these uncertain times, we have the opportunity to put the life skills we teach at First Tee of Howard County into practice. Responsibility, judgment and perseverance are especially important right now. We hope you are staying safe and healthy, and look forward to seeing your children when we can re-open.

Sincerely,

Don Van Deusen

Executive Director, First Tee of Howard County