The First Tee helps kids build successful lives at several locations around Michigan. The First Tee of Greater Detroit, The First Tee of Eastern Michigan, The First Tee of Western Michigan and The First Tee of Northern Michigan create experiences for youth that will help them become the leaders of tomorrow.
They are a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that will help them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, they create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. Their junior golf programs build these young people and help shape their lives.
Experience is the best teacher and The First Tee believes in creating experiences for young people that are fun and meaningful. Various programs help kids feel excited to grow and even fail, but leave better equipped for whatever comes next. Through golf-based personal growth programs, the First Tee allows kids to build life and leadership skills that empower them in all areas of their life, including school, friendships and eventually careers.
Here is one example of how The First Tee has helped one young girl find her passion.
Darcey Dorris first began participating in The First Tee of Western Michigan programs in third grade.
Through a partnership with Bowen Elementary in Grand Rapids her first exposure to The First Tee program was at Stormy Creek Golf Club. She participated in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade introductory level and was introduced to the Nine Core Values and golf fundamentals.
She was able to continue with The First Tee when she reached the 6th grade at Crestwood Middle School. When she graduated to high school, The First Tee if Western Michigan entered into a partnership with the First African Methodist Episcopal Church and Darcy was able to continue with First Tee through that alliance.
These three different community partnerships helped Darcey learn and grow at First Tee, keeping her involved until she eventually became a First Tee junior coach!
Darcey enjoyed The First Tee because she was outdoors and spending time with her friends. She thrived as a discus and shot put thrower, but her maturity and positivity helped land her a paid junior coach role at First Tee at the tender age of 15. Once in the role, Darcey’s confidence and maturity exploded.
She even received a scholarship from Central State University in Ohio, to throw discus and shot put for the track team.
Darcey’s Favorite Nine Core Value: Integrity.
“Since I started in First Tee, I have learned more about the word integrity. Integrity simply means doing good when someone in authority isn’t around. I still think I have a bit of improvement to do but I feel like First Tee has helped me to understand the word more.”
What is your favorite part of being a junior coach?
“I just love the overall experience. Getting to know kids and teaching them what I learned when I was their age. During my time as a junior coach, I have learned to be patient and to go with my gut on things. This experience has helped me prepare for the career I want in the future. I know my future career will require being a good communicator, being patient, and understanding. All of those traits and more encourage me to make coaching at First Tee fun!”
To help The First Tee continue their outstanding work donate today at: https://donorbox.org/2022-year-end-giving-ftwm
