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The Impact Of Having A Good Mentor

Having someone that you can look up to and go to for support is one the most important things a kid can have. Mentors give youth (and even adults) the confidence they need to confront challenges and come up with their own solutions. They provide a safe place for kids and teens to be themselves and have fun, while also learning valuable life skills.  

A great mentor has many traits— they can be a role model, cheerleader, policy enforcer, advocate, and friend to the students they work with. First Tee mentors have a sincere desire to be involved with their students, and treat them with respect. They practice active listening skills and empathy, while also seeking solutions and opportunities for those they work with. 

We celebrate each of our coaches, and recognize them for the unique role they play in young lives. In fact, research shows that First Tee participants think of their coaches as more than just teachers and counselors, but real mentors who have made a positive difference in their lives. 

Here are four ways a mentor impacts their mentees that were inspired and created by what our junior golfers have to say about their coaches:

1. Mentors show that you can never stop learning

They are always growing and showcasing that to their mentees who can feel inspired by how they adapt to life’s challenges.

“I constantly heard that sport emulates life, and life emulates sports. I didn’t understand this concept until I started the First Tee program. Through this sport, I learned accountability and responsibility for my actions and how to respond to adversity.  These lessons have affected my thinking about the impact I have on those around me and how important it is for me to strive to be my best self.”  – Quincy Crawford, participant, 2021 Scholar

2. Mentors help inspire students to be game-changers

Not just for themselves, but in their everyday lives and especially with their peers.

“Having an amazing mentor through the First Tee who I have developed a strong relationship with has inspired me to help others find mentors that can help them through their education and career.” – Remi Shendell, participant, First Tee Scholar

3. Mentors teach the importance of active listening

Not only do they offer support, but they show how valuable it can be to listen to someone in both good and bad times.

“Coach Mary Beth McGirr has been a major influence in my life, helping me with golf and with learning critical life skills that will aid me throughout my life. She took me under her wing and has been a shining example for me to follow. Additionally, as a woman, she has been an amazing mentor and example of a strong, confident female for me to look up to and admire. Coach Mary Beth has been one of my biggest fans and encourages me to do my best. She takes time to talk about my golf, life, family and personal struggles. She has been an excellent example of a strong leader and businesswoman who consistently gives back to the game and the community.” –  Alyssa Caraballo, The First Tee of Roanoke Valley

4. Mentors guide students to lead by example

It’s easy to tell someone what to do, but more impactful to give students the tools and examples they need to come to their own solutions.

“Coach Donnie Caldwell, PGA has given me great advice with my golf but more importantly, in my life. He has told me ‘make choices today that you’ll be proud of tomorrow.’ I used to just make choices that seemed the easiest or most convenient. But now I take time to think about those big decisions and how my choices may also affect others. Without him and his advice, I don’t know where I would be with my life, and that’s scary. He has made me a better person and he has shown me how to make the most of my life.” – Braxton Caldwell, First Tee of Pine Mountain

As you can see, the impact of a great mentor is one of our strongest tools in life. Our mentors work to guarantee students that there is someone who cares about them and who will assure them they are not alone in dealing with challenges. Offered at more than 1,200 locations, our program was developed by experts in the field of positive youth development and is delivered by trained coaches, or as our participants say— mentors! 

Check with your local chapter about how you can become a mentor to a junior golfer in your community.

Quick 9: Denise W

Mentoring

Denise W, First Tee – San Francisco 

1. Why is mentorship important?

It’s easy to get lost and overwhelmed, especially since we now live in an extremely fast-paced world where expectations for us are very high, so having a mentor to guide us through our development process is definitely reassuring.

2. What makes someone a good mentor?

Listening and being able to communicate effectively are qualities that make someone a good mentor. With such qualities, a mentor will be able to offer constructive feedback which will aid in a mentee’s future development.

3. Who has been an impactful mentor to you?

My mom has definitely been the most impactful mentor for me.

4. What have you learned from her/him?

From my mom, I learned that no matter what the circumstances are, hard work pays off. My mom immigrated to the U.S. in hopes to find better future prospects for the family and despite not knowing any English, she still continued to work hard in the U.S. to achieve her goals. In the end, all of her hard work and efforts paid off because she was able to provide the basic necessities for our family and grant my siblings and I access to a higher education.

5. How did/does your mentor help encourage you?

My mom always tells me, “Don’t be afraid of failure. Just go for it!” These are words that I will always remember because they encourage me to try new things, even if I don’t necessarily succeed. It’s a way of telling me that failure is a learning experience and if I fail, I can keep trying.

6. Have you grown as a result of your mentor?

Yes, I have grown as a result of my mom. Her guidance has helped me become more disciplined and more open to new experiences and opportunities. Without her, I don’t think I would be the person I am today.

7. What would it mean to you to become a mentor? Or Do you serve as a mentor at your chapter or any other capacity?

For me, being a mentor is very meaningful and fulfilling because not only am I able to help others, I am also able to develop myself further as a leader.

8. Do you have any advice on how to choose the best mentor in your life?

Find someone who cares about you and is willing to take the time out of their busy day to listen to your needs and help you.

9. What has First Tee taught you about mentorship?

First Tee has taught me that both the mentor and mentee are learners. Both rely on each other as a resource for new perspectives and knowledge. It’s not a one way relationship where only the mentor is helping the mentee.

Quick 9: Ricky L.

Mentoring

Ricky L., First Tee – Tri Valley

1. Why is mentorship important?

Mentorship is important because it allows a chain of knowledge and wisdom from years of experience from mentors to be passed down to mentees, unlocking their potential. Mentorship gives underprivileged students guidance to take control of their own life.

2. What makes someone a good mentor?

A great mentor is someone who has as much common ground with the mentee as possible, such as similar circumstances, college, passions, and career trajectory. More importantly, a great mentor actively listens to the mentee, providing insightful feedback, advice, or opportunities in return.

3. Who has been an impactful mentor to you?

The mentor I have been paired with from the First Tee Scholarship, Jim Smith from Morgan Stanley, has been an amazing mentor, a key guide through all my academic, career, and spiritual difficulties.

4. What have you learned from her/him?

Through our monthly discussions together over the past year, Mr. Smith has given me an abundance of wisdom from his years of experience in becoming a Senior Wealth Portfolio Manager. Also, his advice has helped me get past my choice paralysis in deciding career pathways and majors in college.

5. How did/does your mentor help encourage you?

When I hear about Mr. Smith’s stories of his journey in finding, developing, and maintaining both a loyal client basis and talented team through ups and downs, I am inspired. Additionally, Mr. Smith provides so many life tools, advice, and books/video recommendations to help me stay on a healthy path and achieve career goals.

6. Have you grown as a result of your mentor?

Because of Mr. Smith, I have learned to prioritize my different goals and face my reality with a clear mind. Although remaining open to life, I truly want to serve the world, my community, and my family while also pursuing my passions in computer science, finance, and fitness.

7. What would it mean to you to become a mentor? Or Do you serve as a mentor at your chapter or any other capacity?

Being a mentor to someone is a true honor to me because I can impact someone’s life so personally. I am in Harvard’s Chinese Student Association, and as a sophomore, I am a mentor to freshmen paired with me. Although it can be worrying wondering if you are providing value to your mentees, remember that simply listening and sharing your experience can help them out.

8. Do you have any advice on how to choose the best mentor in your life?

Be open to all mentors, even if they may not align with you in certain aspects such as passions, hobbies, career path, or academic major. Hearing a different perspective may change your mind and open new pathways that you may have not considered. Listen to what your mentor truly has to say and keep asking questions.

9. What has First Tee taught you about mentorship?

First Tee has taught me that mentorship comes from a genuine care to better the world and your community, and that most often, mentees become mentors to future generations. Mentorship keeps the spirit of the First Tee alive as older students come back to volunteer their time to help their chapters.

Looking Back on the First Tee Leadership Summit

This August, we held our first ever First Tee Leadership Summit in the unforgettable backdrop of West Creek Ranch in Montana. This event took place for two weeks, bringing together 20 teens each week from across the country to develop leadership skills through dynamic outdoor and team-building activities. Through collaborative workshops, First Tee’s core competencies of building character, self-confidence and resilience played a huge part of the experience, to explore the concepts of relationship building, positive risk taking, and character evaluation. We recently caught up with participant Benjamin Parris from First Tee – Denver to hear how this year’s event impacted him.

Benjamin Parris, First Tee – Denver

In Denver, I often hear the amazing experiences fellow participants have when they return from First Tee national events. Until the first week of August 2021, I had never experienced one for myself and I was not quite sure what to expect when I was selected for The First Tee Leadership Summit in Partnership with the PGA TOUR Superstore at Mr. Arthur M. Blank’s West Creek Ranch in Montana. As soon as I arrived at the airport, I knew it would be a special week as I was immediately greeted by fellow participants and alumni chaperones. When we arrived at West Creek, even more participants were eager to greet us and introduce themselves. I knew I had formed relationships almost immediately, and those only got better as the week went on. At the summit, we got to participate in activities such as horseback riding, archery, white water rafting, and other spectacular outdoor experiences. Also, during our days, we had the opportunities to listen to guest speakers like Dick Sullivan (CEO of the PGA TOUR Superstore), Ralph Stokes (the PGA TOUR Superstore’s Director of Partnership Marketing and former University of Alabama running back), Joe Shepard (a PGA TOUR Superstore Regional Manager), Stacie Monks (a PGA TOUR Superstore District Manager), and our keynote speaker Michael Vick (former NFL quarterback). We learned lessons in values, teamwork, skill sets, representation, and more. Each day at the summit had a different theme. Our themes were: “relationships are the foundation for leadership,” “positive risk taking,” and “my character is me.” While our speakers were able to give us insightful words and stories on these themes, we learned just as much from our outdoor experiences as we did from our speakers. On Tuesday, we focused on relationships and how trust is the foundation of every successful relationship. After hearing from Dick Sullivan and Michael Vick, six participants, including myself, departed for the ropes course while everyone else elected to horseback ride. When we arrived, we immediately had to build a relationship as we picked partners to ascend on a partner climb up a 30-foot wooden ladder. My partner Sam Gibbs from the First Tee of Fort Worth deserves a quick shoutout for putting her trust in me all week from the second we became partners at the ropes course. On Wednesday, we worked on taking positive risks. My first risk of the day was waking up at 6:30 after a late night to go on a sunrise hike. Let me tell you, the views in Montana were spectacular, it was very much worth the risk of not sleeping in. Later that day I took another risk by going on a 3-hour horseback excursion, by far the longest I had ever been near another animal, besides my dog at home. My biggest takeaway from learning about positive risks were to approach people who think differently than you so you can challenge your own thinking and to seek out your own mentorships. On Thursday, our final full day at the summit, we did a lot of self-reflection while thinking about how to own our characters. Stacie Monks began the day after another gorgeous sunrise hike. She posed the following question to all the participants. “What type of leader do you want to be?” She went onto discuss how to create a culture when you are leading others and how to empower them. Later that morning we had perhaps the hardest task of the entire summit, but also to me the most impactful. We were asked to complete this phrase. “This is what I believe about myself as a leader…” This wasn’t a simple sentence to complete, and to really answer the question, it required more than just a few sentences. To complete the thought, I had to reflect upon all the things I had been through that week at West Creek. I had to think about climbing with a partner, taking leaps of faith, the inspiration I had received from our speakers and workshops, and what I had learned from all the people around me. Later that evening, we sat around the fire pit as we listened and shared all 18 of us has discovered about ourselves as leaders. My favorite part of the leadership summit was the comradery all of the participants formed. I got the opportunity to make 17 new friends, who over the course of the week felt like family. I know that I’ll be keeping in touch with them for years and years to come and can’t wait until I can see them again. For me, the week made me feel like a true member of the greater First Tee family. I had never met a fellow participant from outside of Colorado, but now I feel like I’m connected to the First Tee everywhere I go. I can’t wait to stay involved with the program as I go to college and beyond. I want to thank the First Tee, PGA TOUR Superstore and West Creek Ranch staff one final time for giving me what was truly a life changing experience. The programming was phenomenal, and the experiences were irreplicable. I came back home truly knowing what type of leader I am and how I can continue to grow as a leader. I can’t wait to apply what I learned in Montana to our local programs in Denver as well as other extracurriculars I participate in. I feel honored that I was a part of the inaugural summit.

Safety at First Tee – Roanoke Valley

Back2Golf First Tee – Roanoke Valley is pleased to announce that 2021 in-person programming will continue at Scott Robertson Memorial Junior Golf Academy.  Programs are available for kids ages 5-18 and focus on personal growth and building character through the game of golf.  Registration is now open for classes and camps at the Scott Robertson Memorial Junior Golf Academy on Densmore Road ONLY.  All other locations are temporarily closed as we determine programming best practices. First Tee – Roanoke Valley will follow all recommended guidelines from the CDC, state and local officials and will implement additional policies and procedures to responsibly protect all participants, parents, volunteers, and staff. Here’s a quick video that highlights what your family will see as you return to First Tee.   Safety precautions include:  reduced class sizes (8- 10 participants), social distancing, hand washing and sanitizer stations, and frequent cleaning.  A document outlining all our guidelines for our return to programming are below.  WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND ALL PARENTS READ THIS DOCUMENT. The health and safety of First Tee – Roanoke Valley’s participants, parents, staff and volunteers is always our top priority.  With that in mind, we are excited to announce that our class and camp programs at Scott Robertson Memorial Junior Golf Academy (SRMJGA) on Densmore Road will continue as scheduled with some minor revisions and implementation of best practices. First Tee – Roanoke Valley’s reopening aligns with Virginia state guidelines and the Back2Golf playbook, a guide to the responsible return to golf and golf-related programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.  First Tee headquarters joined the game’s leading organizations to collaborate and develop the framework which was reviewed by the CDC and medical experts.  The golf industry has adopted a three-phase approach for golf’s careful reopening and continuation of programs that focus on prolonged social distancing and enhanced sanitation practices. For more information about First Tee – Roanoke Valley please call 540.563.1TEE (1833).   First Tee – Roanoke Valley Guidelines Social Distancing Per CDC guidelines, First Tee – Roanoke Valley will require all participants, parents, coaches, volunteers, and staff to practice social distancing at a distance of at least 10 feet. Social distancing should always be practiced during First Tee programming and at our facility.   Masks/Face Coverings First Tee – Roanoke Valley will require all coaches, volunteers, and staff to wear a protective mask or face covering while indoors. The building is closed to participants and parents unless there is an emergency. We ask that that all participants have a mask with them while on property in case we need to go indoors for safety.   Hand Sanitizing and Washing First Tee – Roanoke Valley will require all participants, coaches, volunteers, and staff to sanitize and/or wash their hands upon arrival and prior to departure from class. Hand sanitizing and hand washing stations will be available.   Waiver First Tee – Roanoke Valley will require all employees, volunteers, parents/guardians of participants and volunteers to complete and sign Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability Relating to Coronavirus/COVID-19 waiver.  The covid waiver has been incorporated into the registration portal.   Screening of First Tee Staff & Volunteers: First Tee – Roanoke Valley will require all coaches, volunteers, and staff to perform a daily symptoms assessment, as recommended by VDHL guidelines Per the CDC, symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pains, headaches, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. First Tee – Roanoke Valley will require all coaches, volunteers, and staff have their temperature taken upon arrival. Temperature will be taken using a no-touch infrared forehead thermometer. If any individual has a fever of 100 degrees or higher, they will be sent home. The individual may not return to First Tee – Roanoke Valley until they are fever free for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medication. If the individual has had contact with someone confirmed or probable to have COVID-19, he or she must complete isolation or quarantine procedures in coordination with the local health department prior to returning to First Tee programming.   Screening of First Tee Participants: First Tee – Roanoke Valley will require all participants have complete a symptoms screening and have their temperature taken upon arrival.  Temperature will be taken using a no-touch infrared forehead thermometer.  If any individual has a fever of 100 degrees or higher, they will not be allowed to participate in First Tee programming and will be sent home.  The individual may not return to First Tee – Roanoke Valley programming until they are fever free for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medication. If the individual has had contact with someone confirmed or probable to have COVID-19, he or she must complete isolation or quarantine procedures in coordination with the local health department prior to returning to First Tee programming.   Cleaning & Disinfecting Procedures: Tables, supplies, training aids, equipment, golf balls and golf clubs that are property of First Tee – Roanoke Valley will be cleaned and disinfected before and after each class. SRMJGA clubhouse and bathrooms are disinfected throughout the day and nightly before closing.   Golf Clubs & Equipment: First Tee – Roanoke Valley requires participants to bring their own golf clubs and equipment. If you do not have your own golf clubs or equipment, First Tee – Roanoke Valley will provide clubs and equipment for you to use. Participants will not share equipment. Clubs and equipment provided by First Tee – Roanoke Valley will be cleaned and disinfected before and after each use.   Participant Drop Off/Check-In & Pick Up/Checkout: First Tee – Roanoke Valley strongly suggests parents adhere to a school style drop-off and pick up. Please wait in the car until the coach/volunteer is ready to receive and screen the participant. After check-in, participants will be assigned designated areas to wait until class begins. These areas will be at least 10 feet apart and participants can warmup and stretch while waiting for the class to begin. A coach/volunteer will check the kids out and walk them to their car. Parents are asked to stay in their cars awaiting their child.   Parent Observation: Parents are welcome to observe classes from designated parent areas– as long as they are screened upon arrival, sign a waiver, and comply with social distancing standards.  Cleaning supplies will be available for parents to wipe seating surfaces before/after use.   Coach & Participant Interaction: First Tee – Roanoke Valley coaches, volunteers and staff are not allowed to touch a participant’s golf club, golf ball, and golf bag or make contact with the participant. Coaches, volunteers, and staff will give thumbs up and a tip of the hat to participants – no high fives, fist bumps or handshakes. While giving instruction, coaches, volunteers, and staff will use their words and demonstrate activities while practicing social distancing. No physical contact.   Food & Beverage First Tee – Roanoke Valley will not provide food, beverages, or water for participants. Participants should bring their own filled water bottles or bottles of water. Indoor water fountain will not be accessible. No sharing with other participants.   Bathrooms SRMJGA clubhouse/office is closed to the public.  Please plan ahead.     Inclement Weather In case of inclement weather, the covered tee line and classroom will be used for shelter. Social distancing will be followed. Masks must be worn indoors.   Make Up Classes Due to limited class size and high interest, it is very unlikely First Tee – Roanoke Valley will be able to provide make- up classes.   Confirmed Cases Anyone who shows symptoms while at First Tee – Roanoke Valley will be isolated immediately and instructed to seek medical care. Per the CDC, symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pains, headaches, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. First Tee – Roanoke Valley will inform all parents, participants, staff, coaches, and volunteers should a participant or staff member test positive for COVID-19 or show symptoms of COVID-19. If your participant or anyone in immediate contact of the participants begins to show symptoms, please contact the First Tee – Roanoke Valley office immediately. Classes may have to be cancelled if a participant develops symptoms after being on-site.   First Tee – Roanoke Valley Contacts Office 540.563.1TEE (1833) Jennifer Blackwood, Executive Director [email protected] Bill Rader, PGA     [email protected]  

Area Junior Tournaments, College Scholarships, Summer Golf Camps and more

Here’s a great place to start to find information about area Junior Golf Tournaments!  Click below for more information.  Pars and Birdies!

Andrew Haley Junior Tournament

AJGA Juniors

Blue Ridge Junior Tour

Cavalier Junior Tour

High School Golfers – Find a Tour by State

Hurricane Junior Golf Tour

Lanto Griffin Junior Tour

Middle Atlantic PGA Junior Circuit  

Girls ONLY! Peggy Kirk Bell Tour 

Valley Girls Junior Open

VSGA Junior Circuit

 

MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL

Don’t miss out on these exciting opportunities available to all youth. You do not need to be enrolled in First Tee to participate in the following:

Summer Residential Golf Camps

Improve your game at a weeklong summer golf camp.  You do not need to be enrolled in First Tee to participate in the following:

Duke Academy of Golf 

Golf Camps at area Colleges

Wake Forest Golf Camp 

USKids Golf Academy Summer Golf Camps

LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Leadership Academy

College Scholarships

Interested in college scholarships?  Click the links to check out possibilities offered by the organizations listed below.

First Tee Scholarships – Must have chapter recommendation inorder to submit

Hulede Collegiate Golf Scholarship – for people of color

Roanoke Valley Golf Hall of Fame

Virginia State Golf Association

Middle Atlantic PGA

LPGA Girls Golf Scholarships – more than 18 available for Girls Only!

Help us Build Game Changers

  At First Tee – Roanoke Valley, we enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of change. By integrating our life skills curriculum with the game of golf, we are creating active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience, which is more important now than ever. Your donation to First Tee—Roanoke Valley allows us to provide an environment where kids feel excited to learn, safe to try, and better equipped for whatever comes their way next. Make your gift today so we can continue programs that teach kids golf and lifeskills that they can use on and off the course.  Together, we are Building Game Changers.

 

                          is  now 

Order your Family Player’s Pass NOW!

  Order your 2021 First Tee – Roanoke Valley Family Player’s Pass today! Here’s the process.
    1. FILL OUT THE GOOGLE FORM below to indicate how many Player’s Pass Punch Cards that you would like.  Please make sure to click SUBMIT at the bottom of the form.
    2. You can pay NOW via credit card on the PayPal tab -at the bottom of this page.  You may also pay by check at the next class. Punch cards are $50 each.
    3. Punch Cards will be delivered to your child at their next class.
    4. PLEASE remember to click SUBMIT button at the bottom of the Google order form.
    5. Thank you!
  ***PLEASE MAKE SURE you’ve clicked submit on the Google form above***   THEN: Pay for your punch card(s) now – or bring a check to the next class.
Punch Cards
 

At home activities for families

Enjoy this compilation of fun at-home activities with your family.  Check back frequently, as we’ll add resources along the way.
  1. Here’s a wonderful list from lauded educator and First Tee – Roanoke Valley Board Member Wade Whitehead
  2. Checkout this great list from First Tee of the Triangle.
  3. Attend Golf Channel’s new golf school via video- follow a step-by-step plan to not only help you break 90 but crush 90!
  4. check out the LPGA* USGA Girls Golf  page of ideas called Home on the Range (cute name, right?)
  5. USKids golf offers the “Yard Club” and games.
  6.  Operation 36 has set up some at home golf challenges – these are super cool!
  7. First Tee – Central Mississippi has some great videos
  8. US Kids Golf Academy training videos by Coach Mary Beth’s friend Nicole Weller
  9. Our neighbors in Charlottesville have compiled some great resources here