Simply Amazing
The First Tee Life Skills & Leadership Academy Coaching Experience
by: Kyle J. Albright
Not long ago, I was selected as one of twenty-four The First Tee coaches to attend the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy in Boise, Idaho. I immediately did a little research on the event. I scoured the internet for pictures and articles. I asked participants who’ve attended what it was like. Stories of meeting new people and traveling to new places were plentiful. I was so excited because soon, I would find out for myself.
The Life Skills and Leadership Academy is a weeklong experience attended by 96 The First Tee participants and 24 The First Tee coaches from around the world. The importance of the event was immediately felt at the welcome dinner when the coaches and participants met for the first time. We sat together for dinner while listening to speakers. To see the participant’s smiles and hear them introduce themselves and share their stories was the beginning of an amazing experience.
At the Academy, participants were separated into 24 groups, each identified by a color (the red team was the best color group, in my personal opinion). There were 6 coaches assigned to each color group. The participants had busy schedules with off-course activities as well as practice and play. Throughout the week, every coach meets every participant through practice sessions or on-course activity. You get a chance to get to know more about each person, see how they interact with others, and witness how they exhibit the values of The First Tee. Throughout the week, coaches provided guidance through golf rounds and establish lessons plans for purposeful practice. The participants and coaches worked side-by-side to complete lesson plans and activities. Every day was a learning experience, and the goal of it all was to have as much fun as possible!
I consider myself lucky for having attended the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills and Leadership Academy. The city of Boise, Idaho and the campus of Boise State University were beautiful and provided great accommodations as host locations for the Academy. I met so many great kids with whom I will keep in touch. True to The First Tee moto, I met so many new friends that are good golfers, but even better people.
I urge The First Tee of Greater New Orleans eligible participants to apply for the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills and Leadership Academy. The memories you make, the friendships you explore, and the coaching you receive makes for an unforgettable experience.
About The First Tee National Participant Opportunities
The First Tee doesn’t just get kids on the course, it offers exciting opportunities for growth. With the help of The First Tee national corporate partners, more advanced participants can apply to attend these golf and leadership events. These events often become life-changing experiences. Youth meet new people, play golf, achieve greatness, and show our Nine Core Values in action. Learn more about the individual opportunities here:
National Participant Opportunities
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Not long ago, I was selected as one of twenty-four The First Tee coaches to attend the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy in Boise, Idaho. I immediately did a little research on the event. I scoured the internet for pictures and articles. I asked participants who’ve attended what it was like. Stories of meeting new people and traveling to new places were plentiful. I was so excited because soon, I would find out for myself.
The Life Skills and Leadership Academy is a weeklong experience attended by 96 The First Tee participants and 24 The First Tee coaches from around the world. The importance of the event was immediately felt at the welcome dinner when the coaches and participants met for the first time. We sat together for dinner while listening to speakers. To see the participant’s smiles and hear them introduce themselves and share their stories was the beginning of an amazing experience.
At the Academy, participants were separated into 24 groups, each identified by a color (the red team was the best color group, in my personal opinion). There were 6 coaches assigned to each color group. The participants had busy schedules with off-course activities as well as practice and play. Throughout the week, every coach meets every participant through practice sessions or on-course activity. You get a chance to get to know more about each person, see how they interact with others, and witness how they exhibit the values of The First Tee. Throughout the week, coaches provided guidance through golf rounds and establish lessons plans for purposeful practice. The participants and coaches worked side-by-side to complete lesson plans and activities. Every day was a learning experience, and the goal of it all was to have as much fun as possible!
I consider myself lucky for having attended the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills and Leadership Academy. The city of Boise, Idaho and the campus of Boise State University were beautiful and provided great accommodations as host locations for the Academy. I met so many great kids with whom I will keep in touch. True to The First Tee moto, I met so many new friends that are good golfers, but even better people.
I urge The First Tee of Greater New Orleans eligible participants to apply for the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills and Leadership Academy. The memories you make, the friendships you explore, and the coaching you receive makes for an unforgettable experience.
