GOLF COURSES
1. Register with First Green at thefirstgreen.org.
2. Connect with a local teacher or school.
3. Pick a date; align curriculum with course amenities.
First, do you, or anyone at your club, have a connection with a local school or teacher? Reaching out to a teacher, principal, etc., with a personal connection is generally the easiest way to get started. Check out our Tips to Connect with Local Schools.
Timing depends on the number of students participating in the field trip and the number of labs or stations you plan to have. A general rule of thumb is each lab should take 15-20 minutes. Check out this sample Field Trip Agenda for more details.
Schools
First Green is an innovative environmental education outreach program using golf courses as experiential learning labs – the only program of its kind in the world. With online lesson plans and other extensive resources for golf course superintendents, First Green facilitates connections between golf courses and local schools.
Golf superintendents, course staff and/or local industry representatives host students on field trips to test water quality, collect soil samples, identify plants, preserve wildlife habitats, assist in stream-bed restoration and learn about the ecology, conservation and environmental aspects of golf courses. The non-profit has been providing STEAM learning labs since 1997. Click here for our core STEAM Lesson Plans.
1. Contact First Green to find registered course(s) / superintendent(s) in your area.
2. Connect with your preferred course / superintendent.
3. Work with the superintendent to pick a date; refine curriculum as needed.
Parents
First Green’s fundamental beliefs underscore our members’ commitment to environmental stewardship and paying forward the gift of a career in golf. Program characteristics include:
• Fun
• Experiential learning
• Outdoor enjoyment
• Introduction to and growth-of-the-game
• STEAM education
• Future career path
• Best-in-class
• Positive community impact
15,000-plus students impacted.
Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO – “As one of the world’s leading environmental education programs utilizing golf courses, First Green provides an ideal platform for GCSAA members to further strengthen ties with their communities. Our partnership will open new pathways to golf careers for generations to come.”
Dr. Karen Armstead, Executive Director – “GCSAA’s global footprint will allow us to deliver First Green’s experiential learning labs to new communities. We’ll be able to develop even more engaging hands-on workshops that bring curriculums to life through the lens of golf.”
Friends
GCSAA is dedicated to serving its members, advancing their profession and improving communities through the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Moving forward, First Green and its related initiatives will support the overarching mission and vision of GCSAA.
GCSAA is the global leader in golf course management.
Golf Industry Leaders / Stakeholders: United States Golf Association, American Society of Golf Course Architects, Golf Course Builders Association of America, Jacobsen, John Deere, LPGA, National Club Association, National Golf Course Owners Association, National Golf Foundation, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, Topgolf, Toro, World Golf Foundation, Youth On Course
Schools / Universities: Superintendents, Principals, Teachers, Guidance Counselors, Volunteers, Golf Coaches, Athletic Boosters / Donors
Community Leaders: Mayors, Chamber of Commerce Members, Tourism Boards, NonProfit Executive Directors, City Council Members, School Board Members, Business Owners, Public Services Director, Director of Community Development, Chief of Police, Town Treasurer
Local Foundations / Charities / After-School Programs: 4-H, Boy Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Elks, Girls Scouts of America, Green Peace, National Audubon Society, National FFA Foundation, National Geographic Society, Nature Conservancy, Safe Kids Worldwide, Sierra Club, Smithsonian Institute, Teach for America, United Way, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wildlife Conservation Society, World Wildlife Fund, YMCA