What to Look for in Denver Afterschool Programs

There are lots of things to consider when choosing an afterschool program. You need to make sure the program aligns with your child’s interests and what they are willing to try; you never know what they might end up liking! However, if you’re searching Denver for afterschool programs, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. 

4 Important Parts of a Quality Denver Afterschool Program 

Afterschool programs are an important part of the school day for many students. These activities provide opportunities for kids to learn, socialize and have fun with their peers while also getting some extra help from knowledgeable mentors. However, not all afterschool programs are created equal. Some offer quality experiences that can be replicated in the classroom, while others may offer another way to spend time doing things outside of school. 

As you compare your options for afterschool programs and activities in Denver, make sure you keep the following considerations at top-of-mind. 

Safety

Safety should be the first priority for any afterschool program. If there is ever a safety issue while your child is at the afterschool activity, it can have serious consequences for your child’s well-being and development. Whether your child gets an injury or they just generally feel unsafe, you can expect your child to feel less inclined to get involved. At any afterschool program, you want to make sure that your child is always supervised by trained staff members who are able to handle any situation that may arise. 

Quality Services 

Another important part of any afterschool program in Denver is the quality of the services provided. Make sure that the program provides high-quality activities and educational opportunities for children. In an ideal afterschool program, children will build new skills, get great opportunities for exercise, and build new bonds with youth participants. This type of quality service will help your children develop their skills and abilities while having fun at the same time. 

Fun Activities

Fun activities are another key element of the top afterschool programs. Children need to have fun during their free time so that they don’t get bored and have chances to stimulate their minds. Children additionally need to explore opportunities to learn how to interact with other kids and adults in a positive way. So, do your research and make sure the afterschool activities you’re considering will be fun and engaging for your children. 

Diversity

Diversity is something that every afterschool program should strive to offer. Kids from all different backgrounds and cultures should be included in the activities offered. This helps kids learn about other people and cultures as well as build friendships with others. 

What Can First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains Offer You? 

At First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains, we offer a number of junior golf programs in Colorado that perfect afterschool activities for youth players. Our new junior golf classes are based on age and skill level. With a variety of programs to fit any age and skill level, we are sure that you will be able to find the perfect fit for your child. Check out our full list of program offerings today. 

What Makes First Tee Special? 

When First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains started in Colorado, more than 90% of the children players involved were in the free and/or reduced lunch programs at nearby schools. To combat those issues, we have structure our junior golfer programs to be free or require reduced fees and offered more than just playing the game. 

 The purpose of our Denver afterschool program has been to get more young people involved in the sport of golf – especially those who were underserved. Denver’s Municipal Golf Courses are mainly located in older inner-city neighborhoods. Because of that, the racial makeup of these neighborhoods is primarily African American and Hispanic. However, the participants of most Junior Golfer Programs have been predominantly white youths from wealthier parts of Denver. As a result, golf wasn’t just unpopular; it was strange to the children living nearest to the golf course. 

That’s how we came to be. Now First Tee is a national organization and the Colorado Rocky Mountains chapter is the third largest in the country, serving thousands of kids every year. To us, golf isn’t just a game, it’s an opportunity to teach kids real-life skills and help shape their futures for the better. 

Ready to See First Tee in Action?  

Sign up for a program today, and see why we’re one of the best Denver afterschool programs for kids and teens of all ages. 

Importance of Empowering Youth with Community Programs in Colorado

First Tee gives opportunities for youth to not only get daily exercise and build skills but to also have an empowering outlet for their self-confidence and future. At the First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains, we offer a unique experience for Colorado youth that is focused on much more than just skill-building in golf. Through our community programs in Colorado, we are able to empower local youth of all ages.

What Does it Mean to ‘Empower’ Youth?

Youth empowerment is one of the most important factors in creating positive outcomes for individuals and communities. In fact, research suggests that empowering youth leads to better academic performance, health, economic success, and civic participation.

But what exactly does it mean to empower youth? And why do we need to engage them? Let’s dive into these questions a little further.

Good Educational Standards

Kids have great potential in their younger years and they must be given opportunities and support to realize that potential. This is why we must ensure that our schools provide quality education standards. In addition, we must give opportunities to those who come from low-income families. We must take care of our children and educate them properly. They must learn about themselves, their culture, and their environment. When kids receive relevant education in their lives, they’ll feel more empowered, capable, and ready to take on the world.

Young kids must be taught how to respect each other and live together peacefully. They must know what makes them happy and what they want out of life. Kids must be encouraged to dream big dreams and set goals. And they must be supported to achieve their full potential. Through a golf community program, Colorado youth can get the educational support and empowerment to effectively support them.

Empowering Youth for the Future

The world today is full of young people who are disenchanted with the status quo. The younger generations want to change – and they’re willing to make it happen themselves. But how do we help those individuals find their voices? How do we give them the tools they need to take control of their future?

At First Tee, we believe that education empowers youth and that without it, there is no hope. We see education as a tool for social transformation and a catalyst for economic growth. In fact, we think that education is what will enable us to realize the aspirations of our country’s youth.

Benefits of Youth Empowerment to Society

There are numerous benefits of youth empowerment to society. Youth empowerment is the process where a young person gets empowered to take charge of their life and make decisions about what they want to do in life. This gives younger individuals confidence and motivation to achieve goals.

In today’s world, there are lots of opportunities for youth to develop themselves; however, most younger generations don’t use them because of a lack of knowledge, skills, resources, etc. Youth empowerment helps in overcoming such problems.

Here are just a few of the many societal benefits of youth empowerment:

Youth empowerment leads to better performance in schools and colleges

Students can learn how to manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks, and complete assignments on time when they feel empowered and motivated. Young community programs, like sports clubs or leagues, can offer those benefits for your kids. They will also understand the value of education and strive hard to improve their grades. These qualities help students succeed in college and lead to good career prospects.

Youth empowerment improves physical health

Young people are encouraged to participate in sports activities, exercise regularly, eat healthy food, and sleep properly. All these factors contribute to improved mental and physical health.

Youth empowerment reduces crime rates

Most crimes committed by youths are related to drugs, alcohol, and/or gangs. By encouraging youths to pursue alternative careers and engage in productive activities like working, studying, volunteering, etc., cities can enjoy reduced crime rates.

Youth empowerment creates a positive impact on the environment

Young people are taught to recycle waste products, use public transportation, and practice sustainable living. In addition, they are encouraged to protect nature and wildlife. As a result, the environment becomes cleaner, greener, and healthier.

First Tee is Empowering Colorado Youth Through Community Programs.

Youth empowerment has so many benefits to the child and community as a whole. At the First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains, we offer an array of engaging, educational, and physically challenging youth golf programs. Through these initiatives, we have empowered kids, teens, and young adults to make the most of their lives through productive means.

Contact First Tee today to learn more about our community programs throughout Colorado.

Looking for Junior Golf Lessons in Colorado?

Golf is an amazing sport that offers tons of benefits for younger and older players alike. You can learn new skills, build new friendships, and get great exercise in the process. That’s why it’s a good idea to help kids and teens learn the sport while they’re young. Are you looking to sign up your children for junior golf lessons in Colorado? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place.

We’ll cover some of the ways that you can find the best program for your child and what you need to keep in mind when searching for youth instructors.

Finding the Best Junior Golf Lessons in Colorado For Your Child

Junior golf lessons are a great way to help your child improve their game and get them ready for high school or college golf. You will be able to see how quickly they progress as they learn new skills and techniques from an instructor who has experience teaching kids. From private instruction to group classes, there are plenty of options out there for junior golf. Here are some things to consider when searching for junior golf lessons in Colorado:

Age Groups

What is your child’s age? Some schools or community programs may only teach children up until about 14 years old, while others may go all the way through high school. The younger your child is, the less expensive it will be to take junior golf lessons.

Weekly Commitment

How many hours per week would you like your child to spend taking junior golf lessons? Most extra-curricular after-school programs will outline a set number of hours each week that your child needs to practice. Make sure that this number is enough to keep your child engaged and learning. And don’t forget to take into your schedule too. If the weekly commitment does not align with your schedule or your child’s needs, then you might need to look at other options.

Private Or Group?

Will your child prefer private lessons or group lessons? Private lessons allow your child to work on specific areas of your child’s game with an individualized lesson plan. Group lessons usually involve several students working together under the supervision of an experienced teacher. Both types of lessons are beneficial, but they each come with their own pros and cons.

Private lessons may be slightly more expensive, but your child receives more personalized instruction. Group lessons will likely be more affordable and may provide opportunities for socialization, but they may not receive as much attention in a group setting.

Already Playing?

Is your child already playing golf? If your child plays golf, they will likely be better suited for more advanced junior golf lessons. However, if your child doesn’t currently play golf, don’t worry! There are plenty of opportunities for non-golfers to join in on the fun. Many school programs and golf instructor groups offer junior golf clinics where your child can try out different clubs and equipment to get more familiar. They can even use these clinics as a chance to meet other players and build friendships.

Why Choose First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains?

As a non-profit organization, we aim to provide high-quality educational programs and golf skills instruction. We’ve structured our approach to golf instruction to empower younger players, teach them life-long skills, and embrace the sport.

We help children develop the strength of character they need to face life’s challenges. We integrate life skills curriculum into the game of golf to create learning experiences that build children’s confidence, resilience, and inner strength.

Throughout the years, First Tee has seen many successful students leave our program with skills and relationships that last a lifetime. You can read more about our student success stories on our stories page.

Get Started with First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains

Register your child today and get started with junior golf lessons in Colorado.