Alison Aragon, Director of Development, Pro Kids – The First Tee of San Diego

School may be out for summer, but for kids at Pro Kids, First Tee of San Diego it’s been all fun in the sun! Pro Kids summer camps in City Heights and Oceanside promote new experiences, focus on developing peer bonds, and offer abundant opportunities for students to get out on the golf course and play.

Pro Kids couples golf instruction with a curriculum designed by First Tee that teaches kids life skills – like how to introduce yourself to someone new or what to do when you get angry or frustrated – and core values like respect and honesty. In addition to daily golf classes, campers have the opportunity to visit the San Diego County Fair, participate in a beach cleanup at Mission Bay, and visit the Oceanside Pier.

City Heights

For nearly two decades Colina Park Golf Course has served as the headquarters for Pro Kids, First Tee – San Diego and serves more than 1,500 children per year through a partnership with the City of San Diego and the San Diego Unified School District. All public greens fees, rental fees, and driving range revenue go toward supporting youth programs.

Oceanside

In 2012, Pro Kids opened its second facility in Oceanside through a partnership with Callaway Golf which committed $2 million to help build the 4,400 square foot Ely Callaway Golf & Learning Center. TaylorMade, another major force in the golf world, also helped Pro Kids expand to North County by committing $1 million for the facility’s six-hole, par-3 golf course which opened in March 2013.

Here is what Pro Kids are saying about their camp experience:

• “All the camps have been so much fun all the activities and field trips are awesome.” - William Stack (nicknamed Hollywood), 11 years old.
• “My favorite field trip so far has been the Japanese friendship garden looking at the fish. Something I would tell a little kid my age if they came to Pro Kids, don’t worry, you can have fun, the big kids are nice.”- Heidi Martinez, 7 years old.
• “My favorite intern is Fabian. He talks to me and helps me because he said he’s shy too.” -Troy Nevers, 13 years old.
• “My advice to any new interns would be don’t be afraid to ask for help. Since interning at Pro Kids, I’ve felt good about helping kids. I’ve learned how to interact with adults and kids in a different way”- Fabian Cordero (Intern), 17 years old.

Pro Kids challenges youth to excel in life by promoting character development, life skills, and values through education and the game of golf. They offer welcoming, accessible facilities in the heart of City Heights and Oceanside, year-round, 6 days a week.

To learn more about their programs visit https://thefirstteesandiego.org/