By: Kyle Merten
In an effort to better meet some of the interests of today’s youth, the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program at Texas A&M has implemented a plan tying sports nutrition, golf course and turf grass management, and the game of golf into one program experience. The Texas 4-H Golf Challenge is a 3-person team event allowing youth to play a best ball golf format while having to answer nine on-course scenarios and taking a twenty-five-question quiz on golf course and turf grass management, the rules and etiquette of golf, and sports nutrition.
Key Facts
This section will focus on the areas of study that are relevant as they pertain to the Texas 4-H Golf Challenge. Each focus area is given equal emphasis and is tied to program areas taught in different 4-H curriculum to ensure the program is educational and fun for the kids.
- Winning with Nutrition Curriculum – The Winning with Nutrition curriculum was developed to teach youth in the 7th through 9th grades the importance of proper nutrition. Topics include: calculating needs based upon physical activity, the importance of maintaining hydration, eating to maximize athletic performance, the dangers of drugs and alcohol, identifying fad diets, the importance of milk, and facts and fiction on supplements. Eating and drinking properly is very important for youth in Texas, especially in the hot summer months when temperatures can reach well over 100 across the state (Dodd, et al., 2010). Age appropriate programming is worth the investment – Does your youth program take the “one size fits all” approach, regardless of the age and skill set of the participants…or are activities and experiences structured to meet the needs of the participants? Age appropriate programming takes thoughtful design and extra effort if the program audience includes a wide age range of youth (8-18 years old) or youth with different skill sets or levels of experience (first year participant vs. six year participant). Designing programs that are age appropriate may take more time on the part of the practitioner; however, it is well worth the effort and more fulfilling for the youth participants.
- Rules and Etiquette of Golf – This section teaches youth about the rules and etiquette of golf. The rules and etiquette of golf mirror many of the qualities taught to 4-H’ers through the six pillars of character. Golf is an excellent avenue to teach youth respect, honesty, sportsmanship, and integrity. Because golf is known as a gentleman’s game, youth have the opportunity to gain valuable character traits that will stay with them for years to come (Merten, et. al., 2011).
- Golf Course and Turf Grass Management – The turf industry is becoming one of the largest agricultural sectors currently in the U.S. This component looks at research based information on how turf grass can be managed and information that is important in managing and maintaining golf courses. Youth interested in going into turf grass management, as a career will also be provided opportunities to find out more information (Merten, Dromgoole, Kahlich, & Dodd, 2011).
Implications for Practitioners
Evidence suggests that youth are “losing the important connection to nature that has existed and contributed to positive youth development throughout history” (Mainella, Agate, Clark, 2011, p. 101). The Texas 4-H Golf Challenge provides youth the opportunity to participate in an outdoor event, learn valuable character traits, learn about the environment and how to manage it, as well as the importance of proper nutrition. In the end, youth also have the opportunity to explore potential college and career options. It is the goal of youth development specialists within Texas 4-H to utilize this program as a means to attract and retain youth who might otherwise not become involved with 4-H programs or who might drop out due to lack of interest in available programs.
References
Dodd, C.F., Ballabina, S., Butler, P., Castillo, J., Drennan, A., Hoffman, A., Miller, M., Milstead, J., Seaton, M., Sharp, C., & Stevens, C. (2010). Winning with nutrition: 4-H sports nutrition program. Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Publication 4-H F&N 1-1.
Mainella, F.P., Agate, J.R., & Clark, B.S. (2011). Outdoor-based play and reconnection to nature: A neglected pathway to positive youth development. New Directions for Youth Development, 130, 89-104.
Merten, K.J., Dromgoole, A., Kahlich, R., & Dodd, C. (2011) Texas 4-H Golf Challenge manual. Unpublished manuscript, Texas 4-H and Youth Development Organization, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, College Station, Texas.
About the Author:
Kyle Merten is an Extension Program Specialist with the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program. He also serves as the coordinator for the Texas 4-H Golf Challenge.
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