5 Hidden Secrets Of First Tee Contra Costa’s 2025 Programs That Turn Kids Into 'Game Changers'
First Tee – Contra Costa is set to deliver its most ambitious year of youth development programming in 2025, solidifying its role as a premier character-building organization in the East Bay. As of December 2025, the chapter continues its mission to empower young people by seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a robust curriculum of life skills and core values. This is not merely a golf lesson; it is a comprehensive, progressive journey designed to mold children and teens into "Game Changers" ready to succeed both on and off the course.
Operating under the umbrella of the East Bay Golf Foundation, First Tee – Contra Costa provides accessible and affordable programs for boys and girls aged 5-17, utilizing the sport as a dynamic classroom. With a focus on the upcoming 2025 Spring, Summer, and Fall Seasons, the organization is emphasizing accessibility, with financial aid readily available to ensure every child in Contra Costa County has the opportunity to participate in the transformative Life & Golf Skills Experience.
The Progressive Path to Success: Program Levels and Core Values
The foundation of the First Tee – Contra Costa experience is a structured, progressive learning model that ensures long-term development. Participants move through five distinct certification levels, each requiring them to demonstrate increasing proficiency in both golf skills and, more importantly, the organization’s Nine Core Values and life skills. This method guarantees that the lessons learned on the fairway translate directly to positive behavior in school, at home, and in future careers. The program is truly a capstone experience for high school teens.
The Five Certification Levels
Advancement through the Life & Golf Skills Experience is based on age, mastery of golf skills, and the consistent demonstration of character. All new participants begin at the entry level, building a strong foundation for their journey.
- PLAYer Level: The entry point, focusing on fundamental golf skills and an introduction to the core values. Open to all participants aged 7 and up.
- PAR Level: Participants begin to explore how the core values can be applied to life outside of golf, developing interpersonal skills.
- BIRDIE Level: The focus shifts to goal-setting, introducing a framework for setting and achieving personal and academic goals.
- EAGLE Level: Teens work on resilience, conflict resolution, and taking on leadership roles within the program and their community.
- ACE Level: The highest achievement, where teens solidify their personal identity, explore career paths, and commit to being a positive role model and community contributor.
The Nine Core Values: The Blueprint for Character
The curriculum is built entirely around nine specific values that are inherent to the game of golf. Coaches, who are trained youth development experts, create a safe and supportive environment where these values are taught, modeled, and reinforced weekly. These values form the moral compass for every participant:
- Honesty: Being truthful in all actions and words.
- Integrity: Upholding a strict adherence to a standard of conduct, especially when no one is watching.
- Sportsmanship: Playing fair and respecting the game, your opponents, and yourself.
- Respect: Showing consideration and regard for others, property, and the environment.
- Courtesy: Being polite and considerate in attitude and behavior.
- Responsibility: Being accountable for your choices and actions.
- Perseverance: Sticking with a task or goal despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
- Confidence: Having belief in oneself and one's abilities.
- Judgment: Making wise decisions by thinking through potential consequences.
Unveiling the 2025 Program & Event Highlights
The 2025 First Tee – Contra Costa calendar is packed with opportunities for engagement, development, and community support. The organization has strategically scheduled its seasons to align with the school year, maximizing participation for families across the county.
Key 2025 Season Dates
Registration for all seasons opens months in advance, with returning participants often receiving an early registration window to secure their spots. The structured seasons ensure consistent, long-term mentorship, which is critical for character development.
- Spring Season 2025: Typically runs from the week of March 10 through the week of April 28.
- Summer Season 2025: Includes the popular Summer Camps, running from the week of June 9 through the week of August 4.
- Fall Season 2025: Classes generally begin in September, with registration opening around early August.
In addition to the core Life & Golf Skills Experience, First Tee – Contra Costa also offers specialized programs, including the LPGA * USGA Girls Golf Program, a year-round initiative designed specifically to empower young women and increase female participation in the sport.
Major Community & Fundraising Events
The chapter relies heavily on community support to keep its programs accessible, especially through its major annual fundraising events. These events are crucial for providing financial aid and maintaining program quality.
- The Swing Fore Success Gala 2025: This elevated fundraiser, often held in Walnut Creek, celebrates youth character development and community impact. It’s a polished format that showcases success stories and honors local leadership, typically occurring in late 2025.
- Fore The Kids Golf Tournament: A key golf event that brings together sponsors and community members for a day of golf to raise essential funds for the youth programs. This tournament is vital for the financial health of the East Bay Golf Foundation.
The Local Impact: Where the Program Comes to Life
To serve the diverse and expansive geography of Contra Costa County, First Tee strategically partners with multiple local golf courses and facilities. This ensures that the program is geographically accessible, minimizing travel time for families and maximizing the number of youth who can participate in junior golf.
Primary Program Locations
The main office is centrally located in Concord, near the intersection of US 680 and CA 4, but the life-changing instruction happens at several high-quality golf facilities.
- Diablo Creek Golf Course: A long-standing and primary location for the Life & Golf Skills Experience and Summer Camps.
- Lone Tree Golf Course: A crucial site, particularly for the organization's Summer Camp offerings, expanding the reach to the southern parts of the county.
- Boundary Oak Golf Course: Another key location that helps the chapter serve a broader area, fulfilling the mission of Building Game Changers across Contra Costa.
Beyond the golf courses, the organization also runs a comprehensive School Program, equipping educators at local elementary and middle schools with a curriculum built around the game of golf. This in-school model allows the values and life skills to reach thousands of children who may never step onto a golf course, demonstrating the true breadth of the organization's commitment to youth development.
How to Get Involved and Support the Mission
First Tee – Contra Costa remains a beacon of character education, proving that the game of golf is a powerful vehicle for teaching critical life skills. The organization’s success is a direct result of its dedicated coaches, the progressive PLAYer, PAR, BIRDIE, EAGLE, and ACE curriculum, and the unwavering support of the local community.
Whether you are a parent looking for a transformative program for your child or a community member seeking to make an impact, getting involved is straightforward. Registration for the 2025 Seasons is highly competitive, especially for the younger age groups (Ages 5-6), so early registration is strongly encouraged. Furthermore, the availability of Financial Aid ensures that the $180–$190 registration fees are never a barrier to entry, upholding the organization’s core value of accessibility.
By supporting events like the Fore The Kids Golf Tournament and the Swing Fore Success Gala, or by volunteering as a mentor, you directly contribute to the creation of the next generation of ethical, responsible, and confident leaders in Contra Costa County. The mission is clear: to continue Building Game Changers, one swing and one life lesson at a time.
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