REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — When we’re young, the lessons that we learn in school can become the skills we use every day, and truly unique lessons often last a lifetime. That’s why KTVZ News and Mid Oregon Credit Union created a program to reward local teachers and classrooms for making our community better, One Class at a Time.
On Monday, we visited Vern Patrick Elementary School in Redmond, and even though it was just first period, kids were already outside playing golf.
But this isn’t PE, it’s a special program run by the Central Oregon Junior Golf Association. Their mission is to spark an interest in the game and make golf more accessible to kids of all backgrounds.
Nate Kitt of COJGA told KTVZ News, “We’re just trying to teach a love for the game of golf. A lot of these kids have never swung a club, and so we’re teaching them how to hold it, how to have fun with their friends outside.
If they happen to really enjoy it or find that they’re pretty good, we want them to come to some of our after-school programs and summer camps. Even if the kids don’t fall in love with golf, there’s value in getting out of the classroom and learning hands-on physical skills.”
That’s worth $1,000 to us and Mid Oregon Credit Union. The Central Oregon Junior Golf Association plans to use the donation to help launch another youth program in Madras.