With an engineering degree from Michigan State University and a Masters from The Johns Hopkins University, you might not expect Karin Van Slyke to spend much time on the golf course. But after a 20-year career at Westinghouse/Northrop Grumman that's exactly part of her new equation.
While Karin is a manager at the Fairway Hills pro shop some days, she also spends four days a week coaching a variety of levels of all girl classes for The First Tee of Howard as well as coordinating the program's LPGA/USGA Girls Golf Program - a unique partnership that is designed to empower and inspire girls through golf. The goal of the program is to make every girl feel important, appreciated, respected, supported and safe.
The Girls Golf Program is done in conjunction with The First Tee program, but also through a series of monthly special events that are sponsored throughout the year. These events include the Mother/Daughter and Father/Daughter golf outings, Night Golf and social activities like miniature golf and movie night. Last year nearly 90 girls participated in the program.
"I have watched girls grow not just in their golf skills, but also in life skills through this program," Van Slyke said.
The 9th Taste for The First Tee will be held Thursday, April 14 at Turf Valley in Ellicott City. This annual event provides an opportunity for food, fun and a lot of support to The First Tee of Howard County. Each year some of the county's best restaurants share their talents with guests. Coupled with live music, silent and live auction and chance to hear directly from our amazing participants. Participating restaurants in the past have included Bistro Blanc, Eggspectation, Grille 620, The King's Contrivance and more! Sponsorships are now available for the event. Save your seat today.
For more information please contact Board Member Michael Bosica.
Calling All Parents!
The First Tee of Howard County is in the process of forming a Parent Advisory Board to help inform and engage parents in the program. Our goal is to provide a forum where we can encourage parent involvement, share the vast national opportunities available for our local youth and get feedback on how to continue making The First Tee one of the area's premier youth development organizations.
Join us Wednesday, February 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Fairway Hills Golf Club. For more information please contact Board Member and parent Michelle Lurie at 410.796.2326 or theluries@comcast.net.
And Don't Forget About the Teens...
The First Tee of Howard County is in the process of forming a
Teen Advisory Board to keep teens engaged and active in our program. Our goal is to provide a forum where teens can make connections, learn about the vast local and national opportunities available and to provide feedback on how to continue making The First Tee one of the area's premier youth development organizations.
The
first meeting of the TEEN Advisory Board will be held on Wednesday, February 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Fairway Hills Golf Club (NOTE: same date and time as the Parent Advisory Board meeting for your convenience)
If you are interested in joining us, or learning more, please contact ACE-Level Student, Harper Lurie at 410.796.2326 or hlgolfgal@gmail.com.
2016 Winter Classes
Winter re-evaluation classes will begin on February 13. All classes will be held at Fairway Hills Golf Club. There will be opportunities for PLAYer, PAR and BIRDIE participants.
Please note there is an age and prior class participation requirement for this session.
