Editor’s note: This the third and last part of a three-part series on the Kaua‘i Junior Golf Association, who is currently in its recruitment phase for 2005. Contact Lynn Netzer at 822-0074 for more information or log on to www.kjga.org
Editor’s note: This the third and last part of a three-part series on the Kaua‘i Junior Golf Association, who is currently in its recruitment phase for 2005. Contact Lynn Netzer at 822-0074 for more information or log on to www.kjga.org and download an application form. The deadline to register is Feb. 11.
Over forty years ago, Chica Ishii, Mitchell Ota, Toyo Shirai, and Tom Tomimoto shared a desire to introduce youngsters to the game of golf and a willingness to help.
The mentoring program is going to be fashioned after the “Big Brother, Big Sister Program.” The KJGA, along with help from Vann Slatter are looking for volunteers for this enriching program. Volunteers need to be 18 years or older and if you’d like more information, contact Slatter at 346-1646.
“There are some kids who have grown up without a dad or mom, or they even come from single-parent families, so we’d like to give these individuals some good adult mentors,” Slatter said.
With help from Kaua‘i’s Anti-Drug Coordinator Roy Nishida, the KJGA is looking to implement drug education seminars.
“The County agreed to supply drug counselors and self-esteem counselors too, so we’re glad their pitching in,” Slatter said.
The self-esteem program in the meantime is also on the agenda for the KJGA.
“Some golfers may need some help with self-esteem, because not all of them will be good from the start,” Slatter said.
KJGA membership is open to male and female juniors who are between the ages of 7-18, not currently attending college, and can demonstrate a basic understanding of the game of golf.
The membership fee is $85 for the first child in a family and $50 for each additional sibling. Membership fee includes a copy of a handbook, six group golf lessons, rules sessions, a KJGA golf shirt, a USGA Rules of Golf book, and membership in the Hawai‘i State Junior Golf Association for 2005. Membership is for the calendar year, but will be terminated if the junior reaches his/her 19th birthday or enters college anytime therein.
The KJGA season commences with lessons in March and culminates during the summer with qualified juniors competing in statewide and national tournaments, then it winds down with fun oriented monthly tournaments until mid-December.
Parent orientation sessions are held early in the season to familiarize parents of new members with what they can expect from the program and what is expected of them.
The objective of the KJGA is to provide an environment where its junior members can enjoy the game of golf, and progress at his/her own rate while promoting and preserving the traditions and inegrity of the game.
Portions of this article were taken from the KJGA membership handbook.
