At First Tee golf camps, participants learn more than just patience and respect for the game of golf — they learn the values needed to play the game of life, explains Tina Pacheco, executive director of First Tee–Four Corners.
Founded over 20 years ago, First Tee offers golf camps and programs for youth and community members across the Four Corners region. With local programs hosted at Durango’s Hillcrest Golf Course, First Tee uses an evidence-based curriculum developed by coaches, educators, and child psychologists — one that blends the mechanics of golf with the fundamentals of character.
At the heart of that curriculum are First Tee’s nine core values, seamlessly woven into every lesson. Principles like respect, integrity, honesty, and perseverance don’t just show up in play — they show up in the way kids carry themselves on and off the course. With some students receiving scholarships, First Tee turns no one away and takes pride in working with diverse populations. Among those served are youth with special needs, children from domestic violence shelters, and veterans living with PTSD. Veterans, in particular, find peace and camaraderie on the green, aided by adaptive equipment that helps them reengage with the game regardless of physical ability.
Simply observing these camps, it becomes strikingly clear how powerful mentorship and consistency can be in a young person’s life, Tina Explains “For some of these kids, it’s the first time they’ve ever been able to call someone ‘coach.’”
The instruction is as varied as the individuals they serve, but the core philosophy remains the same. Offering programs for kids ages 7 to 17, First Tee builds its lessons gradually, reinforcing core values while increasing the complexity of both the game and the life skills being taught.
Equally important, First Tee coaches cultivate a “safe to fail” environment — a space where students can take risks, fall short, and still walk away with self-respect and emotional resilience.
And when long-term students graduate from high school, they’re eligible to apply for college scholarships — not because of their golf scores, but because of the character they’ve built along the way.
If you’re interested in getting involved, donating, or enrolling a young person in the program, visit firstteefourcorners.org.
For some of these kids, it’s the first time they’ve ever been able to call someone ‘coach.’”