HOWARD BANKHEAD
Blog: April 2012
One of the most important things we have to do as a nation is developing young minds and character.
As summer is fast approaching, families, organizations, churches, etc are preparing for summer programs.
I know many youth will not have the opportunity to travel and take a vacation. I didn’t when I was growing up. But, I had the opportunity to work summer jobs and participate in summer sporting leagues such as baseball, but never golf.
In today’s world, less constructive summer jobs and sporting leagues are made available. If a child is not doing something productive with their time, that leads to mischief. In the underserved black communities, a large number of parents/guardians will drop off their child or allow their children to visit and hang around at the community recreational center.
For some reason(s), doing the summer months, when kids are out of school and the kids are suppose to be having a good time, a good number of our children are digressing educationally. I don’t have the statistics, but a number of school age students in the grades of 4-10 seem to lose in two months what they gained in nine months of schoolings.
These facts prove that during the summer months, there is a need for more structural educational and entertaining programs. Since going to school year-round is out of the question, I suggest the kids play summer sports and continue their education in a part-time school. This is an economic and educational matter, because remediation causes the educational systems time and money, the two major items we do not have enough of.
Talking with one of the Huntsville City School board members, he remembers dropping off their kids at the library for a period of time. The library had a program that complemented regular school learning. After educational time, the kids were allowed to have their play time and enjoy their summer vacation.
JOIN a program that offers a fun and developmental experience for your child/children. We can’t prevent “trouble” from our children’s lives, but in our golf program we will assure you that in our care your child will be in the best of hands. Not only will your child be in an environment that is conducive for learning and developing their character, they will most of all have a fun experience. In addition to the group program, mentoring is extended to all participants.
Building future golfers and good citizens.
We are not only depending on families and churches to bring their kid(s) to be part of Huntsville’s Tennessee Valley Youth Golf Development programs; we are being bold and reaching out to other youth-serving agencies.
In order to build the future golfers we need in the golf industry, and because of the compassion and love I have for children, I am volunteering and offering my experience, training and services to the following organizations:
-Boy Scouts Troop 102, 400 and other local troops
-Department of Human Services (DHR)
-Harris Homes for Children
-Boys & Girls Clubs of North Alabama
The programs/organizations welcome us in, but they cannot afford the nominal fee. In order for me to work with the youth in these organizations, we need financial support. Please send your tax deductible check to the address below…Thank you in advance!
Since government (federal, state and local) entities are cutting funding in education, the art and fitness programs, and/or not allowing proven effective non-profits to receive a piece of the status quo funding pie. I ask corporations, foundations and individuals to step up and support this youth life & golf skills educational program.
One cannot carry out a mission before its time. Even though the services offered (with my junior golf development for underserved kids) to the youth have been needed for decades, if the community/youth and families are not familiar with what you have to offer them, they will miss out of a good opportunity for their child’s development. Because of family structure and historical norms, the target that we aim to reach is not there. This is where the 3-5-10 mentoring initiative is needed.
Mark 9:35-37 NIV 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be very last, and the servant of all.” 36He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
Update on 3-5-10 Youth Development Mentoring program:
– 3 Years for High School
– 5 Years for Middle School
– 10 Year for Elementary School
The 3-5-10 is the only program I know of that can seriously address the lack of traditional family structure that limited the opportunity for more children to experience the wonderful game of golf.
My personal mission is to help young people be the best they can be!
My personal purpose is to help educate the youth where they will seek the glory of God and dedicate their lives to serve him.
I use positive music education, health awareness and life & golf skills programs to fulfill the mission and purpose that God has blessed me with.
Give Youth A Gift For Life, Youth Golf Development!
Howard Bankhead
Executive Director
Tennessee Valley Youth Golf Development
604 Jordan Lane
Huntsville, AL 35816 USA
256-604-8172
