Ryan Cummings was determined to host a First Green field trip, so much so, he spent over two years planning with the school and faculty to ensure the event took place. In late April, his hard efforts paid off, as over 120 seventh grade students from Northridge Middle School descended upon Elcona Country Club in Bristol, Indiana, for a day filled with science, math, environmental awareness, physical activity and fun.
As the students arrived, they were split into eight groups, which then broke off into the six education stations setup among the club grounds. Ryan Cummings manned the station next to the club's rain garden where he provided education to the students on how the recycled wash water provides habitats for various plant life and pollinators, creating a vast ecosystem. He also spent time discussing some of the aspects of the golf course superintendent profession and provided a hands-on demonstration with the students using a soil sifter to showcase the different soil textures found throughout the property.
Adjacent to Ryan's demonstration, Northridge Middle School math teacher Caleb Mast involved students in a math problem. Students participated in an activity allowing them to measure a golf green using the offset method to determine the green's total area. This gave students another hands-on activity while utilizing real-life examples. Other stations on the day featured a salmon run activity which simulates the life of spawning salmon and a geocaching scavenger hunt utilizing GPS and the club's hiking trails.
Along with the STEM education, the students were also able to learn the basics of the game of golf. Elcona Country Club Head PGA Professional Tom Thome was on hand and led a station on the club's driving range where each student had the opportunity to hit golf balls during the day. For many, it was their first time ever picking up a golf club. Former Northridge High School golf coach Dennis Sienicki also volunteered his time and manned the putting green station. Here, students learned about putting basics and green undulations; and were able to attempt putts on various hole locations set on one of the club's practice greens.
A huge thank you goes out to 13-year GCSAA Class A member Ryan Cummings who worked tirelessly to ensure this event took place. I would also like to thank The Fort Golf Resort superintendent and 34-year GCSAA Class A member Randy Brehmer, CGCS, for volunteering his time and assisting at the various stations throughout the day to ensure the event's success.
To find out how you can host a First Green field trip and impact your local community, visit First Green.
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| Elcona CC superintendent Ryan Cummings educating students on the club's rain garden. |
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| Ryan Cummings providing students hands-on education on the various soil types found on the property. |
Along with the STEM education, the students were also able to learn the basics of the game of golf. Elcona Country Club Head PGA Professional Tom Thome was on hand and led a station on the club's driving range where each student had the opportunity to hit golf balls during the day. For many, it was their first time ever picking up a golf club. Former Northridge High School golf coach Dennis Sienicki also volunteered his time and manned the putting green station. Here, students learned about putting basics and green undulations; and were able to attempt putts on various hole locations set on one of the club's practice greens.
A huge thank you goes out to 13-year GCSAA Class A member Ryan Cummings who worked tirelessly to ensure this event took place. I would also like to thank The Fort Golf Resort superintendent and 34-year GCSAA Class A member Randy Brehmer, CGCS, for volunteering his time and assisting at the various stations throughout the day to ensure the event's success.
To find out how you can host a First Green field trip and impact your local community, visit First Green.
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