Noozhawk’s ParentNooz Camp Guide is officially here and designed to simplify your summer planning for your child!
To empower parents with the necessary resources to make informed decisions regarding summer camps in Santa Barbara, we’ve engaged in insightful interviews with representatives from various local programs for this year’s comprehensive Summer Camp Guide.
In this interview, Noozhawk spoke with Carly Malanfant, Pro-Shop Manager at Twin Lakes Golf Course to learn more about the summer programs they are offering this year.
Question: What is the name of your camp or program, and what is its primary focus?
Answer: Santa Barbara’s best Junior Golf Program! Twin Lakes Junior Golf offers a fresh and fun way to get your child involved and excited to learn the game of golf. We will focus on building skills that will allow players to develop solid fundamentals with regards to full swing, short game, putting, and on course play.
Our program isn’t your typical golf camp- we have a variety of unique golf games as well. These games will help your junior create a positive relationship with golf and build skills to last a lifetime.
Q: How long have you been running the program? Do you have any professional accreditations or certifications?
A: This is our Head of Junior Instruction- Coach Mick’s 3rd Summer, while the program itself has been around for over 30 years. The curriculum is designed by California PGA Teacher’s Hall of Fame Member Don Parsons.
Q: What specific goals or objectives will participants be working towards during their time at the camp?
A: We want our juniors to fall in love with the game of golf! Full swing, chipping and putting will be taught in a fun, game-like setting. Creative ideas and techniques are introduced to golf while providing juniors with basic knowledge in a safe and game-filled environment.
Q: Can you describe the educational components integrated into your program?
A: We work to incorporate all fundamental aspects of golf into our program. From working on the golf swing, to the basic rules and etiquette to make sure your child is prepared to take what they learn on the course.
Q: What is the daily schedule like, including activities, meals, and rest periods?
A: Camp begins at 8:30am and pickup is at 12:30pm Monday through Friday. While every day of camp may be different, there will be time spent on the golf course, the driving range, short game, and inside at our golf simulator with Foresight technology.
There will be two 15 minute breaks throughout for campers to enjoy a snack or rest. Campers may bring their own snacks/lunch. There is a water fountain to fill up water bottles. In addition, our golf shop sells small snacks (fruit snacks, chips, candy), as well as beverages (water, Gatorade, lemonade, soda) for purchase if you wish to send your child with money.
Our Mini’s Summer Camp (ages 4-7) is only an hour long format, only taking a break if needed. Time will be spent learning the basics of the game, equipment, rules and etiquette. They will practice putting, chipping, and full swing skills through age-appropriate, game-based methods.
Q: What is the typical age range of campers who attend your programs?
A: Our Junior Golf Program is for children ages 7 to 14. We also offer a Mini’s program for children ages 4 to 7.
Q: Do you offer full day and 1/2 day options?
A: Junior Golf is from 8:30am to 12:30pm Monday through Friday.
Junior Golf Mini’s (every other week) is from 1:30-2:30 Monday through Friday.
We are open to prorate if your child cannot make every day of camp that week, or they are able to make up a day they missed during another week of camp.
Q: What are your policies regarding staff background checks, training, and the child-to-staff ratio? How do you ensure the safety and well-being of campers?
A: We make sure all of our staff is well qualified. In addition to our Head of Junior Instruction, our staff is composed of Young Adult golfers who are excellent role models for our campers.
Our child-to-staff ratio is never more than 4 to 1.
Safety is a number 1 priority! We have many rules and regulations to ensure every child is safe. Safety rules will be explained in detail on the first day of camp each week, and continuously enforced.
Q: What is the cost of attending your camp, and do you offer any financial assistance or scholarships?
Answer: Junior Golf Summer Camp is $350 per week, with an Early Bird Discount at $300.
Mini’s Junior Golf is $160 per week, with an Early Bird Discount at $120.
Q: Is there anything you would like to share about your program that was not already mentioned above?
A: Our programs are designed for all skill levels. We want our juniors to fall in love with the game of golf! Full swing, chipping and putting will be taught in a fun, game-like setting. Creative ideas and techniques are introduced to golf while providing juniors with basic knowledge in a safe and game-filled environment.
Click here to learn more about Twin Lakes Golf Course!