Upon accepting the position as PGA Professional for the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch, Tom Shea knew he had answered his calling and he wanted to connect the game he loves with the children or ranchers with whom he interacts. Tom began his research into programs that could build upon the education the ranchers were receiving. One of the first items he stumbled across was our STEM education program at GCSAA, The First Green.

Tom’s inquiries led him to me, and we set a video meeting with Tom, Leann Cooper, and myself. Tom immediately saw the benefit of our First Green program and wanted to connect it with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches around the state. Tom even participated in our First Green field trip during the 2023 Conference and Trade Show at Orange Tree Golf Club. He was hooked and immediately sought out ways to get me involved with the administration of the Sheriffs Youth Ranch in Safety Harbor, Fla.

It just so happened that the facility in Safety Harbor, Fla., celebrated 65 years of serving the community on Saturday, March 4, 2023. Tom invited me to attend the event and even though it would mean over six hours in the car on a Saturday, how could I say no to what proved to be such an eye-opening and enriching experience? 

Immediately upon observing the interactions between the ranchers and those in attendance, I knew this was a special organization and I wanted our First Green program aligned with their efforts. TJ was the rancher who led my tour of the facility. He is 8 years old with the best sense of humor and never-ending good manners. I came to realize in conversations with others on the tour that these children were not in the program because they had run afoul of the law, but rather they were rescued from home lives that were less than desirable and had been entered into the foster care system. 

The campus, which includes an activity center, administration building, swimming pool, maintenance building, chapel, and three cottages, can house 30 ranchers on this 26-acre property. The children must keep their living quarters in “tour condition” and the common areas and bedrooms were very tidy — my boys could learn a thing or two from the ranchers!

Currently, one of the cottages is being renovated and therefore there are only 19 ranchers ages 3-18 on property. Every interaction with the children was met with smiles and kind words. These kids have seen hard times and the Youth Ranch serves as an opportunity to teach them life skills and reach goals they may not otherwise even considered. 

Thanks to Tom Shea and his vision, I had the chance to see first-hand the positive influence the Youth Ranches have on the children. I also had the opportunity to discuss our First Green Program with the Executive Vice President, Maria Knapp, and the Director of Development, Wayne Witczak. It is apparent that we could do so much through the First Green with these children and potentially expose them to career opportunities of which they are not even aware.

I am looking forward to continuing conversations with Tom and the staff at The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch Program. The long, traffic-laden drive could not spoil my day as I am pretty sure I smiled the entire way home. This was truly one of those days and experiences that make you realize you are doing something with your career that can positively impact many people and allows you to witness the good that exists even when there are so many negatives you can focus upon.