From Flip-Flops to Backpacks: Navigating the Summer-to-School Shift

(From Flip-Flops to Backpacks: Navigating the Summer-to-School Shift – Published 7/09/2026) As we ditch the long summer days of pools, camps, gaming, extended vacations, sleepovers, and late-night hangouts — and transition into bedtimes, homework, and shorter days — it’s important to help youth slide into the new routine with ease and confidence.

Here are some quick tips to help you make this transition a little easier.

  1. Create a Routine
    • Create a daily routine or personal calendar. Treat your routine as your best friend, when things get crazy, rely on your specific routine to give you control.
  2. Stay Active
    • Get out in nature. Our brain hertz tend to be high with so much stimulation and stress. Going on walks, playing sports, and exercising are proven ways to reduce the brain hertz, which increase our functional capacity, help us stay in the present, and access more of our brain.
  3. Enroll in Extracurriculars
    • Extracurriculars are an important part of all kids’ routines throughout their school years. “Students who participate in extracurricular activities report higher levels of self-concept and self-worth (Claudette Christison – Blomfield & Barber, 2009).” Christison goes on to explain that “they also have opportunities to develop personal interests and discover their strengths and weaknesses (Claudette Christison – Fredricks & Eccles, 2008), which is especially important during the adolescent stage of self-exploration.”

Register for FALL FTSV Program

We can be an option that addresses all three tips.

  1. Routine
    • Pick a class, once a week for 8 weeks, same day, time, and location each week. Your class will help form a routine
    • Learn about setting goals and routines in life and in golf
  2. Active
    • 98% of our students say their coaches kept them active and playing.
    • Our philosophy is to learn by doing and asking. All of our classes have games for the students to play, where they tie in their life and golf skills
  3. Extracurricular
    • Our classes are fun opportunities to build relationships, confidence, teamwork, and learn a sport that one can play their whole lives.
    • Our proven Life Skill curriculum connects well to school values and characteristics that lead to school success.

The First Tee – Silicon Valley FALL 2026 Classes begin September 8th Registration for our Fall 2026 Classes opens Wednesday, August 12th at 11am. We will announce the fall schedule on the week of July 21st. Register for an 8-week set of classes at one of our three locations:

Classes are open to all youth from 2nd to 12th grade. Equipment Provided. Financial aid is available on a sliding scale and can reduce the fee to $20-$180.

If you’re interested in registering your child or want to ask a question, please fill out the inquiry form below. Learn more about First Tee – Silicon Valley’s youth programs.

Fall Class Inquiry Form

Let us know your level of interest in registering your kid for our Fall Seasons OR if you have questions about registration.

Name(Required)
Preferred Language(Required)
Your Kid's Grade Group(Required)
Select the grade group for your kids, should you be registering them for the Fall Classes.
Interest Level(Required)
Select your level of interest in enrolling your kid in our program.
Select the course location:(Required)
Each course has different class schedules and availability may be limited.
Let us know if you have any questions or general inquiries. We’re here to help!
Interested in OR in-need of Financial Aid?
Please check this box if you want information about financial aid. NO ONE IS TURNED AWAY. All financial aid inquires are kept confidential. The Process for requesting financial assistance is within the registration process.