When you get to the green, gather with your team and read the text below to cast vision for your time together.

The TreeHouse Mission:

TreeHouse is on a mission to end hopelessness among teens. And we know that supportive relationships are a key tool in the fight against hopelessness. There is power in a question, in authenticity, and vulnerability. At TreeHouse, we provide safe spaces for those types of conversations to happen.

The Purpose of Today:

As you golf today, we invite you to use the conversation prompts below to experience a taste of the types of discussions that teens participate in every week. At the specific holes indicated, begin by reading the prompt, and discuss it while you golf that hole. Let’s go tee up hope for teens!

Discussion

Identify two or three emotions you experienced on the last hole. Use “I feel” statements, like “I felt frustrated when my ball went into the water,” or “I felt excited when I was able to make a par.”

TreeHouse Insight

Every week, teens meet in support group at TreeHouse where they are invited to share three emotions that they felt that week. Doing this helps teens give voice to the things going on within them and lets others into what they’re experiencing. Mentors aren’t there to give advice, but to listen and facilitate peer-to-peer support.

Discussion

At Hole 3, you used “I feel” statements. Think back to being a teenager—what would it have been like to express your emotions this way?

TreeHouse Insight

At TreeHouse, we think of hopelessness like a knot. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and often difficult to untangle. But we also know that this knot of hopelessness gets unraveled primarily through trusting relationships built over time. A major factor in teens not feeling alone is knowing that someone else has experienced what they have. Knowing they’re not alone in feelings of hopelessness can help in unraveling the knot and make room for hope to grow.

TreeHouse Insight

TreeHouse works with teens in rural, urban, and suburban contexts. Each of these contexts provides unique challenges, but we walk with teens through whatever they’re facing. Our volunteers are passionate community members who understand the needs of their community. They are trained and equipped to help teens navigate the difficulties of their specific context.

Discussion

Describe the community where you grew up as a teenager.

Extra Challenge

Team Captain shares first.

Discussion

Describe the peer group or community you were closest to in high school.

Discussion

Describe an adult that had a significant positive impact on you.

Extra Challenge

Whoever made the putt on the last hole picks who shares first.

Discussion

What was your post-high school decision, and how did you make it?

TreeHouse Insight

TreeHouse Next is a program of TreeHouse that offers personalized coaching to help teens create an educational or vocational track for their future. Coaches mentor teens each step of the way—with assistance in applying to college or vocational school, money management and financial aid counseling, resume and interview prep, and much more. If you are interested in becoming a TreeHouse Next Coach, visit TreeHouseHope.org.

Discussion

How do you think the things you struggled with as a teen are or are not different from the things that teens struggle with today?

Extra Challenge

The person who had the shortest tee shot at the last hole shares first.

TreeHouse Insight

Our TreeHouse staff and volunteers have been walking with our teens through the collective traumatic events of the last few months beginning with the pandemic, school closing and distance learning, George Floyd’s murder and subsequent social unrest, businesses closing, and ongoing economic impact.
For many teens, these already-difficult situations are compounded by not having the benefit of maturity and perspective, and perhaps already dealing with difficult situations at home. We know that just because a teen is involved in TreeHouse doesn’t mean they won’t struggle with life’s challenges, but we are here to help them build resiliency through strong relationships and reminding them of the TreeHouse Truths: 1) I am lovable, capable, and worthwhile. 2) I am loved without strings and never alone. 3) I have a future.

Discussion

Reflect on the last few months for yourself. What is one difficult emotion you have felt? Share if you are comfortable and give encouragement to your teammates without giving advice—just by lending support.

Discussion

If you resonated with the conversations and experience you had on the course today, how can you share this experience with others? Who could you deepen your relationship with this week?