Building an Introductory Summer Camp Course
Since I've been more and more addicted to this sport, the prospect of course design intrigues me. I now have the opportunity to share this great sport with ~3000 kids per summer.
I've been working on and off at a Summer Camp doing Maintenance here in MN. Since I've started here in the spring I'd been continually throwing nickles in people's ears about the possiblity of a course on property, how it's a growing sport, a great thing for kids to learn as it is a hobby that can last the rest of their lives. Well, the director approached me today "Did you hear the good news? We got about $1000 to spend on that disc golf project." Well, they know I was hoping for more $ and that number will be fluid (ie. As the project goes on, and I can prove more value, the donors will be willing to shell out more cash, or pull the plug if they feel they won't see a return). But $1000 is what we'll work with for now. We will have an official meeting regarding this (and other projects, which I could possibly encorporate into the course, imagine a zipline from hole to hole, or some kind of teambuilding activity between holes).
So, the property is probably large enough for 9 holes, but for now I'm thinking a 3 hole loop will fit what they're looking for in a 1(possibly 2) hour long block of time for the children (ages 5-12) to get a quick introduction to the sport. So I come to this forum for advice. General advice regarding a first time course design and installation, typical first timer mistakes to look out for (I'm sure I'll have more specifics as time goes on), and specifics regarding the following:
(I also realize that much of this information can probably be found within this forum or other websites, links are appreciated, I don't really have the ability to browse the web at this point, I'm working on my phone)
I don't have an area picked out yet, but I'm about to walk the property for some ideas. As that progresses I'm sure I'll come here for advice. It will be technical, most likely will include some elevation, I'm thinking 150-250' per hole.
Proposal/Bid. Any links to proposals already created that you are willing to share, I'd love to see them, any hints on creating a proposal (where is the money going).
Benefits. How does a disc golf course benefit a summer camp program (Recreation activity, lifelong sport, etc)?
Spending $1000. Do I have enough for 3 holes (labor and equipment not included)? Who do I approach for baskets (any specific manufacturer/retailer that might be willing to work out some deals, or wholesale/nonprofit/educational prices I could find) - Which baskets should I look into, and what prices will we be looking at per fully installed basket? What other expenses are involved?
Equipment. Discs will probably come out of another budget, but again are there retailers that will cut a deal for this kind of project? Or at least the best place to look for bulk beginners discs?
Signage/how to teach without being present. I imagine a sign showing the typicals (distance, map, par, hole #, next tee) as well as teaching campers some basics of disc golf (I may start a separate thread on what to include here, but some ideas are intro to dg, grips, release angles, types of throws, etc). Another cool aspect is that they may be going more technological in the next year or two around here, the counselor for a group of campers will have a wireless tablet. A QR code on the tee sign could link to an instructional video or other DG footage (feel free to expand on ideas here). Where should I look for pricing on this type of tee sign?
Grants. Of course I can always do bigger and better things with more $ Any specific places to look for organizations that might be willing to donate to this type of project?
Ok, time to go walk the property, I look forward to seeing some responses, I'll know more info after my meeting in the next 24 hours. Thank you all for your input and help, I'm sure more questions will come up as the project goes on, I'll keep you updated.
Since I've been more and more addicted to this sport, the prospect of course design intrigues me. I now have the opportunity to share this great sport with ~3000 kids per summer.
I've been working on and off at a Summer Camp doing Maintenance here in MN. Since I've started here in the spring I'd been continually throwing nickles in people's ears about the possiblity of a course on property, how it's a growing sport, a great thing for kids to learn as it is a hobby that can last the rest of their lives. Well, the director approached me today "Did you hear the good news? We got about $1000 to spend on that disc golf project." Well, they know I was hoping for more $ and that number will be fluid (ie. As the project goes on, and I can prove more value, the donors will be willing to shell out more cash, or pull the plug if they feel they won't see a return). But $1000 is what we'll work with for now. We will have an official meeting regarding this (and other projects, which I could possibly encorporate into the course, imagine a zipline from hole to hole, or some kind of teambuilding activity between holes).
So, the property is probably large enough for 9 holes, but for now I'm thinking a 3 hole loop will fit what they're looking for in a 1(possibly 2) hour long block of time for the children (ages 5-12) to get a quick introduction to the sport. So I come to this forum for advice. General advice regarding a first time course design and installation, typical first timer mistakes to look out for (I'm sure I'll have more specifics as time goes on), and specifics regarding the following:
(I also realize that much of this information can probably be found within this forum or other websites, links are appreciated, I don't really have the ability to browse the web at this point, I'm working on my phone)
I don't have an area picked out yet, but I'm about to walk the property for some ideas. As that progresses I'm sure I'll come here for advice. It will be technical, most likely will include some elevation, I'm thinking 150-250' per hole.
Proposal/Bid. Any links to proposals already created that you are willing to share, I'd love to see them, any hints on creating a proposal (where is the money going).
Benefits. How does a disc golf course benefit a summer camp program (Recreation activity, lifelong sport, etc)?
Spending $1000. Do I have enough for 3 holes (labor and equipment not included)? Who do I approach for baskets (any specific manufacturer/retailer that might be willing to work out some deals, or wholesale/nonprofit/educational prices I could find) - Which baskets should I look into, and what prices will we be looking at per fully installed basket? What other expenses are involved?
Equipment. Discs will probably come out of another budget, but again are there retailers that will cut a deal for this kind of project? Or at least the best place to look for bulk beginners discs?
Signage/how to teach without being present. I imagine a sign showing the typicals (distance, map, par, hole #, next tee) as well as teaching campers some basics of disc golf (I may start a separate thread on what to include here, but some ideas are intro to dg, grips, release angles, types of throws, etc). Another cool aspect is that they may be going more technological in the next year or two around here, the counselor for a group of campers will have a wireless tablet. A QR code on the tee sign could link to an instructional video or other DG footage (feel free to expand on ideas here). Where should I look for pricing on this type of tee sign?
Grants. Of course I can always do bigger and better things with more $ Any specific places to look for organizations that might be willing to donate to this type of project?
Ok, time to go walk the property, I look forward to seeing some responses, I'll know more info after my meeting in the next 24 hours. Thank you all for your input and help, I'm sure more questions will come up as the project goes on, I'll keep you updated.
