When youth signed up to a part of Brookland Golf Park’s Junior League, little did they know they would be learning much more than just the game of golf. That’s because their league director is a motivational speaker and founder of Be the Nice Kid, Bryan Skavnak.
Recently, we had the opportunity to interview Bryan about his work with the Junior League at Brookland Golf Park and here is what he had to say…
Q. What special approach do you take when teaching the game of golf to youth?
A. We do it in 2 ways. The first is to get to know every kid individually. Family, brothers, sisters. What else do they like to do. What makes them happy. Where do they go to school. We want to get them comfortable, because they’ll be able to learn a lot more that way. And the second way is we play games. Constant games. Whatever makes it fun for the kids is the way to go. They learn so much through games without even knowing it. That’s the best part.
Q. What do you hope the kids learn from you?
A. I hope they learn that this is just a game. But it’s a game that can teach so much. Not everyone is going to be a skilled golfer, but they be kind to each other. They can have fun. They can compliment others. They can learn a ton about themselves too.
Q. How do you incorporate Be the Nice Kid into the work with you do with kids at Brookland?
A. It’s inherent in everything I do. Golf is just golf. But the person behind the golf club… that’s what’s important. Golf has a way of bringing out the good and bad in people. But we can learn from these successes and mistakes. I tell a lot of stories to the kids that are relatable both the golf and Be the Nice Kid.
Q. What is Be the Nice Kid’s philosophy?
A. That we are all good at something. Sometimes it’s not sports or art, but kids can be good at being kind. Or including others. Or making other people feel good. We try to build confidence in kids so they’re able to be who they want to be.
Q. How long have you been working with youth and what have been some roles?
A. Ever since I was in high school. I refereed basketball starting in 9th grade and kept going for 20 years. I coached a t-ball team. Then in college I started teaching Park and Rec golf classes. I kept it going throughout and after college and eventually built my Academy. Then Be the Nice Kid was born and now I talk with schools about kindness, inclusion, and generosity all over the world.
Q. What brings you back to Brookland each year?
A. It’s home. It’s where I learned how to golf. I used to bike up to Brookland with a few clubs and sneak on to play. Then I played in a league there with my friends. I made a hole in one there. It just has a bunch of great memories and I want to pass that same feeling to the kids that are there now.
To learn more about Brookland Golf Park and all of their offerings, please their website here.