If 14 was "par" for the course of the 2007 Summer Golf Program of Bergenfield schools, then how can 40 be even better?
It can when the numbers actually represent the increase in the number of middle and high school students with autism who will be part of the innovative program’s second season.
The program, officially called "Not Far From Par," has been receiving national attention, noted Bergenfield Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Kuchar.
It figured strongly in the Bergenfield school district’s selection to receive the 2008 Innovations in Special Education Award from the New Jersey School Boards Association and the Association of Schools and Agencies for the Handicapped, Kuchar said.
The district was chosen to receive the award from among many applicants on the basis of the degree of innovation, how well the project addressed student needs, how it was integrated into the curriculum, evaluation strategies, parent/community involvement and the quality of the presentation of the information.
The program is being sponsored by the United States Golf Association and Autism Speaks, in close cooperation with the Knickerbocker Country Club.
Also factored into the program’s success is the combined $100,000 donation from the Bergenfield, Dumont and New Milford/Teaneck Elks lodges.
Instruction is provided by members of the Bergen County Department of Parks and staff familiar with the needs of students with autism.
"The summer golf program is a unique golf initiative that helps students with autism establish meaningful social relationships, engage in physical activity, and develop a source of self-esteem that leads to more inclusion in the classroom," Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney said in announcing the program’s renewal and expansion.
Bergen County Freeholder Vernon C. Walton commented, "With instances of autism on the rise, the calls for meeting the needs of families with autistic children are not enough; therefore, we are proud to join the Bergenfield public schools in this exceptional program that contributes to the development of autistic students and their integration into the community," said.
"The summer golf program underlines our commitment to providing high quality recreational and fun activities in our county parks for all youngsters to enjoy," he said.
But Kuchar said it is even more than that.
He pointed out that the "Not Far From Par" program is not focused on preparing children for a life of leisure, but rather serves as a unique behavior-modification tool to help children with autism learn that special social settings call for specific behaviors.
Additionally, the program utilizes sensory stimulation and motor skills to help teens with autism connect both to their environment and with their peers, teachers and parents.
Educators have found that golf instruction has proven to be an effective tool for reaching teens with autism by improving communication skills, enhancing self-regulation and improving gross/fine motor skills.
Because golf is an individual activity with repetitive rituals and a rich history of tradition and social etiquette, it has proven so far to be an outstanding means to connect with adolescence with autism.
Through an engaging social activity, that provides a basis for lifelong enjoyment, students have been able to learn that each situation in life has an established set of expectations.
Last summer’s participating students were given unique opportunities on a regular basis to practice functioning within a specific setting according to acceptable standards.
They attended a four-week summer program that met five days per week and included one-and-one-half hours of golf instruction for four days.
Two days of instruction took place at Bergenfield High School, and two days, at a nearby driving range.
The four days of instruction focused on both golf skills and golf etiquette.
On the fifth day of each week, students visited an actual golf course and played an outing of golf for three hours. One parent of each child was invited to join the child in a round of golf on the final day of the program.
The 2008 program will run at the Valley Brook Golf Course in River Vale and the Knickerbocker Country Club from July 7 until August 1.
Participants will be offered two sessions, from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
With the program’s renewal and expansion comes the need for more help.
McNerney said, "Residents have an opportunity to become part of the staff of a program that’s the first of its kind in the nation."
Dr. Arthur Freiman, director of pupil personnel services for Bergenfield public schools, said, "The staff will have a wonderful opportunity to work with students in a nonacademic setting that teaches students with autism a lifelong recreation skill."
"Students and staff develop close relationships while learning how to play golf," he said.
Due to the program’s expansion, additional staff members will be needed this summer. Residents who have experience working with students with autism are encouraged to apply.
Individuals interested in staff positions should send a letter of interest or a resume to Freiman at Bergenfield Public Schools, 80 S. Prospect Ave., Bergenfield NJ 07621.
For additional information, call 201-385-6956.
