Students learn the basic elements of golf from the pro.

St. Joseph’s sixth, seventh and eighth graders recently participated in a two-part clinic at the Chamberlain Golf Course that helped them learn two lifetime skills: budgeting and golfing.

Known as First Tee of South Dakota, the program is a partnership between the South Dakota Golf Association and Wells Fargo Bank. Students took a lesson on the basics of golf with an assistant golf pro and then headed indoors for a hands-on banking class facilitated by employees from a local Wells Fargo branch.

Students discuss problems on the budget worksheet, working with their instructor to find the answer.

“We’ve been doing these clinics in the area for several years,” said Jon, Assistant Vice President for Wells Fargo Bank in Chamberlain and Lower Brule. “St. Joseph’s students were very receptive; we were excited to be able to work with them.”

Designed for students ages 10-14, the banking class focused on basic budgeting. Students were given a shopping scenario which included a wish list, a specific amount of money to spend and the rate of sales tax they had to take into account. Students then decided which items from their list they could purchase with sales tax included and still remain within their budget.

After completing the budget worksheet, students learned about basic ways to begin saving money.

“This clinic reinforced many of the life skills we try to teach our students every day,” said Bryan, St. Joseph’s Rec Center Coordinator.

“We encourage them to make healthy choices, including being active and finding exercise they enjoy. Golf is an excellent sport for people of all ages, and the added lesson in personal budgeting only makes this program better.”