Nate Vollaro presents a donation check to Kyle Spaulding, Director of Golf, First Tee Philadelphia
Nate Vollaro from Morrisville epitomizes the Eagle Scout Oath: “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”
The rank of Eagle Scout is not easy to obtain and since the program’s beginning in 1912, only 6% of scouts have earned it. The rank is well respected among colleges, businesses, the military, and community service leaders because it requires such intense efforts and involves such a lengthy review process. Colleges value this accomplishment because Eagle Scouts have proven that they have positive character traits and are capable leaders.
Nate Vollaro, a senior at Pennsbury High School, and a member of Yardley’s Troop 230 is currently working on the projects necessary to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. The organizations that will benefit from his efforts are Oxford Valley Golf Course in Fairless Hills, as well as First Tee of Philadelphia.
First Tee of Philadelphia is a youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to young people. As a First Tee coach states, “Golf is a game about perseverance. You may hit some bad shots. You’re going to hit some bumps in the road. But that’s okay. Just keep going.” Just like in life.
First Tee knows that “Experience is our greatest teacher.” They believe in “developing the experiences that are just as much fun as they are meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and better equipped for whatever comes their way next.” Their mission is to “seamlessly integrate the game of golf with life skills curriculum.”
Former PGA Tour Commissioner, Tim Finchem, started First Tee in 1997 in order to make golf more accessible. Since then, millions of young people, ages 7 to 14 plus have been served.
In Bucks County, there are three First Tee locations at Bensalem Country Club, Bridge Street Golf in Morrisville, and Five Ponds Golf Course in Warminster.
Nate Vollaro thought the organization was so worthwhile to the community that he devoted his Eagle Scout project to them. Nate says, “I hope to make a positive impact in the lives of children, and I hope kids get involved in golf as early as possible.”
Nate’s grandfather is the one who got him involved. “Golf made me feel better in general and helped me get on the golf team at Pennsbury and to get a job on a driving range,” explained Nate. He’s hoping that what golf did for him, it will do for others in terms of self-confidence and being comfortable making personal connections with players of the same age.
At Oxford Valley Golf Course, Nate, along with younger scouts and friends, installed new signage in locations most needed on the course. Nate built the signs with help from a Scoutmaster and assembled them in his garage.
Donations were given to this course in the form of paint, gravel, paintbrushes, and extra signposts. Other donations from neighbors, family, friends and collection boxes left at the course included golf bags, balls, tees, shoes and other items. First Tee will receive a donation of all money not spent on this project at Oxford Valley Golf Course.
When Nate graduates next year, he plans to attend a four-year college to obtain a degree in Forensic Science, and then to join either the State Trooper program or an inner-city patrol program to become a Patrol Officer.