On summer afternoons at Walnut Lane Golf Club, you’ll often hear laughter rising up the hillside—kids swapping stories, cheering each other on, and sharing tips they’ve picked up along the way. This is Kids on the Hill, a program that goes beyond golf, built through a partnership between First Tee – Greater Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Police Athletic League (PAL).
For many of these kids, stepping onto the course is something brand new. The game becomes their classroom, where lessons in patience, respect, and resilience take shape with every swing. But what makes Kids on the Hill truly special is the connection it fosters between young people and members of the Philadelphia Police Department.
Through shared experiences—walking the fairways, learning the rules of the game, celebrating small victories—participants and officers build relationships grounded in trust and understanding. A sport that might feel intimidating at first quickly becomes a bridge, creating space for mentorship and conversations that matter.
As one participant said after a recent session, “I didn’t think golf was for me. Now I look forward to it every week. It’s not just golf—it’s like having a new team.”
Programs like Kids on the Hill remind us that golf is more than a game. It’s a tool for bringing people together, breaking down barriers, and helping kids see new possibilities for themselves—on the course and in life.