With summer winding down, kids are preparing for their return to school. But that doesn't mean they can't participate in the same fun summer activities once teachers start handing out homework.

The First Tee of Northern Nevada is making sure of that. The non-profit organization is currently accepting class registration for a fall after school program in September and October held at ArrowCreek Country Club, Washoe Golf Course and Wolf Run Golf Club.

Classes will meet twice a week for a four-week span and cost $80, but financial aid is available and no child will be turned away because of an inability to pay. Equipment is also available for kids without clubs.

Currently, the FTNN does not have a car pool program for kids who do not live near the courses, but addresses that problem by working closely with other youth organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, which does have its own van.

The FTNN was chartered in August of 2005 and is still going strong in the Truckee Meadows at nine courses.

Over 500 kids have participated in the program this year and Executive Director Liza Schumacher hopes the fall after school program will bring in new children, who can experience the various plusses of The First Tee.

"We'll probably have 30 to 40 new kids who have never participated before plus some returners. We have space in the September and October classes for just under 200 kids," Schumacher said.

D'Andrea Golf Club in Sparks is home to The First Tee, but young golfers are able to play some of the area's nicest courses, including the other three courses in the Rail City. The First Tee's golf and life skills lessons are taught at D'Andrea Golf Club, ArrowCreek Country Club, the Links at Kiley Ranch, Northgate Golf Course, the Resort at Red Hawk, Somersett Country Club, Washoe Golf Club, Wildcreek Golf Course and Wolf Run Golf Club.

Sparks' newest course, Kiley Ranch, hosted The First Tee's adult/child 9-hole tournament last Friday, which allowed nine of the donors or program sponsors to meet 27 of the children their donations are helping. The 27 children were selected based on essays they wrote.

However, The First Tee isn't just about playing golf on the weekends. The non-profit organization uses the sport in order to teach children from 6-18 years old values such as confidence, honesty, integrity, perseverance and sportsmanship to go along with golf skills.

Anyone between the ages of 6 and 18 can join no matter the skill level and for more information on the after school program, go to www.tftnn.org.