More Than a Golf Camp: Introducing the NextGen Leadership Lab
At Aspen NextGen Golf Academy, we believe golf teaches much more than how to hit a great shot. Every swing, every missed putt, and every challenge on the course is an opportunity to grow as a person. That's why, this summer, we introduced something new alongside our golf instruction: the NextGen Leadership Lab.
The Leadership Lab is designed to help campers build the skills that matter both on and off the golf course. While students continue learning the fundamentals of golf, they also spend time developing confidence, emotional intelligence, resilience, and leadership through fun discussions, activities, and reflection.
Dr. Marc Brackett
One of the biggest ideas we teach is that every emotion has a purpose. Inspired by Dr. Marc Brackett of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, campers learn that emotions are valuable information. Feeling nervous before a tournament, frustrated after a bad shot, or excited about improvement are all normal emotions that can help us learn if we understand them. Campers also explore the Mood Meter, a simple tool that helps them recognize how they are feeling and make thoughtful choices instead of reacting in the moment.
Dr. Carol Dweck
Another important lesson comes from Stanford psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck and her idea of a growth mindset. Rather than saying, "I'm just not good at golf," campers learn to say, "I'm not good at golf yet." That one word reminds them that improvement comes through practice, effort, and persistence: not natural talent alone.
Dr. Angela Duckworth
The Leadership Lab also introduces campers to the concept of grit, developed by Dr. Angela Duckworth. Grit is the ability to keep going even when things become difficult. Whether learning a new golf skill or facing a challenge at school, success often belongs to those who continue showing up and working hard.
Dr. Brené Brown
We also discuss courage with the work of Dr. Brené Brown and the importance of focusing on what we can control through Mel Robbins' "Let Them. Let Me." philosophy. Campers discover that they cannot control every outcome, but they can always control their effort, attitude, kindness, and character.
Our hope is that every child leaves NextGen Golf Academy with more than an improved golf swing. We want them to leave with stronger friendships, greater confidence, a better understanding of themselves, and the belief that leadership begins with how we treat others. NextGen’s greatest goal isn't simply to build better golfers, it's to help develop kind, resilient, and courageous young leaders who will make a positive difference wherever they go.
