In December 2021, 12-year-old Youth on Course member Jaden Nacional and his family set off to travel around the U.S. in their RV to explore National Parks and national monuments, visit relatives and, of course, play some golf along the way with Jaden's YOC membership.
So far, Jaden has been able to play 70 rounds of golf (and counting!) for $5 or less in 11 states!
While golf has been a big part of this travel around North America, Jaden has had some incredible experiences off of the golf course that he will surely never forget.
Let's hear more about this adventure from Jaden:
Since December 2021 when my family and I went full time RV. So far we have traveled 7,250 miles and have visited California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon and Wyoming. I wanted to include golf in our adventure because I wanted to experience many different courses, and I love meeting new people. I have been able to play 70 Youth on Course rounds and I have met many other YOC members out there.
"Every YOC course Jaden plays, he thanks them for being a part of Youth on Course. He tries to do a short interview with the head Pro or GM or anyone who is willing to get interviewed. If he can't get an interview, he just does his review on the course." - Bernie Nacional, Jaden's Dad
My favorite YOC golf course that I’ve played so far is Poppy Hills in Pebble Beach, California because of the wonderful landscape of the course. The staff was friendly and the food was awesome. What made it even more special was I got to play there on my 12th birthday with my friend Dev who drove all they way from San Jose!
Oh, and I got to meet John Rahm at Papago Golf Course in Phoenix, Arizona! He had just won the Spanish Open. You never know who will meet at a participating YOC course!
Outside of golf, my family and I have visited 25 out of 64 National Parks in the country, a lot of State Parks and we’ve met so many people along the way. I participate in the National Parks Junior Ranger Program where I get to learn about the National Parks we visit, complete an activity book and earn a Junior Ranger badge.
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The program has taught me to respect and protect the land and all the animals that live there so that everyone can enjoy it for years to come. My job as a Junior Ranger is to share what I have learned to everyone I meet.
Jaden at The Valley Of Fire State Park in Las Vegas
The Nacional family attended the 50th anniversary Ballon Fiesta in Albuquerque New Mexico in October.
I want to help educate families that don't yet have YOC that they can use their memberships all over the United States and Canada.
Thank you for sharing this awesome experience with us, Jaden!
If you'd like to follow Jaden's adventure on Instagram, you can follow him @JadensJourneys.