Everything you need to know about the New Member Program at Shadow Wood
Once you join a club, you are eagerly anticipating getting involved and meeting people. It’s one of the top reasons someone joins a club! But sometimes it can be easier said than done.
Shadow Wood is committed to providing a welcoming experience from your first day of membership, and one way we accomplish this is by offering numerous New Member Events programs for you to get involved with.
The onboarding program includes a club orientation and a New Member Ambassador assignment. Then, all new members are invited to participate in an immersive New Member event schedule through their first full year of membership.
Who are “New Members”?
All members in their first year of joining are encouraged to attend as many new member events as they'd like throughout the season. We understand that sometimes the first year goes by too fast and you don’t get to participate as much as you’d like. There is plenty of flexibility in the program, so as long as you feel like a new member, you are encouraged to participate!
What Events are Offered?
Each year, the Membership Committee comes up with a schedule of events to fit the various needs and schedules of our new members. From Breakfast to Happy Hour, and Golf to Bocce, all new members are sure to find something (or many things!) they can enjoy.
New Member Coffee & Conversations -
Join fellow new members on the first Monday of every month in The Lounge for a chance to get to know each other in a casual setting. Coffee, tea, and pastries are available in a setting designed to encourage conversation and connections among the newest members of Shadow Wood.
Happy Hour Newcomers Corner -
Every Wednesday at Shadow Wood, Members come together for the social night of the week with a member mixer happy hour, buffet dinner with alternating themes, and live entertainment. On the second Wednesday of each month, new members are encouraged to gather on the sunset terrace in the “Newcomers Corner” to start the night with cocktails and a chance to make new friendships.
Breakfast Club -
The Breakfast Club was started several years ago by a New Member who wanted to bring people together in the community and it has continued on strong ever since. On the fourth Friday of the month, members are invited to gather for breakfast with a featured speaker who is relevant to our community. Past speakers have included the Mayor of Estero, the CEO of Lee Health Coconut Point, the SWCA or SWCC President, the Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation rep, and more. The table assignments are mixed up each time with the idea that each time you attend, you will have the opportunity to meet new people.
Bocce Clinic & Dinner -
Learn the basics of bocce with fellow new members. Play a round robin style bocce match, then meet for dinner & socializing in Lakeside.
New Member Mixer -
A special complimentary evening for new members in their first year to meet & greet with the Board & Management team. Chef attended food stations and cocktails are included.
9 & Dine -
Grab your clubs and tee off with new members on one of the three Shadow Wood Courses followed by a scoring party and dinner in Lakeside.
Any other advice?
Don’t forget your member name tag! All members have name tags in the lobby. These are not only great to help put names and faces together, but they also list your home town in hopes of creating easy ice breakers for conversation. We strongly recommend wearing your name tag at all new member events, and leaving them in the cabinets when you leave so they are there for your next social event!
