Youth Archery Program-your thoughts please
01-06-2002, 09:08 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Pittsburgh PA USA
Posts: 186
Youth Archery Program-your thoughts please
If this is in the wrong forum... let me know and I will move it.
Recently, I received a $2,000.00 grant to start a unique youth archery program. It will include 1/2 day seminars... and 1/2 day week-long seminars covering topics ranging from the history of archery, traditional archery, modern compounds and 3D to target shooting, self bow construction, arrow making and [of course] bow hunting.
Bottom line... it will be safe... but very fun for the kids... not to mention the possibility that it may do something to help secure [in the future] what we already have [hunting rights/privileges].
Things are still in the planning stages... but it should be an experience... that's for sure.
My goal is to introduce the kids to the world of archery... and let them decide what they would like to do with it. It will be structured in such a manner so the kids will be exposed to [not bored from] several different aspects of our sport.
Now Mom won't be able to say, "No!" because she will see there is more to archery than hunting.
Additionally... there aren't any programs around here that offer the same [at the same location/same time] around these parts.
I think it's a step in the right direction... what do you think? Any input will be appreciated.
-DT
Edited by - PA DropTine on 01/06/2002 22:14:22
Recently, I received a $2,000.00 grant to start a unique youth archery program. It will include 1/2 day seminars... and 1/2 day week-long seminars covering topics ranging from the history of archery, traditional archery, modern compounds and 3D to target shooting, self bow construction, arrow making and [of course] bow hunting.
Bottom line... it will be safe... but very fun for the kids... not to mention the possibility that it may do something to help secure [in the future] what we already have [hunting rights/privileges].
Things are still in the planning stages... but it should be an experience... that's for sure.
My goal is to introduce the kids to the world of archery... and let them decide what they would like to do with it. It will be structured in such a manner so the kids will be exposed to [not bored from] several different aspects of our sport.
Now Mom won't be able to say, "No!" because she will see there is more to archery than hunting.
Additionally... there aren't any programs around here that offer the same [at the same location/same time] around these parts.
I think it's a step in the right direction... what do you think? Any input will be appreciated.
-DT
Edited by - PA DropTine on 01/06/2002 22:14:22
01-06-2002, 09:38 PM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Livingston Co. MI USA
Posts: 82
RE: Youth Archery Program-your thoughts please
My brother inlaw is 11. He knew I shot a bow and hunted but never took much interest in it. His mom told him about a archery contest near them. When he was up visiting last time he asked me about archery. After talking a bit I took him for a drive to my parents house ( about 15 min one way). Up in my old bedroom closet was my fist recurve. I was around his age when I got it. We pulled it out and went to the archery shop. We picked up a few items like a new string and arrows and went back to my place.
I spent time with him teaching him on thing at a time. When he mastered one I would mention the next. Anyway to make a long story slightly shorter he loved it. He took the bow home and practiced for that contest several time a week. He ended up geting hurt before the contest and not being able to go but he still practices for the contest next year.
Somthing like you are starting can really spark the interest in a kid that doesnt have interest in anything but vidio games.
I spent time with him teaching him on thing at a time. When he mastered one I would mention the next. Anyway to make a long story slightly shorter he loved it. He took the bow home and practiced for that contest several time a week. He ended up geting hurt before the contest and not being able to go but he still practices for the contest next year.
Somthing like you are starting can really spark the interest in a kid that doesnt have interest in anything but vidio games.
01-07-2002, 04:33 AM
#4
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Muncy PA USA
Posts: 361
RE: Youth Archery Program-your thoughts please
PA, I think what you are doing is great! Introducing kids to archery is a wonderful way to help keep archery a tradition. If you run out of interested kids, give the Western PA School For the Deaf in Edgewood a call. My daughter is a student there. She was telling her teacher how she shoots her bow all summer and her teacher was very interested. Since my daughter is deaf, she has incredible vision. She is a natural when it comes to shooting her bow. I often thought it would be a great thing to introduce to the other kids there. The school has about 110 kids that stay in the dorms during the week and come home on weekends, so they are always looking for interesting programs like yours.
01-07-2002, 09:42 AM
#5
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: santa idaho USA
Posts: 14
RE: Youth Archery Program-your thoughts please
Drop,
Great idea! I especially like your topics of interest that you will be covering. I would love to know to whom and what type of grant you applied for. I would love to do the same type of thing here in Idaho. Being a teacher I work with kids on a daily basis. If there is one thing that will get a youngsters attention and interest it's providing fun and educational instruction. I have had the opportunity over the years to share my love for hunting with my students via 3D shooting on my property, shed hunting and hunting. Fantastic idea! I am sure there are many quality volunteers in your area to help you out. Giving back is the greatest gift! Good Luck!
IHW,
Shed
Edited by - shed on 01/07/2002 10:45:14
Great idea! I especially like your topics of interest that you will be covering. I would love to know to whom and what type of grant you applied for. I would love to do the same type of thing here in Idaho. Being a teacher I work with kids on a daily basis. If there is one thing that will get a youngsters attention and interest it's providing fun and educational instruction. I have had the opportunity over the years to share my love for hunting with my students via 3D shooting on my property, shed hunting and hunting. Fantastic idea! I am sure there are many quality volunteers in your area to help you out. Giving back is the greatest gift! Good Luck!
IHW,
Shed
Edited by - shed on 01/07/2002 10:45:14
01-07-2002, 09:57 AM
#7
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Easton Pa. USA
Posts: 54
RE: Youth Archery Program-your thoughts please
Pa, Man that sounds great, I love to see things like this go on. We may be on the other side of the state from you but if there is anything our company can do to lend you a helping hand please feel free to contact me.
North America Outdoors
www.naoutdoors.com
North America Outdoors
www.naoutdoors.com
01-07-2002, 10:16 AM
#8
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Chatsworth IL USA
Posts: 5,012
RE: Youth Archery Program-your thoughts please
That is a great idea.
I might change one thing if it were me. I might not make mention of hunting during this program or atleast during the advertising end. For some parents just shooting a arrow into a target might be okay. But the subject of hunting may turn them in the other direction. Now I am sure you can fill a class with kids that grew up with hunting, but I would want to bring in some kids that have had no contact with this new world. You never know, the future Fred Bear could come from an anti-hunting family. If you just introduce the archery practice many things could stem from that.
That is just my opinion. But what you are doing is a great thing for the kids and the community. Keep up the good work!!
My Updated Page with Colorado 2001 Trip-
www.geocities.com/hfpmad
I might change one thing if it were me. I might not make mention of hunting during this program or atleast during the advertising end. For some parents just shooting a arrow into a target might be okay. But the subject of hunting may turn them in the other direction. Now I am sure you can fill a class with kids that grew up with hunting, but I would want to bring in some kids that have had no contact with this new world. You never know, the future Fred Bear could come from an anti-hunting family. If you just introduce the archery practice many things could stem from that.
That is just my opinion. But what you are doing is a great thing for the kids and the community. Keep up the good work!!
My Updated Page with Colorado 2001 Trip-
www.geocities.com/hfpmad
01-07-2002, 03:25 PM
#10
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Pittsburgh PA USA
Posts: 186
RE: Youth Archery Program-your thoughts please
Wow! Thanks for the great responses!
-DT
shed
I applied to the NRA and one the local sportsmen's club's. I pitched my idea to the Board of Directors... and presented my proposal to the club members at a meeting and asked for a vote. That same night I gained approval for the funding from the club members.
naoutdoors
Remember you said that... cause I have you book marked already! <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> We are receiving some really good feedback on this program... but who am I to refuse a helping hand? We can always use the support and I appreciate the offer! Thanks!
IL_BOW_MAN
Initially I thought the same thing as you... about not mentioning the hunting aspect. However, as a parent... I would be highly PO'd if I was opposed to hunting and then I found out that my kid was learning how to hunt under a program disguised as a target shooting course. See what I mean...? The program will need some exposure to get the ball rolling... but not that way.
With the age group this will be geared towards... parents will be the ones to register their kids for the classes. If they don't want them to learn about the hunting aspect... they can check a box on the registration application. We will have options available and with several instructors this will be easily accomplished so long as we keep tabs on things.
In my opinion, the program has a higher chance for success if everything is out in the open. If modifications are needed at some point in the future... we can always deal with those issues once they begin to surface.
-DT
Edited by - PA DropTine on 01/07/2002 16:35:02
-DT
shed
I applied to the NRA and one the local sportsmen's club's. I pitched my idea to the Board of Directors... and presented my proposal to the club members at a meeting and asked for a vote. That same night I gained approval for the funding from the club members.
naoutdoors
Remember you said that... cause I have you book marked already! <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> We are receiving some really good feedback on this program... but who am I to refuse a helping hand? We can always use the support and I appreciate the offer! Thanks!
IL_BOW_MAN
Initially I thought the same thing as you... about not mentioning the hunting aspect. However, as a parent... I would be highly PO'd if I was opposed to hunting and then I found out that my kid was learning how to hunt under a program disguised as a target shooting course. See what I mean...? The program will need some exposure to get the ball rolling... but not that way.
With the age group this will be geared towards... parents will be the ones to register their kids for the classes. If they don't want them to learn about the hunting aspect... they can check a box on the registration application. We will have options available and with several instructors this will be easily accomplished so long as we keep tabs on things.
In my opinion, the program has a higher chance for success if everything is out in the open. If modifications are needed at some point in the future... we can always deal with those issues once they begin to surface.
-DT
Edited by - PA DropTine on 01/07/2002 16:35:02
