West Virginia’s Archery in the Schools Program
“Getting students on-target for life”
WV Archery in the Schools Program
Pilot Project in 2004
(18 schools)
Objective:
Provide physical education students with an opportunity to become involved in a life skill that has no barriers.
Reaching our Objective
• Partnerships – DNR, Dept of Ed., NASP, organizations (WVBA), community organization
• Similar Equipment – Allows all students to participate
• Coordination/ Support Provided by certified instructors from the DNR.
• Certification (National Requirement) ONLY Certified instructors
Basic Archery Certification
• To participate, all instructors are required to receive archery Certification through DNR.
• 12 Hours of Instruction
• Eligible for CE Hours
Instructor’s Training• Overview of program expectations
and compliance
• Course Layout
• Safety guidelines
• Equipment needs
• Maintenance of archery equipment
• Proper shooting form
• Competitive style shooting
• Funding opportunities
KY’s Success
• In 2002, KY Implemented a pilot program called
“On target for Life”
• 21 Schools
Kentucky’s Success750 schools (800,000 students)
8 State Tournaments with more than 12,000 students participating
• Hosting Nationals – 3,000 Annually
KY’s Teachers Report
Teachers Report: ► Students are enthusiastic about learning archery
► Student behavior and attendance is improved on archery days
► Students that historically resisted PE class are eager to participate in archery
► Students who excel in archery class are not only the stereotypical athletes
WV’s Pilot Program
• Fall of 2004
• 32 instructors from 18 pilot schools completed the required training.
Where are we now?After 7-years
• Held trainings in every region of the state
• Certified 486 PE teachers
• 250 schools participating
• Hosted 6 State Archery Tournaments
• Hundreds of Students have attended National Archery Tournament, Louisville KY
Why is the program so popular?• It’s Fun – Anyone can participate
• No Physical limitations – Girls/Boys (big/small)
• Equipment
• Tournaments (competitiveness)
• Strong interest in bowhunting (150,000 in WV)
• Something they can do outside the class room (clubs, competition shoots, family)
Equipment• 10 Genesis bows• 5 Olympic Style
Targets• Backstop• Equipment Box
(storage)• Specifically designed
Aluminum Arrows• Arrow stand (quiver)• Arm guards
Getting Started• Receive Training
August 2nd – 3rd Pipestem Resort State Park
• Equipment ($2,000) – Sponsorships– Fundraisers– Sporting Organizations– Archery Stores &
Clubs
If you’re interested…
• Contact DNR
• Enough interest (15 teachers)
• Offer 4 trainings a year
• $25 Training to cover cost of materials, handouts, etc…
Original Goals – Completed
To provide students with a life skill that has no barriers
Successfully implement the program in the pilot schools Fall 2004
Train an additional 20 schools (Yearly)
Hold State archery tournament (6th annual – 2011 w. 629 participants)
School to represent WV at the next KY tournament
Future Goals
• Continue to host trainings in every region of the state (every 3 – 4 months).
• Implement this program into every county of the state.
• Host regional and state tournament, annually.
Measure of Success
• 2011 State Archery Tournament
• 619 Participants
• 60 Divisional Teams• 2,026 total
attendance
Partners
Testimony
http://www.wchstv.com/newsroom/wvwildlife/2011/ww110406.shtml
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