Youth archery program teaches many skills

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What is the Clinton County Farmers & Shooters Association Youth Archery Program?

It’s an ongoing program that introduces archery to young people ages 5 to 18 through a series of activities presented throughout the year. The program provides the location, equipment and qualified supervision to the participants so they may learn archery in a safe and supportive environment.

The first of these activities is the Indoor Youth Archery Program held in the CCFSA clubhouse from October through March each year.

The Youth Indoor Archer Program sessions are conducted on Sunday evenings. The Beginner’s Session is 4-5:30 p.m. and the Advanced Shooter’s Session is 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The 2017-2018 season will begin Oct. 22 and will end on March 25, 2018. There will be no session held on or near major holidays.

The fee is $25 per participant which covers the expense of targets, equipment and a Junior Membership to CCFSA. Participation in a session is determined by experience and ability, not necessarily by age. An experienced fourth- or fifth-grader may shoot in the Advanced session while a beginning or novice teenage will be shooting in the Beginner’s Session.

The threshold for participation is the individuals ability to understand and follow instructions and safely handle the equipment.

Accommodations are made for special needs participants to the best of the CCFSA’s ability and limited resources. CCFSA does not discriminate for any reason, however there are no guarantees that everyone can participate. Safety is the program’s primary concern.

The Beginners are introduced to the archery equipment. They are taught safe handling by certified instructors (S3DA Advanced, NFAA, NAA, US Archery and 4H certified instructors). They shoot at a distance of 10 yards at paper targets. To enhance the experience, more interactive targets are sometimes provided (balloons, etc.).

The Advanced Shooters participate at 20 yards, under the same supervision and guidance as the Beginners.

In the Advanced Group, the focus is on fine-tuning the participant’s skill, possibly preparing them for archery competitions or other sporting activities. Many of the participants have competed in the OAA & National Indoor Championships and several have won or placed in those competitions.

What do the participants learn from this activity? Most participants would focus on their improved knowledge and skill in archery. Sixth-grade participant Baylee Deer felt like she learned more than that.

In a letter, Baylee wrote, “The classes increase the youngster’s confidence, obedience and socialization skills,” — and she is correct.

The participants, many of whom face physical or emotional challenges, practice their patience, tolerance, and listening skills. They improve their ability to follow directions and the more experienced participants get to practice their leadership skills under the supervision of the adults. They learn or improve their sportsmanship, and mostly they have fun and make new friends.

The group is diverse. Boys and girls from several different school districts attend. It breaks down social barriers with the goal that everyone improves their skills together.

For more information about CCFSA’s Youth Archery Program please contact Steve Jarrell @[email protected] or go to CCFSA.com and visit the youth page.

Youngsters learn archery and much more in the program.
http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/06/web1_IMG_5267.jpgYoungsters learn archery and much more in the program. Courtesy photos

Youngsters learn archery and much more in the program. Beginners are introduced to the equipment, while Advanced Shooters become prepared for archery competitions or other sporting activities.
http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/06/web1_IMG_5265.jpgYoungsters learn archery and much more in the program. Beginners are introduced to the equipment, while Advanced Shooters become prepared for archery competitions or other sporting activities. Courtesy photos

By Steve Jarrell

For the News Journal

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