PARKERSBURG - The next instructor training for the Archery in the Schools Program sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section will be Jan. 29-30 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Charleston.
The program has become the division's largest growing educational program. Since its inception in 2004, more than 72,000 students have been introduced to archery as part of their physical education classes in nearly 300 West Virginia schools.
The program teaches Olympic-style, target archery in both public and private schools grades 4 through 12.
"Our youth ministry has been involved in archery for some time and we're looking forward to providing our facility," said Randy Lanham, pastor. "Though our program may be a little different, I can verify that archery, especially among youth, has definitely grown in popularity and, unlike most activities, kids of all ages and backgrounds can participate."
For schools to have the program, they must first have a certified instructor, preferably a physical education instructor or coach who will introduce as many kids as possible to target archery, Krista Snodgrass, program coordinator, said.
Four training sessions are held each and class size is limited to 25, so demand is high for the training slots, she said. As an added incentive, teachers taking the training may be eligible to receive Continuing Education Hours provided they submit their paperwork to their principal before the end of the school year, she said.
Fact Box
To Register
To register or more information, contact Snodgrass at 304-558-2771 or at Krista.R.Snodgrass@wv.gov. The website is www.wvdnr.gov/archery.
Participants are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the Jan. 2 deadline. The training costs $25 for all school employees and $50 for non-school employees.
The fee is paid to the Division of Natural Resources, Archery in the Schools Program by check, money order or exact currency only during the first morning of the training.
