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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