Help!!! I've really stepped in it now!!!

[five-oh]

Well in the process of trying to convince my local park district to put in an archery shooting range I have somehow been elected to also teach a youth intro to archery class this summer.

I'm excited but also a little nervous and looking for any input, and ideas for the class.  How to teach it and what topics should be covered.  Ideas for an age range it should be open to as well.

Any ideas on how to obtain some reasonably priced equipment would be appreciated (or donations would be accepted too!)  Any recomendations on what to get?

And ideas on setting up the range since I'm in charge of that too.

See what I mean?  I hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew.

[moebow]

5-0,

Good for you!!!  Go for it, it's not as hard as your imagination will make it seem.

That said and based on your questions,  See if you can find and take a USA Archery Level 2 instructor's course.  The class will answer most (if not all) your questions, give you information on equipment and actual lesson plan suggestions.

I know that here, many disregard the USA Archery resources BUT I submit that what they teach instructors gives those instructors a very good "road map" which will lead to success for you.

Check out this link and look at the "programs" and "certification" tabs.  
http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Archery.aspx

Arne

[German Dog]

Perhaps get a hold of Comptons and see if they can help ya out in any way possible.  Also contact Traditional bowhunter and see if they can set ya up with some older magazines to be able to offer to some of the age appropriate kids to look at, you know to spark some interest in bows and hunting.

Otherwise I'd keep it simple and fun  

[moebow]

I'd add, too, that if you get a Level 2 certification, you will also learn how to train Level 1 instructors to help you out.

Arne

[five-oh]

Thanks moebow!  I've sent off a couple emails to USA archery and a local intrstructor I was able to locate.  I think that will be a huge resource!

Everyone else keep the ideas coming!

[wckid2]

Maybe you should also consider anyone else in your area that would like to help out.

[Chester Thompson]

Yeah the first step is at least a level 1 class. I took mine a few weeks ago. It was a very helpful class. Find people that can help you out.

[LongStick64]

Keep it simple as far as the teaching goes. One thing that has made a local archery club where I live explode with kids and new shooters is that they start the kids shooting at 5 yards, build up confidence, makes it easier to hit the target and not worry about missing by much. It is way too difficult to expect kids to hit a target out to twenty yards and expect them to have fun. Which is what it's all about.
Next is safety, you need to make sure the range has rules and has enough moderators to keep everyone on the line and make sure bows down when end of a round is reached.
Since you are shooting in a park, pick a location where there isn't a way for someone to walk behind the targets by a long distance.
It's all common sense, make it fun and make it safe and you'll be ahead of the game.
Next thing would be to have fun shoots, and start a program to have people become part of a club, adds more to help out and feel a part of something.
Good luck sounds like you are starting something you'll be proud of.

[drewsbow]

balloons are a great kids target

[Maxx Black]

Five-oh , I was given the opportunity to help with the youth archery a couple years ago and should have gotten the instructor course , but have been getting a lot of help from the local shooters . So take advantage of any assistance to offset the workload. Also get the older kids to help , we have gone from six to sixteen kids ,and surprising thing is the rules you set up  will be adhered to ! They police themselves. Tach support is hear , and I read and get a lot of info right hear,Moebow has a number of vedios . Good luck Ken

[4 point]

Five-oh it's great you stepped up to help the kids.

If you have a local sportsman culb they would probably be glad to help out with buying gear for the kids. If you have a Whitetails Unlimted chapter in your area they help alot with youth shooting sports. I would for sure get the paper work stated on a Pittman Roberton grant. They pay 75% your group pays 25%. It's a great way to get targets and things.

[The Whittler]

When I taught archery for the recreation department for quit a few years the number 1 priority was safety. You can't say it enough.

Bows are fun but they are a weapon and everyone knows what a weapon can do.

You show them the basics and let them find their own way. Just keep an eye on them and give them a pointers as you go along.

Make it fun and you will enjoy it as much as the kids will.

PS kids like popping balloons, adults do too lol.

[McDave]

My club offers 3 hour archery courses through the local Community Services District 8 times a year, that I lead. Each course is 15 kids from about 8-14, and they are always sold out. I try to get 2 additional volunteers from our club to help with each class, which almost always happens. I think you need a minimum of myself and one other person looking over things, or it's just not safe with 5 kids shooting arrows at the same time.  Three is optimal. Our course and safety procedures are based on the booklet "Archery Instructor Training," by USA Archery, which you should get even if you don't take the course.

It is a great pleasure for me to do this, and the kids seem to enjoy it.  If you would like to correspond with me, please do.

[cuboodle]

Best case is if your local high school or middle school phys Ed teacher has a nasp program. He/she would be willing to bring there bows Mathews genisis to the range. And offer some help as well

[Whip]

Compton is looking for projects like yours. Send me a PM with your Email address and I will put you in touch with our youth program chairman.  We donate hundreds of bows and equipment to programs just like yours.
Good job stepping up!

[Whip]

PM sent - Compton would to help.  We are always on the lookout for great projects like this. The kids are the future!