Kids take aim with After School Archery Program

Photo By Cpl. Jackeline Perez Rivera | A child prepares to shoot a target at Tarawa Terrace Community Center, March 8, during Outdoor Adventure's After School Archery Program. The program was created by the National Field Archery Association.  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

03.08.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Jackeline Perez Rivera  

Marine Corps Installations East       

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - A young child grabbed an arrow from the quill next to him, and though he was slightly shaky, he laid it on the bow neatly.

The child was taking part in one of the oldest recreational activities in the world – archery. Used by hunters and aristocrats throughout history, archery has served many uses to its participants, from assisting in survival to recreational fun and competition.

Having found a new activity as he reached for more arrows, the child joined others for the After-School Archery Program, a new program provided by Marine Corps Community Services’ Outdoor Adventures’ branch. The program is designed to provide the young patrons aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune the opportunity to learn more about archery from trained instructors in a safe environment. Gathering after school at the Tarawa Terrace Community Center aboard the MCB Camp Lejeune housing area, students received the opportunity to try their hand at the timeless pastime.

“Archery isn’t an everyday sport,” said Marybeth Lemaire, one of three instructors for the class and the recreation specialist with Outdoor Adventures. “It’s different. It gives kids options outside of traditional [activities]. It’s something they can start at a young age and do their whole lives.”

The children in the class ranged from the ages of 7 to 12, but did not let their young age hinder their ability to handle a bow. Physical size usually plays a role in competitive or recreational sports, but archery allows participants of all sizes to participate, based on their strength and endurance. Archery also requires deep focus and concentration along with discipline.

The class teaches many aspects of archery. In its first few lessons students learn range safety, styles of bows, stance, hand positions and basic archery techniques.

“Like any sport, it’s a great workout,” said Gabrielle Higgins, a recreational assistant with Outdoor Adventures. “Any fun and different workout is a great idea. We’re always looking for that for our programs.”

However, due to a lack of available opportunities, archery is not easy for a child to participate in.

Rebecca Torres, the parent of two archery students, had been looking for a class due to her son’s interest in the sport.

“My husband was on the phone trying to call different locations and nobody offered a course [that offers basic instruction for youth],” said Torres. “So the fact that it’s right here is great.”

While Torres began looking into classes for son, she felt her daughter had a lot she could gain from the class as well.

“I’m not sure my daughter would have ever come up to me and said ‘I want to be an archer,’ but I wanted to give her the opportunity to see for herself,” explained Torres. “How would she know if she was interested if she didn’t have the opportunity to give it a try?”

The After-School Archery Program is comprised of four sessions and split into three class sections. Participants must pre-register with the Outdoor Adventures office. For more information, call 451-1440.

• Date Taken: 03.08.2012
• Date Posted: 03.16.2012 11:06
• Story ID: 85354
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US