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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - With influences such as the "Hunger Games", Disney’s "Brave" and Hawkeye from the "Avengers," it’s no wonder why America’s youth are drawn to archery.
Children with ambitions to become proficient in the sport, gathered at the Tarawa Terrance Community Center to partake in the after school archery program, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Feb. 4.
The class began with an introduction to the basics of archery, with a focus on equipment, safety fundamentals and information to help them be successful.
Archery is an inexpensive and rewarding sport, offering many benefits to participants. According to a study at the University of Pennsylvania, youths who are involved in archery tend to be better students, due to the patience, focus and discipline required for the sport.
“Archers have to learn to take their time, go through the safety and fundamental archery steps and make sure every aspect of the shot is perfect and safe,” said Grant Caraway, the recreation assistant for Outdoor Adventures. “Good archers are patient and methodical, allowing them to put a good shot down range.”
Archery is an individual sport that allows athletes to progress as fast as they desire. Skills are commensurate with drive and dedication.
“There are a lot of opportunities for team sports and for the youth to participate in larger groups, but archery is one of (the few) sports where they go at their own pace. The progression is individually determined by the archer,” said Caraway.
Students attended the class, hoping to learn a new skill and have some fun in the process.
“I am excited about shooting the bows, it looks fun and it will be my first time shooting,” said 8-year-old Michael Wells, a participant in the After School Archery Program.
The program takes the young archers through the appropriate range commands and signals necessary to use archery ranges.
During the class, each student learns how to safely and correctly use a recurve and compound bow. Various commands and universal signals used at archery ranges are discussed. Students are instructed on what each signal means and what is appropriate for range behavior and conduct, added Caraway.
“The program is a great way for young archers to build strength as well as confidence,” said Caraway. “We make sure to teach the correct form and fundamentals (to) prevent injuries. The course supplies the students with the necessary information to be safe and fundamentally sound archers.”
Muscle groups that make up the back, shoulders and arms are used repeatedly while archers draw back their bows. The weight the archers pull back varies depending on the bow and their abilities, making correct form a necessity for injury prevention.
“When students have finished the program, they are comfortable with their bows, familiar with the range commands and know how to fundamentally and safely put an arrow down range,” said Caraway.
Archery gives patrons an opportunity to release stress and have fun. Whether you want to hunt or just practice, people from all backgrounds can enjoy the sport.
The next after school archery class will be held March 17. Patrons who wish to participate can register at the Outdoor Adventures Office or Tarawa Terrace Community Center by March 10. The cost is $35 per person and includes equipment and instruction. The class is open to all patrons, ages 7 to 12-years-old.
For more information or to register, call 451-1440 or visit www.mccslejeune.com/outdoor.
| Date Taken: | 02.05.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 02.05.2014 12:39 |
| Story ID: | 120130 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 102 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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