West Virginia’s Archery in the Schools Program

1. West Virginia’s Archery in the Schools Program “Getting students on-target for life”

2. 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.

3. 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

4. Basic Archery Certification • To participate, all instructors are required to receive archery Certification through DNR. • 12 Hours of Instruction • Eligible for CE Hours

5. 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

6. KY’s Success • In 2002, KY Implemented a pilot program called “On target for Life” • 21 Schools

7. Kentucky’s Success 750 schools (800,000 students) 8 State Tournaments with more than 12,000 students participating • Hosting Nationals – 3,000 Annually

8. 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

9. WV’s Pilot Program • Fall of 2004 • 32 instructors from 18 pilot schools completed the required training.

10. 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

11. 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)

12. Equipment • 10 Genesis bows • 5 Olympic Style Targets • Backstop • Equipment Box (storage) • Specifically designed Aluminum Arrows • Arrow stand (quiver) • Arm guards

13. Getting Started • Receive Training August 2nd – 3rd Pipestem Resort State Park • Equipment ($2,000) • Sponsorships • Fundraisers • Sporting Organizations • Archery Stores & Clubs

14. If you’re interested… • Contact DNR • Enough interest (15 teachers) • Offer 4 trainings a year • $25 Training to cover cost of materials, handouts, etc…

15. 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

16. 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.

17. Measure of Success • 2011 State Archery Tournament • 619 Participants • 60 Divisional Teams • 2,026 total attendance

18. Partners

19. Testimony http://www.wchstv.com/newsroom/wvwildlife/2011/ww110406.shtml

20. Comments or Questions