Archery lends itself particularly well to youngsters, in that it is noncompetitive and inclusive. It is a sport that can be enjoyed by all ages, and helps build confidence, focus and an understanding of commitment in kids. Even kids who have little natural athleticism can become excellent archers.
Hunting
In the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area, hunting is an especially popular pastime, and most archery programs for kids there are hunting-focused. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is especially interested in recruiting young hunters. Although its mentorship program allows kids under 12 to hunt with an adult, the PGC focuses on 12- to 16-year-old youths, who need junior licenses. A few sportsing clubs sponsor hunting events for youths in the Pittsburgh area, as well.
Schools
Archery in the Schools is a national program that, though floundering in Pittsburgh, was revived there, as of 2010, with funding from the PGC as a way to get kids involved in archery through school recreation. ThePGS hopes that young archers will later become hunters. This program gives kids who might otherwise not participate in sports something they can master, teaching self-confidence and providing an alternative to TV and video games.
Sportsmen's Clubs
In the Pittsburgh area, few clubs devote themselves just to archery, but most sportsmen's clubs offer it along with other programs. Clairton Sportsmen's Club, Trafford Sportsmen's Club and Pitcairn Monroeville Sportsmen's Club stand out for offering archery programming for youths through access to ranges and lessons and/or with youth-shoot sponsorships. Because sportsmen's clubs are hunting-oriented, most of the youth programming is geared toward hunting styles of archery, as opposed to Olympic or field archery.
Community Programs
Some Pittsburgh community programs offer youth archery. The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh hosts an archery shoot for teens. Pittsburgh Community Centers offer archery lessons for different age groups on a regular basis. The Penn-Trafford Area Recreation Commission offers youth archery lessons as well. Check the websites for these and other area community and recreation centers for classes.
Safety
Any archery program must emphasize safety, due to the nature of the sport, but it is especially important with youth programs. In Pennsylvania, children under 12 who are practicing archery must be accompanied by an adult at all times, whether shooting at a range or participating in a hunt. Juniors must purchase licenses for hunting, and they must pass a hunting safety course before they qualify. When considering archery lessons or programs, ask how children will be taught safe, responsible shooting.
Member Comments