West Virginia’s George Washington High School to Host Archery Instructor Training Oct. 29 and 30
OutdoorHub 09.20.13
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section (DNR) will hold its next instructor training for the Archery in the Schools (AIS) Program Oct. 29 and 30 at George Washington High School, according to Krista Snodgrass, program coordinator. Registration deadline for the training is Oct. 15.
The AIS Program has become DNR’s largest growing educational program. Since its inception in 2004, more than 84,000 students have been introduced to archery as part of their physical education classes in nearly 300 West Virginia schools. The program teaches Olympic-style target archery in both public and private schools Grades 4 through 12.
“George Washington High School is excited about implementing this program into our school’s Physical Education program and we’re looking forward to hosting this training,” said Shawn Wheeler, GWHS physical education Instructor. “It’s our goal to use this program as a way to encourage participation among all our students, including those who may not be the most athletic or those not engaged in our educational system. Who knows, maybe with a little practice down the road, students from GW will make it to the State Tournament held at the Civic Center.”
“In order for schools to have the AIS Program, they must first have a certified instructor – preferably a physical education instructor or coach who will introduce as many kids as possible to the joys of target archery,” said Snodgrass. “DNR only has about four trainings a year and, because class size is limited to 25, training slots are highly sought. As an added incentive, teachers taking this training may be eligible to receive Continuing Education Hours (CEH) – provided they submit their paperwork to their principal before the end of the school year.”
To ensure a training slot, anyone interested in getting a school involved in the program is encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the Oct. 15 deadline. The training costs $25 for school employees and $50 for non-school employees. This fee will be paid to WVDNR – Archery in the Schools Program (via check, money order or exact currency only) during the first morning of the training.
To register for the AIS training or for more information on the AIS Program, contact Krista Snodgrass at 304-558-2771; email Krista.R.Snodgrass@wv.gov or visit the DNR’s AIS website at www.wvdnr.gov/archery.
