Archery is one summer camp activity that challenges both the mind and body. Since it is also perfectly suited for kids of all ages and abilities and can be played indoors or outside, it is one of the most popular sports at camp. Whether your child has been playing for years or they just picked up their first bow, here are some of the top ways your child will sharpen their skills in archery class this summer.
Focus on Safety and Responsibility
At summer camp, trained instructors, with a strong understanding of how to keep kids safe, teach archery classes. From the very first practice, kids are taught important safety rules such as to never point a knocked arrow at people and to wait until a range is cleared before going to retrieve their arrows. As kids progress in their understanding of archery, they develop a strong sense of personal responsibility for making sure that everyone stays safe.
Participation in Fun Games and Challenges
When kids take an archery class, they quickly discover that it is about far more than just using a bow and arrow. In their lessons, instructors motivate kids to increase their ability to hit targets by planning unique challenges such as hitting pieces of fruit or balloons filled with glitter. Archery ranges can also be set up in a variety of fun environments and kids love trekking through the wilderness to enjoy a round of archery practice. As they develop their skills, kids also develop a sense of camaraderie with fellow campers that lead to valuable friendships.
The Benefit of Self-Competition
One of the best things about archery is that there is none of the aggressive competition that tends to accompany other sports. Instead, kids are able to develop and test their skills in a non-threatening environment. Lessons tend to begin with the target close to the shooter with the instructor gradually moving it further away as they begin to successfully meet their mark. Playing an individual sport also provides unique insight into a kid’s personal development that builds confidence. For example, watching as their shoots go further and hit the mark more often serves as a visual reminder to kids of their accomplishments.
Social Development and Leadership
Although archery is mostly a solitary sport, kids at summer camp learn from each other as they practice side-by-side. It is not uncommon to see an older child show a new shooter how to adjust their hold and help younger children develop leadership skills as they improve their game. Being a part of an archery club at camp also provides children with a sense of belonging that lasts long after the summer is over.
Today, archery is experiencing a renaissance among campers due to its portrayal in the media as a fun, active sport that has always been a camp favorite due to its ability to be modified to meet the needs of kids with different levels of experience. From learning to watch out for each other’s safety, to developing self-confidence, archery teaches kids important skills that will last a lifetime.