LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - Youngsters taking aim at a new skill thanks to the Johnny Appleseed Metro Parks District.
The beginning of the summer day camp program kicked off this week with archery lessons for campers. Classes were held in two sessions where the kids learned proper safety instructions of archery and then got to test their skills with a variety of target competitions. Officials from the parks district are excited to teach the kids a new skill they can use and get them outside for some summer fun at camp.
"Archery is a great sport for those kids who are not into traditional team sports or ball sports - this is an individual sport where they can gain confidence, they can build their skill, their focus, their control, and then they can quickly gain accuracy and consistency," said Lindsey Gallaugher, a naturalist with Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District. "We model our program off of the National Archery in the Schools program. This is a certified 11 step program to give kids almost instant success, and you can see it in the smiles on their faces."
Classes were held in two sessions where the kids learned proper safety instructions of archery and then got to test their skills with a variety of target competitions.
And the best part is the kids are excited to learn this skill and keep getting better at it.
"We learned how to position your shot to make it a perfect field dressing if you're hunting," said Bo Renner, a 5th grader at Delphos St. John's. "They teach you the basics of archery, and you'll get better at it, and then you'll have it down and then you'll be good at it."
The metro parks district also offers beginners archery lessons for all ages on the last Wednesday of the month from 6 pm to 8 pm throughout the summer and is free and open to the public. You can contact their office at (419) 221-1232 for more information.
