Improve archery skills at summer camp

Archery is a summer camp activity that challenges both the mind and the body. Since it’s also great for kids of all ages and abilities and can be played indoors or outdoors, it’s one of the most popular sports at camp. Whether your child has been playing for years or just learned her first bow, here are some of the best ways your child will improve her skills in archery class this summer.

Focus on safety and responsibility

At the summer camp, archery classes are taught by trained instructors with a solid understanding of how to keep children safe. From the first practice, the boys are taught important safety rules, such as never aiming a struck arrow at people and waiting until a range is cleared before retrieving their arrows. As children progress in their understanding of archery, they develop a strong sense of personal responsibility to make sure everyone is safe.

Participation in Fun Games and Challenges

When kids take an archery class, they quickly discover that it’s about much more than just using a bow and arrow. In their lessons, the instructors encourage children to increase their ability to achieve goals by planning unique challenges, such as hitting fruit or glitter-filled balloons. Archery ranges can also be set up in a variety of fun settings and kids love to hike out into the wilderness for a practice round of archery. As they develop their skills, children also develop a sense of camaraderie with their fellow campers that leads to valuable friendships.

The benefit of self-competence

One of the best things about archery is that there is no aggressive competition that tends to accompany other sports. Instead, children can develop and test their skills in a non-threatening environment. Lessons tend to start with the target close to the shooter and the instructor gradually moves it away as they begin to successfully hit their mark. Playing an individual sport also provides a unique insight into a child’s personal development that builds confidence. For example, seeing their throws go further and hit the target more often serves as a visual reminder to children of their accomplishments.

Social Development and Leadership

Although archery is primarily a solitary sport, the children at summer camp learn from each other as they practice side by side. It’s not uncommon to see an older kid show a new shooter how to adjust his grip and help younger kids develop leadership skills as they improve their game. Being part of a camp archery club also gives kids 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 children with different levels of experience. From learning to keep others safe to building self-confidence, archery teaches children important skills that will last a lifetime.