West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- The next training session for instructors of the West Virginia Archery in the Schools (AIS) Program has been scheduled for Feb. 22 – 23 at Cacapon Resort State Park, according to Krista Snodgrass, Program Coordinator. The training will be hosted by the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR).

“We are very excited to be holding our next training at Cacapon in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle,” said Snodgrass. “When possible, we like to provide trainings at our state parks and Cacapon is a perfect venue for PE teachers, coaches, and others wanting to get their school involved in the AIS Program.”

The AIS Program has become the DNR’s largest-growing educational program. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 60,000 students have been introduced to archery as part of their physical education (PE) classes in 238 West Virginia schools. The program teaches Olympic-style, target archery in both public and private schools Grades 4 through 12.

“In order for schools to participate in the AIS Program, they must first have a certified instructor – preferably a PE instructor or coach who will introduce as many kids as possible to the joys of target archery,” said Snodgrass.

“The DNR only has about four trainings a year and, because class size is limited to 25, training slots are highly sought after. As an added incentive, teachers taking this training may be eligible to receive Continuing Education Hours (CEH’s) provided they submit their paperwork to their principal before the end of the school year.”

To ensure a training slot, anyone interested in getting their school involved in the program is encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline to register is Feb. 1. This training will cost $25 for all 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 at Cacapon Resort State Park, please call Krista Snodgrass at 304-558-2771; email Krista.R.Snodgrass@wv.gov for information on the AIS Program, or visit the DNR’s AIS website at www.wvdnr.gov/archery. For more information on Cacapon Resort State Park, go to www.cacaponresort.com

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- The next West Virginia Archery in the Schools (AIS) Program instructor training session will be Nov. 29 – 30 at the Gander Mountain Store in South Charleston, according to Krista Snodgrass, AIS program coordinator for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The registration deadline is Nov. 11.

The AIS Program is the DNR’s largest and fastest growing educational program. Since its inception in 2004, approximately 60,000 students have been introduced to archery as part of their physical education (PE) classes in 248 West Virginia schools. The program teaches Olympic-style target archery in both public and private schools’ Grade 4-12 PE classes.

“In order for schools to have the AIS Program, they must first have a certified instructor – preferably a PE instructor or coach who will introduce as many kids as possible to the joys of target archery,” said Snodgrass. “The DNR offers about four trainings a year; and, because class size is limited to 25, training slots are highly sought after. To ensure a training slot, we encourage PE teachers and coaches to apply as soon as possible.”

As an added incentive, teachers taking this training may be eligible to receive Continuing Education Hours.

This training will cost $25 for all school employees and $50 for non-school employees. This fee will be paid to “WV DNR – Archery in the Schools Program” by check, money order, or exact currency during the first morning of the training.

To register for the AIS training at the Gander Mountain Store in South Charleston please call Krista Snodgrass at 304-558-2771; Krista.R.Snodgrass@wv.gov

For general information on the AIS Program, visit the DNR’s AIS website at www.wvdnr.gov/archery.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- The Pennsylvania Game Commission is looking for experienced hunters and trappers who are interested in becoming volunteer instructors for the agency’s basic Hunter-Trapper Education (HTE), Successful Bowhunting, Successful Furtaking and Successful Turkey Hunting courses, as well as future courses under consideration.

“Becoming a volunteer instructor for the Game Commission is one way experienced hunters and trappers can help pass along our outdoors heritage to a new generation,” said Keith Snyder, Game Commission Hunter-Trapper Education Division chief.

“Becoming an instructor also is a fine way to help make a difference in your community and to do something to help improve the quality of our education and safety programs.

“If you’re an experienced hunter or trapper, and want to give something back, I encourage you to become a certified instructor for one or all of the agency’s education programs. Quality training is vitally important to ensuring these new, young hunters and trappers are both safe and responsible.”

Persons who wish to become instructors should be knowledgeable, experienced hunters and trappers, and be willing to teach at least one class per year. Classes are held at a variety of locations, such as sportsmen’s clubs, fire halls, schools and municipal buildings.

Instructors work with other volunteer instructors, WCOs and Deputy WCOs to plan and teach classes. Applicants need not be experts in every field of hunting and trapping. All teaching materials and detailed lesson plans are provided by the Game Commission.

All new instructors must have attended and completed a class, as a student, within the 18 months prior to or after submitting their application. Also, applicants must pass a background check, assist with at least one student-level class and attend a new instructor training workshop before being certified.

For more information about becoming an instructor, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and select “Education,” then choose “Hunter Education” and then click on “Becoming an Instructor.” Individuals also can request an application packet online or by calling the agency’s Hunter-Trapper Education Division at 717-787-7015.

Wa-Xo-Be Archers

Monmouth Junction, NJ --(AmmoLand.com)- The largest archery club in New Jersey, Wa-Xo-Be Archers is comprised of archers of all skill levels, from beginner to professional. All are dedicated to promoting and developing the sport of archery and making it accessible to individuals of all ages and skill levels.

Wa-Xo-Be Archers, Inc. is one of the oldest archery organizations in New Jersey and one of the most well known in the National Field Archery Association (NFAA). Through the years it has produced countless state champions and numerous national champions.

Wa-Xo-Be Archers had its origins in 1946 in Milltown, New Jersey. The club’s first archery range was a sandlot behind Schwendmann’s Taxidermy Store. In 1969, Wa-Xo-Be purchased a 22.9 acre property in South Brunswick, New Jersey, our present home. Since then Wa-Xo-Be Archers has evolved into one of the premier archery venues in the Mid-Atlantic region, complete with a 5000 sq. ft. indoor range, a 28 target outdoor range, two practice ranges, a clubhouse and picnic area all nestled into a beautiful tree-shaded setting.

Wa-Xo-Be Archers hosts many archery training programs and events for beginning to seasoned archery enthusiasts. One of the most popular programs is our “Friday Night Introduction to Archery”, with Pierre Berthelon (a three time world record holder).You can participate even if you are not a club member. For a $5 per class fee, non-members will be provided with state of the art archery equipment suitable for beginnings archers AND quality instruction from Pierre and the Wa-Xo-Be Instructor Staff.

Our club also hosts classes for Rutgers students in collaboration with the Rutgers College Recreational Department, area township adult education programs, Scout groups and a Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) program.

No matter your skill level, you will feel at home at Wa-Xo-Be.

Visit: www.waxobe.com for more info or to join.

Alabama Community Archery Park Now Open

Outdoor Alabama

Dothan, Ala - -(AmmoLand.com)- Alabama’s third community archery park officially opened on Friday, December 4 in Dothan, Ala.

The Dothan facility joins archery parks in Athens, and Cullman, Ala., that opened in February 2008 and April 2009, respectively. A fourth park will open in Demopolis in 2010.

The range was developed through a partnership between the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF), the City of Dothan, the Archery Trade Association (ATA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Students from Rehobeth High School’s agriscience program contributed to the project by building the target frames and were present for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

WFF Director Corky Pugh said the opening of the range is a monumental occasion for both the State of Alabama and the City of Dothan. “What we are creating is an opportunity for young people to learn life skills that will stay with them throughout their life,” Pugh said. “Archery is one of those great sports that you don’t have to be an athlete to excel in.”

Mike Piccirilli, Division of Federal Assistance Chief for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in the Southeast, praised the progress Alabama has made with the opening of its third archery range. “Alabama is a special place because it is so dedicated to archery,” Piccirilli said. “We hope this park will stimulate interest and participation in archery for years to come.”

In a continued partnership with Dothan Leisure Services, WFF will assist in the creation of school and recreational archery programs for Dothan and surrounding communities in Houston County. “We are looking forward to enhancing our programming by providing archery related activities for students and citizens of Dothan and Houston County,” said Elston Jones, Dothan Leisure Services Director.

Alabama’s archery parks are user funded at no cost to taxpayers. The parks are also made possible through the Community Archery Program (CAP), which was developed in 2005 by the ATA to grow archery and bowhunting participation nationwide.

The Dothan archery park features: eight youth targets from 5-20 yards; 11 adult range targets from 15-80 yards; and an elevated platform that simulates bowhunting situations with targets from 10-40 yards.

The Dothan archery range is open to the public during daylight hours except for Wednesday, when it is closed to the public. All participants, ages 16 to 64 must have a Hunting or Wildlife Heritage license in order to shoot. All shooters must sign in and out at the Eastgate Lodge. No broadhead points are allowed and users of the elevated platform must wear a full body harness. The park is located in Eastgate Park, 2049 Sanitary Dairy Road, Dothan, Ala., 36305.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com .

West Virginia DNR

BECKLEY, W.Va. –-(AmmoLand.com)- The next instructor training for the popular Archery in the Schools Program (AIS) will be held Dec. 8 and 9 at JBC Archery Center in Shady Spring (near Beckley), according to Jerry Westfall, AIS Program Coordinator for the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR).

“It has been quite some time since we held a training session in the Beckley area,” said Westfall. “And thanks to the cooperation of the JBC Archery Center and owner Chuck Frye, we can once again provide AIS training to area physical education teachers and coaches, as well as others from around the state. We are very excited about the potential expansion of the AIS program by involving schools not yet participating. Based on the interest we have received so far, and the number of local schools, this training should be quite successful.”

The AIS Program is the DNR’s largest and fastest growing educational program. Since its inception in 2004, more than 35,000 students have been introduced to archery as part of their physical education (PE) classes in 199 West Virginia schools. The program teaches Olympic-style target archery in both public and private school’s grade four-12 PE classes.

“But in order for schools to have the AIS Program, they must first have a certified instructor – preferably a PE instructor or coach who will introduce as many kids as possible to the joys of target archery,” said Westfall. “The DNR has about four trainings a year; and, because class size is limited to 25, training slots are highly sought after. To ensure a training slot, we encourage PE teachers and coaches to apply as soon as possible.” The deadline to sign up for the training is Nov. 25. As an added incentive, teachers taking this training may be eligible to receive Continuing Education Hours (CEHs).

This training will cost $25 for all 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 during the first morning of the training.

To register for the AIS training at JBC Archery in Shady Spring, please call Billie Shearer at 304-558-2771; e-mail billieshearer@wvdnr.gov. For general information on the AIS Program, you can visit the DNR’s AIS Web site at www.wvdnr.gov/archery or call DNR’s AIS Program Coordinator Jerry Westfall at 304-558-2771; e-mail jerrywestfall@wvdnr.gov.

National Archery in the Schools Program

Orlando, Florida --(AmmoLand.com)- The Magic Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, and Typhoon Lagoon are mainstays of the family vacation destination at Disney’s Wide World of Sports®. Millions of families and individuals come to Orlando, Florida for the dream vacation of a lifetime. On October 8-11, 2009 the first National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®)” 1st World Tournament” will be conducted at the Disney’s Wide World of Sports® Jostens® Center. NASP® expects up to 2,000 participants from the program’s elementary, middle, and high schools.

The National Archery in the Schools Program is inviting teams from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa to compete in the first world NASP archery tournament. Teams and individuals who qualified for the 2009 NASP® national tournament held in May 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky are eligible to participate at the World Tournament.

Those teams that qualified for the 2009 NASP® National Tournament or placed first in their state can send from 12-24 participants four of whom must be the opposite gender. Elementary school teams with a score of 2500, Middle school teams with a score of 2600, and High school teams with a score of 2700 and any individuals who were on a team that qualified in their state or provincial tournament are eligible.

There will only be two archers in each lane per flight, one each from different schools. If archers share bows they must be registered in different flights. Flight times will begin at 1:00pm EST on October 8 and the tournament will conclude with the World Awards Ceremony at noon on October 11, 2009. Each archer will be provided five practice shots before shooting at the 10 and 15 meter distances. Archers may practice in vacant lanes during competitive flights as space is available.

World Tournament registration is available on-line. Selection of flight times and dates will occur immediately to facilitate travel plans for teams and individuals. Pre-registration will begin on August 26 at 8am EST and close on September 23rd 5pm EST. To register on-line visit www.archeryintheschools.org Registration fee is twenty five ($25) per archer payable on-line at the time of registration. Fees are not refundable. Shooting times and dates will be available on a first come first serve basis and until they are labeled “FULL.” The team coach will receive immediate confirmation of the date and requested shooting time. Each registrant will receive a “1st World NASP® Tournament” souvenir t-shirt.

Disney World has provided a special “NASP® World Tournament Package” for participants, families and fans. This package can include lodging and tickets to Disney theme parks. NASP® attendees are encouraged to book flights, travel, and accommodations as early as possible. We are expecting up to 2,000 archers and at least that many coaches, fans, families and officials.

NASP® began in March 2002 in 21 pilot schools and has grown to more than 5000 schools in the elementary, middle, and high school levels. This school year more than a million students will learn this lifetime skill from their physical education teachers in schools across the U.S., Canada, and beyond.

For more information email: jgauthier@nasparchery.com
Visit: www.archeryintheschools.org

About:
The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) is a joint venture between state departments of Education and Wildlife. Several archery equipment manufacturers and organizations are also partners (listed below). The program promotes student education, physical education and participation in the life long sport of Archery. The program’s focus is to provide International Style Target Archery training in physical education classes grades 4 – 12

National Archery in the Schools Program

Wheeling, W.Va. - -(AmmoLand.com)- An Archery in the Schools (AIS) training session for instructors will be hosted by the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) July 21-22, 2009, at the Cabela’s store near Wheeling, W.Va., according to Jerry Westfall, DNR’s AIS Program Coordinator.

“Cabela’s has always expressed an interest in assisting the DNR with getting more schools involved in the AIS Program, especially those in the northern panhandle,” said Westfall. “The support we’ve received from Cabela’s has been tremendous and I can’t think of a better place to host this training. Incidentally, instructors may also find Cabela’s a fascinating place to shop for gift ideas after the training – considering it is one of the largest sporting goods stores in the state.”

The AIS Program is DNR’s largest and fastest growing educational program. Since its inception in 2004, more than 35,000 students have been introduced to archery as part of their physical education (PE) classes in 183 West Virginia schools. The program teaches Olympic-style, target archery in both public and private schools Grade 4-12 physical education classes.

“However, in order for schools to have the AIS Program, they must first have a certified instructor – preferably a PE instructor or coach who will introduce as many kids as possible to the joys of target archery,” said Westfall. “DNR has about four trainings a year; and, because class size is limited to 25, training slots are highly sought after. As an added incentive, teachers taking this training may be eligible to receive Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) – provided they submit their paperwork to their principal before the end of the school year.”

“Cabela’s is looking forward to hosting this training and being part of this nationally recognized program,” said Matt Leary, Cabela’s department manager. “Cabela’s West Virginia store was the first in the nation to host a similar training, and we are excited to continue to be a part of this quickly growing program. A lot of credit also needs to be given to local officials and the DNR for bringing this training back to our store. However, it’s about the kids; and, I’m excited to get youth involved in an activity they can enjoy for a lifetime.”

Please note this training will cost $25 for all 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 at Cabela’s, please call Billie Shearer at (304) 558-2771 or e-mail billieshearer@wvdnr.gov. For more information on the AIS Program, you can visit DNR’s AIS Web site at www.wvdnr.gov/archery or call DNR’s AIS Program Coordinator Jerry Westfall at (304) 558-2771; e-mail jerrywestfall@wvdnr.gov.