Getting KIds Started.. HELP needed!

[perry f.]

A few guys in my area are trying to start a program to get kids into archery. They have tried talking to bass pro, cabelas, and the other big name stores for donations with no luck. I've seen a few people ask on here about this. Please let me know how you all got started. Thanks!

[vermonster13]

Age range of the kids to be involved?

[perry f.]

I'm not sure, but I believe it is open to any kid interested! They are trying to get it started for this spring.

[sheephunter]

Maybe try to get in touch with Compton Traditional Archers. They might be able to help. One of my friends works with kids at the Air Force Academy. I will ask and see if he has any insights.

[LBR]

Two great places to start are the NASP and 4H.  There's a state director for the NASP, and you should have a local 4H director as well.  Both are excellent--if you need help, just holler.

Chad

[Cookus]

In West Virginia, the West Virginia Bowhunters Association offers a one day, hands - on course for kids.   We also support archery competion in the schools for middle through high school.   Maybe you can try your state bowhunting organization?   If they're anything like ours, they realize the kids are the future of our sport     .

[tkytrac]

Where in IN?  Your state has a solid archery following.

Start w/ your state organization, state traditional organization and then w/ Compton Traditional Bowhunters.
 
Compton has a great educational division but you should be organized w/ target population and numbers, instructors and site.  Compton can help w/ funds and equipment.  

Contact Nick Dedaker of Compton, his number is on the inside cover of A Walk In The Woods the Compton club newsletter.  You can also check the web site.

Let us know how you do.

[sweeney3]

I'm sure folks on here will chip in with material anyway.  When you get a direction figured out, put up a call for some generalized "needs" and I'm sure that there will be a good response.

[Elkchaser]

I don"t know if you have any funding available yet, but I saw these in the classifieds that might be a good start.

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=047505

Good luck with the effort.
Post with specific needs, as known, I'm sure the troops will rally.

[Whip]

As has already been mentioned, Compton is a great place to start and is always looking for ways to help with youth programs.  
Nick Dedaker is the man - 765-628-7075

[JamesV]

Sweeney nailed it.........

Keep us posted with anything you might need along the way as you get closer to implementing this program. Young archers are our future, keep up the good work.

James...............

[perry f.]

Thanks guys, I'll pass the info on to them. Tkytrac, we're located in southern Indian on the Ohio river

[Bldtrailer]

Get the kids attenion with FFFFUUUNNN keep the sessions short,get the parents attention with safty and get them involved (this is a bridge that will reach between them and their childern for life)always keep a positive attitude, keeping  the wow factor these are the targets we made for our areas kids programs If you can get thier attention and keep it you'll have a great program.  Lots of balloons something that moves!  MAKE SURE EVERYONE KNOWS AND FALLOWS THE SAFTY RULES

[americanhunter7]

Perry,

You might try and get in contact with a few fellas from the ITBA. Here's the link.

 http://itba.org/

ITBA may be able to help you out with certain things, as well as others have mentioned Compton, NASP, and 4H and the folks right here on TradGang. Good luck.

[mike g]

Perry....
    Let me know when ya need them and I will donate Armguards and tabs....

[perry f.]

Thanks a lot guys, we have found out that our school actually has a NASP program in storage that is not in use due to what we're checking into. The equipment is there, and some teachers have been trained, but no one is taking advantage of it. We are trying to team up with the 4-h to get things rolling. If the school doesn't want to use the equipment then perhaps they will donate it to the 4-h who will. It was supposed to be donated and cost the tax payers no money, but it was donated in honor of a buddy of mine that was killed in a motorcycle accident. His parents wanted it to go towards teaching kids to hunt.