In November 2019, USA Archery partnered with the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association(NCRPA) to support the expansion of target archery programming in parks and recreation departments statewide through the Explore Archery grant program. In an effort to grow archery at the community level, USA Archery helped secure generous grant donations of $80,000 from the Archery Trade Associationand Easton Foundations. Selected applicants from across the state came together for instructor certification training and were supplied equipment to get programs started in their local communities.
From Alamance County, North Carolina, a recipient community of the grant, Pleasant Grove Community Center Supervisor Nolan Carter shared an update on their program with USA Archery and how they’ve persevered through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Introducing the Explore Archery program to Alamance County has been a huge success,” commented Carter. “Even with all that 2020 has brought, we have seen more than 80 participants experience our archery program. We have offered year-round 6-week classes and a one-day tournament with plans to expand on our offerings.”
To continue programming through the pandemic, Alamance Parks adapted to local and state guidelines by implementing limitations on the number of participants per class. As programming moves indoors for winter, they are also limiting spectators and adhering to social distancing practices.
Carter explained: “We limit the amount of contact between archers by assigning them their own bow, arrows, and target per class. We purchased extra targets and a backstop curtain to allow for further spacing between each archer on the shooting line. We sanitize all equipment between classes and require masks when indoors. We still offer our 6-week beginner’s class and will begin an intermediate level class in January 2021.”
Carter added that with limited archery options in their county, they have continued to see great interest throughout a year where many other programs faced participation challenges. Alamance Parks has had a wait list for every class they have offered, and they hold high hopes for the future of their program.
“Archery is the most adaptive program we offer,” added Carter. “There are few programs that can suit an 8-year-old and a 65-year-old, beginner or experienced participant, all in the same class. We always finish our 6-week classes in a tournament-style format and the sight and sound of participants hitting the target over and over after learning the skills of archery is such an incredible feeling. It is exciting for participants, spectators, and coaches.”
Learn more about starting an Explore Archery Program today.
Photos courtesy of Nolan Carter, Pleasant Grove Community Center Supervisor.
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