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VIAF Holds its First Archery Camp for Youth
Watching youth learn and grow is something so satisfactory that being part of this program was a delight for me. This summer, the Virgin Islands Archery Federation held its First Youth Archery Camp. This special camp was funded by the VI Olympic Committee to identify potential talent that might be able to qualify for the Youth Olympic Games, which will be held in Buenos Aries, Argentina in October 2018. The camp was limited to youth born between 2001 and 2003 so they would be the correct age to participate in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.
Six students attended the camp: Matthew Kalb, Joshua Derrickson and Arliesha Paul from St. Thomas, Jack Jones and Gabriel Brooker from St. John, and Rosei Simpson from St. Croix. Camp was held on St. Croix, August 22-26. By the end of the week, the students had all acquired the same goal: excellence in archery and learning about the Youth Olympic Games.
The camp was five days of intense work in both the classroom and on the field. The students learned about archery in general, and shooting technique in detail, as well as what is necessary to qualify for the YOG. They worked hard to learn to shoot properly. They used both stretch bands and very light-weight bows to learn proper technique.
Archery is a precise skill. It may look easy, yet it is deceptively difficult. There is much more going on than what someone watching can see. Every little detail makes a difference! Despite the intensity of the work, the students had a great time working as a group and on his/her own shooting. This gave them a common purpose and goal. While archery is a very individual sport, it is also very social.
During the camp, there was shooting in the morning, classroom time in the early afternoon where new information was presented, and more shooting in the late afternoon. It was intense and demanding. Learning to focus only on what you are doing at the moment can be a challenge to anyone!
All in all, it was an extremely successful camp. Everything ran smoothly, the participants learned a lot, made new friends, and seemed to overall have a great time.
Special Thanks to those who assisted in making this camp possible: Alexandra Garces, VIAF President (who helped with organizing the entire program and did lunch pickup each day), Dr. William Coles of Fish and Wildlife (who set up and tore down the outdoor field each day and was the Range Officer), Amanda Warehime, VIAF Secretary-Treasurer (who provided meal coordination and student transport daily to field and F&W classroom), and Ruth Gomez of Fish and Wildlife (who granted permission to use the F&W classroom space and the outdoor field). There were also two parent chaperones who were with the students during off-hours. This camp would not have been possible without their help. Thanks again!
Ruth Rowe
Head Coach
Virgin Islands Archery Federation
For those wanting to learn more about archery, practice sessions are every Saturday morning on St. Croix and every other Sunday on St. Thomas. For schedules and locations, check our website or Facebook page for more info. www.viarchery.org / Facebook:US Virgin Islands Archery Federation
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