5/7/2009
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.
Contact Information
Jerry Westfall
304-558-2771
jerrywestfall@wvdnr.gov