Posted by Arti Sh on June 03, 2014
[This article is the second part of a two-part series. To be begin at part one, click here]
Archery is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing recreational activities among today’s youth. Regardless of age, this activity is attracting countless young people to become proficient at a very ancient tradition.
In both urban and rural areas there is a groundswell of curiosity in the fine art of archery, resulting in overwhelming growth in all aspects of the sport. Local archery clubs have continued to experience drastic growth in memberships and archery dealers have noticed the same trend in archery equipment sales.
The results are obvious. In 2012 one out of every 12.5 people participated in archery. This growing worldwide interest was exemplified during the 2012 Olympics, by the fact that archery was the most-watched sport.
Made accessible by beginner archery lessons, after school programs and local archery shops, archery can provide lifelong value to those getting involved.
KIDS LEARN FROM ARCHERY
While some parents might be tempted to believe archery is a passing trend, think again. As a low-impact and lifetime interest, this is one pastime that will teach valuable lessons as well as provide entertainment.
6. CONFIDENCE
Psychologists agree that confidence plays an important factor in child development. This confidence is strengthened when children can visualize their own personal skills. Archery provides visual stimulation to the child, making it possible for them to see the progression, development and possession of various skills.
Few activities can give your child confidence like archery can.
7. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Although archery can be leveraged as a team sport, it is very dependent upon the actions of the individual. The shooter will soon realize that any mistake or error is his or her own fault. In archery there is no one to blame if an arrow fails to hit its mark. This lesson is an important one for any youth to learn. Personal responsibility is a major player all through life.
8. PLAY BY THE RULES
The law of physics doesn’t allow cheaters. The archer will soon recognize that, in order to be consistent, he or she has to follow the rules. This may sound too simplistic, but it’s a known fact that most kids do better in school after participating in archery. The principal of understanding rules are necessary is an important part of a child’s character development.
9. SOCIAL SKILLS
Although each arrow is dependent upon a single shooter, archery is a social activity. Standing side by side with other archers will help to develop knowledge sharing skills. Few things can compare to watching your child sit down and help another child through a problem they are having. This is the result of spending time within the archery community.
When your child begins to help another shooter with their shooting, you recognize these skills far exceed putting an arrow in a target.
10. FUN
No one can simply hand you archery skills; they must be earned. But, once received, there is great reward for the time spent earning them. Life isn’t all work and neither is archery. Life is enjoyable and rewarding when work is put in its proper perspective. So it is with archery.
Archery is both fun and rewarding. And the harder you work, the more rewarding it is. As kids learn this, they will understand that work can be fun.
A LIFELONG SPORT
A recreational specialist recently wrote, “Archery is the only sport I’ve seen that is this structured. Kids learn to wait their turn, follow directions, set goals and challenge themselves. Once they’re instructed, hardly any of my students cause problems. Archery develops character, and these students will benefit the rest of their lives.”
Archery isn’t just another hobby, with time and encouragement your child will develop skills that will last a lifetime.
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