Most kids at one time or another dream of becoming a superhero.
Most kids at one time or another dream of becoming a superhero.
Popular films and television shows highlight heroic archers, specifically, such as “Brave,” “The Hunger Games,” “Game of Thrones,” “Lord of the Rings” and “The Avengers,” to name a few.
The Geauga Park District recently aimed to tap into the public’s love of archery by offering an introduction to archery program for families ages 9 and up June 12 at Chickagami Park in Parkman Township, utilizing an Ohio Department of Natural Resources grant to offer public archery programs.
Last year, the GPD received a $2,500 grant from ODNR to purchase equipment through the National Archery in Schools Program, as well as to use the NASP curriculum in other programs to the public.
A introduction to archery for adults program was scheduled for June 22 at Chickagami, with additional free introductory programs (registration required) on July 23 at Observatory Park, Nassau Astronomical Station in Montville Township.
More archery programs are planned through October.
GPD summer campers also have an opportunity to use the equipment.
Staff and GPD volunteers, Cleveland Metroparks Outdoor Experiences and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes were trained to become certified basic archery instructors on May 25.
The Tulchoski Family, of Middlefield — Keven and Natasha, their 12-year-old daughter, Amia, and 11-year-old son, Gio — recently set out on a weekend of adventures at no cost thanks to the Geauga Park District.
They started their day at Headwater’s Park at East Branch in Claridon Township with first come, first-served kayaks. Then, the family of four headed to Parkman Township for the archery program.
“I’m really excited,” Amia said, as she listened to archery safety instructions from GPD Naturalist Renell Roebuck.
Chickagami Park, within the Headwaters of the Grand River Watershed, was formerly Camp Chickagami, a year-round camping facility of the Western Reserve Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Its archery range is now being used for park programs.
“In order to be as safe as possible on the range, we are going to use some whistle commands,” Roebuck said.
Roebuck tested each archer for eye dominancy with the help of GPD trained archery volunteers Doug and Jan Hodakievic, of Chardon Township.
“I first did archery as a kid when I attended the YMCA day camps and was instantly attracted to it,” Doug said. “I guess it is the challenge of doing everything right and hitting the bull’s eye. And, as I have later learned, there are many steps to getting it right, which I can now help others with.”
Roebuck reviewed range rules and the 11 steps to accuracy, all posted on signs with the whistle commands, on the range.
“I have always enjoyed my volunteer time with the park and have learned so much from the Geauga Park naturalists that when the opportunity came up to become a certified archery instructor, I was all in,” Doug added. “I also enjoy helping people with the knowledge I have gained. It is a pleasure to pass what I have learned to help others become better at archery. It also doesn’t hurt that I get to hone my skills along the way.”
Natasha said her family found the program very educational.
“Amia and Gio definitely will be continuing with archery. They were both little naturals,” she said. “She (Roebuck) is so patient and amazing. She really did make the archery class fun. Geauga parks have such diverse opportunities for all families.”
Roebuck added in a time when families are pulled in many directions, it’s nice to provide programs they can participate in together while having fun challenging each other.
“It’s nice to hear the friendly banter between family members as to who had the best shot,” Roebuck said.
