Training for Archery in the Schools Program to be held at North Bend State Park on March 3 and 4; Sign-up Deadline February 15

            The Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) will host an Archery in the Schools (AIS) Program training on March 3 and 4, 2009, at North Bend State Park in Cairo (Ritchie County), W.Va., according to Jerry Westfall, WVDNR’s AIS Program Coordinator.

            “This is the first time the WVDNR has provided training in Ritchie County and we would like to invite all schools – especially ones located in central and northern W.Va., to take advantage of it,” said Westfall.  “Because many teachers will be traveling from other areas of the state, North Bend State Park has reduced room rates to make their stay as convenient and affordable as possible.”

            The AIS Program is the WVDNR’s largest and fastest growing educational program. Since its inception in 2004, more than 30,000 students have been introduced to archery as part of their physical education (PE) classes in 150 W.Va. schools. The program teaches Olympic-style target archery in both public and private school grade 4-12 PE classes.  “In order for a school to have the AIS Program, it must first have a certified instructor – preferably a PE instructor or a coach who will introduce as many kids as possible to the joys of target archery,” said Westfall.  “The WVDNR only has about four trainings per year and, because class size is limited to 25 individuals, these slots are highly sought after. As an added incentive, teachers taking this training may be eligible to receive Continuing Education Hours.” 

            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 North Bend State Park please call Billie Shearer at (304) 558-2771; email billieshearer@wvdnr.gov.  For more information on the AIS Program, you can visit the WVDNR’s AIS Web site at www.wvdnr.gov/archery  or call WVDNR’s AIS Program Coordinator Jerry Westfall at (304) 558-2771; email jerrywestfall@wvdnr.gov.   For reservations and information about North Bend State Park, please call (304) 643-2931