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Scurry County 4-H archery program instructors Chuck Barbee (left) and Mike Hale watch as Stayton Robertson (second from left) and Mia Shultz aim at the target during this week’s practice session. Forty youth are participating in the program, which is in its second year of existence.
More youth are targeting a program that is now in its second year of existence.
The Scurry County 4-H archery program has more than doubled in participation and lead instructor Mike Hale said he expects even more next year. When the program started in 2017, 15 youth were involved. This year it has increased to 40 participants.
“A lot of people are showing interest in it,” Hale said. “We are looking to triple the participation next year.”
Why such a big gain? Hale said the answer is simple: “No other 4-H program appealed to them.”
Last year, five members placed at the district event and Hale said he expects more this year. The 2017 district event featured 260 participants.
Hale and his team of volunteers — Jeremy Haynes, Chuck Barbee, Chris Thomason, Cody Cox, Toby Christopher and Ismael Avila — spend Tuesdays and Thursdays working with the youth.
“This teaches them focus, concentration and discipline,” Hale said. “We even have some special needs participants which has really helped with their concentration.”
The program does not receive any funding, but instead operates through donations. Hale said the Scurry County parks department allows the group to practice in the maintenance barn and store equipment in the Towle Park facility.
“They are even letting us use the nature trail,” he said of a planned fundraiser.
In March, the group will set up a 3-D archery shoot event in which participants, third graders through adults, will take aim at animal dummies.
“We are planning on having 30 different stations. This going to be amazing,” he said.
The program has taught the youth exactly what Hale hoped — focus, concentration and discipline.
Grayson Barbee, 10, is participating for the first time and learned about the program while at a friend’s birthday party.
“I said I wanted to do that. I can tell I am getting better,” he said.
Stayton Robertson, 9, has also seen his aiming improve.
“This has really taught me to be patient,” he said.
The program reinforces that archery is not just for boys.
“I have shot before. This has taught me how to really hold a bow and aim better,” said Mia Shultz, 9, who is in the program for the first time.
Anzlee Hale, 13, is participating for the second consecutive year and has seen improvement among the rookies.
“When they first got here, they did not know how to hold a bow. Now, they get up there and shoot,” she said.
She said the program offers a different learning experience for kids and hopes more people will get involved next year.
Lauren Rollins, 11, said the instructors are helping her each time she hits the shooting area. She said the one-on-one instruction has helped her learn patience.
“I love them,” she said of the instructors.