Valley students were introduced to the sport of archery for the first time thanks to a new community partnership with the Courtenay Fish and Game Club.
The introduction of the sport is part of the National Archery in the Schools Program aimed at improving educational performance among elementary and secondary students.
The archery unit was offered through physical education classes and began with two of the district’s community schools, Lake Trail Middle and Cumberland. Approximately 800 students in Grades 6 to 9 participated in the program.
“We felt this was a great way to expose as many students as possible to the sport. The testimonials from both teachers and students has been mind-blowing,” expressed Serina Allison, Environment and Outdoor Education district lead teacher. “Students who otherwise were not interested in sports and Phys-ed have excelled in archery.”
Archery is recognized as an activity that doesn’t discriminate based on popularity, athletic skill, gender, size, or academic ability. Students learn focus, self-control, discipline, and patience, all of which are valuable lessons required to be successful in the classroom and in life.
The Courtenay Fish and Game Club has partnered with Comox Valley Schools to increase youth programming and to build a strong foundation to ensure its success for the coming years.
“We are so excited to have moved forward in creating these unique relationships,” shared Allison. “The archery program is a wonderful opportunity for our students to develop connections with an important community organization dedicated to volunteerism, sports and recreation. To have local clubs take an interest in our schools demonstrates to us that the community can and does play an active role in supporting public education and student achievement.”
The Courtenay Fish and Game club is a world class facility that has multiple opportunities available for youth including archery, wilderness camping, access to hiking, sharing of inter-generational connections, and conservation and stewardship.