Louisville, KY - On May 8, 2017, Illinois S3DA participated in "Lessons in Life" day at the Washington Attendance Center in Carmi, Illinois. "Lessons in Life" was started 10 years ago so students could learn a skill or hobby instead of turning to drugs, alcohol or running the streets getting into trouble.

"Lessons in Life" day is for 4-6th graders and had 328 students this year. There were 31 sessions including everything from Crochet, Dog Obedience and Cartoon Drawing to Archery. The sessions are intended to help increase self-esteem and allow students to have some fun with their instructors.

Archery was included in the sessions due to its ability to help with discipline, mental focus, attention to detail, persistence and patience. The sport of archery offers something for everyone, whether it is 3-D archery, backyard shooting or bowhunting. Students were excited to be able to participate in the hands-on activity of shooting bows.

"I felt truly blessed to have the opportunity to share this day with the students who participated in the archery sessions," said Ricky Sauls, Illinois S3DA State Coordinator. "The kids loved the chance to actually shoot a bow and I was able to teach a few of the fundamentals to these students. The program also allowed me to spend the day with my oldest son Bradford, as we both helped these kids learn the proper way to get started in archery. Bradford and I both love the sport of and want to see it grow. It was an incredible day."



Started in December 2012 by the Scholastic Archery Association, S3DA has grown exponentially as a next step program to follow introductory programs offered as part of 4-H or the National Archery in Schools Program. S3DA addresses the need for a program to bridge beginning target archery experience and more advanced activities such as 3-D shooting and bowhunting. The program currently operates across the United States with hundreds of certified coaches serving thousands of young archers, grades 3–12.

For more information on S3DA membership go to: WWW.S3DA.ORG or email: infos3darchery@gmail.com
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