By Jay Pinsky - Editor, The Archery Wire & The Hunting Wire

In 2013 I graduated from Virginia Tech with my master of Natural Resources. During that two-year program, I built a nonprofit as my capstone, The Green Bow Foundation, a youth-based archery & conservation program. Working with children and their parents taught me a lot. Here are a few things I learned during my time with the Green Bow Foundation:

I learned that archery was a fun and rewarding gateway to teaching children life skills that span far more than just archery, like self-discipline, empowering confidence, and ultimately building self-esteem.

Let's start with simply introducing your child to archery:

1. Start with safety: Teach them about the essential safety rules of archery, such as never pointing the bow and arrow at anyone and always being aware of their surroundings. Emphasize the importance of following these rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

2. Find proper equipment: Look for age-appropriate and appropriately sized bows and arrows. Ensuring that the kit fits comfortably in their hands and suits their strength and skill level is essential. Consider seeking advice from a knowledgeable archery instructor or a local archery club to help you choose the right gear.

3. Enroll in lessons or join a club: Look for archery lessons specifically designed for youth or consider joining a local archery club that welcomes young beginners. Trained instructors can provide proper guidance, teach the correct technique, and help them understand the sport's fundamentals.

4. Teach the basics: Start by teaching them the fundamentals of archery, such as how to hold the bow, nock an arrow, and adopt a proper stance. Show them how to aim, release the arrow, and follow through with their shot. Please encourage them to practice regularly and be patient with their progress. Do it with them.

5. Make it fun and engaging: Incorporate fun games and challenges into their practice sessions to keep them motivated and excited about archery. Set up targets with various scoring zones and create friendly competitions to make it enjoyable for them. You can also introduce them to archery-themed movies or books to further ignite their interest.

6. Foster a supportive environment: Create a supportive and encouraging atmosphere for young archers. Offer praise for their efforts, celebrate their achievements, and provide constructive feedback to help them improve. Please encourage them to be persistent and remind them that progress takes time, especially in archery. Archery and instant gratification aren't things peopple associate together, and that's probably a good thing.

7. Explore archery events and competitions: Once they have gained proficiency, consider participating in local archery events or competitions. This will allow them to showcase their skills, meet other archers, and further enhance their passion for the sport. However, pay attention to your child and his or her fun-factor when considering compeition Sometimes, being too competitive can ruin the fun your child, or you, have with archery.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy archery together. Archery can be a lifelong hobby, and by introducing youth to it positively and engagingly, you can help instill a love for the sport that lasts a lifetime.

Now, let's take this one step further and talk about one of archery's very best collateral benefits. It is a fantastic hyperfocus-sport that can occupy even the most distracted child (or adult) because it demands your full attention.

Please note I am not a licensed mental health professional, and this archery advice is not professional medical advice. Consult a licensed, trained, and trusted medical professional before implementing mental health treatment.

Archery can benefit individuals with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in several ways. I've seen it work miracles on children who wouldn't or couldnt focus on just about anything else.

Here are some ways in which archery can help:

1. Improved focus and concentration: archery requires a high level of focus and concentration. When practicing archery, individuals with ADHD can learn to direct their attention to a specific target and block out distractions. This can help improve their concentration and focus in other areas of their lives.

2. Enhanced patience and self-control: archery is a sport that demands patience and self-control. It teaches individuals to take time, regulate their breathing, and carefully aim before releasing the arrow. Through consistent practice, individuals with ADHD can develop better impulse control and learn to slow down their actions, which can be valuable skills in managing their ADHD symptoms.

3. Stress relief and emotional regulation: Engaging in archery can provide a sense of calmness and stress relief. The repetitive actions involved in shooting arrows, combined with the focus required, can help individuals with ADHD channel their energy positively. Archery can also serve as a form of meditation, allowing individuals to find a sense of tranquility and improve emotional regulation.

4. Boosted self-esteem and confidence: As individuals with ADHD practice archery and see their skills improve over time, it can significantly boost their self-esteem and confidence. Achieving goals, hitting targets, and experiencing personal growth in the sport can positively impact their overall self-perception and belief in their abilities. This newfound confidence can transfer to other areas of their lives as well.

5. Social interaction and teamwork: Participating in archery can allow individuals with ADHD to engage in social interaction and collaboration. Joining an archery club or participating in group lessons will enable them to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and learn from one another. This social aspect can contribute to their sense of belonging and well-being.

Archery is a great family sport which can often take place in your own backyard. Archery for your child, or you for that matter, can simply be a leisurely activity or lead to world-class competition. It's also a great way to introduce your child to hunting because taking your first deer, ever, with a bow is pretty cool.