Archery is a summer camp activity that challenges both mind and body. Since it’s also great for kids of all ages and abilities and can be played indoors or outdoors, it’s one of the most popular sports at camp. Whether your son has been playing for years or just learned his first bow, here are some of the best ways your son will improve her skills in archery class this summer.

Focus on safety and responsibility

At the summer camp, archery classes are taught by trained instructors with a strong understanding of how to keep children safe. From the very first practice, children are taught important safety rules, such as never aiming a struck arrow at people and waiting until a range is clear before retrieving their arrows. As children progress in their understanding of archery, they develop a strong sense of personal responsibility to make sure everyone is safe.

Participation in Fun Games and Challenges

When kids take an archery class, they quickly discover there’s so much more to it than just using a bow and arrow. In their lessons, instructors motivate children to increase their ability to achieve goals by planning unique challenges, such as hitting fruit or glitter-filled balloons. Archery ranges can also be set up in a variety of fun settings and kids love walking through the desert to enjoy a round of archery practice. As they develop their skills, children also develop a sense of camaraderie with their fellow campers that leads to valuable friendships.

The benefit of self-competence

One of the great things about archery is that there is no aggressive competition that tends to accompany other sports. Instead, children can develop and test their skills in a non-threatening environment. Lessons tend to start with the target close to the shooter and the instructor gradually moving them away as they begin to successfully hit their mark. Playing an individual sport also provides a unique insight into a child’s personal development that builds confidence. For example, seeing their throws go farther and hit the target more often serves as a visual reminder to children of their accomplishments.

Social Development and Leadership

Although archery is primarily a solitary sport, the kids at the summer camp learn from each other as they practice alongside each other. It’s not uncommon to see an older kid show a new shooter how to adjust his grip and help younger kids develop leadership skills as they improve their game. Being part of an archery club at camp also gives kids a sense of belonging that lasts long after the summer is over.

Today, archery is experiencing a renaissance among campers due to its portrayal in the media as a fun, active sport that has always been a favorite with campers due to its ability to be modified to meet the needs of children with different levels of experience. From learning to keep others safe to building self-confidence, archery teaches kids important skills that will last a lifetime.