MI DNR Basic Archery Instructor Courses Scheduled Around the State for 2011 and 2012

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is offering free basic archery instructor (BAI) courses for certified teachers at the following dates and locations:

Hartland Middle School at Ore Creek, Livingston County 
Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dates: Dec. 10, Jan. 14, Feb. 11, Mar. 24, Apr. 21, May 19
Contact: Robert Jellison, 248-877-5883

Waverly Middle School, Eaton County 
Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dates: Dec. 3 and 10, Jan. 14, 21 and 28, Feb. 4 and 18, Mar. 3 and 17, Apr. 21 and May 5 and 19
Contact: Michelle DeBrabander, 517-321-7240 x 2224

Eisenhower School, Genesee County 
Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dates: Dec. 10, Jan. 14, Feb. 11, Mar. 24, Apr. 21, May 19
Contact: Mike Maienbrook, 810-240-4622

Gaylord Family Fellowship, Otsego County 
Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dates: Jan. 13, Feb 17, Mar. 3, Apr. 14, May 19
Contact: Mark Copeland, 989-705-1339

Rockford Sportsman’s Club, Kent County 
Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dates: Dec. 11
Contact: Jeff DeRegnaucourt, 616-977-7750

Portage Central Middle School, Kalamazoo County 
Dates: Dec. 3, Jan. 14, Feb. 18 and Mar. 10
Contact: John Dunlop, 269-323-5665

Escanaba Civic Center, Delta County 
Dates: Dec. 17
Contact: Erick and Karen Kestila, 906-786-0957

Each eight-hour session is for certified teachers who wish to join the DNR Archery in the Schools program.

Archery in the Schools introduces international-style target archery to students in 4th through 12th grade physical education classes. The in-school curriculum’s core content covers archery history, safety, technique, equipment, mental concentration and self-improvement. To date, more than 500 schools across Michigan have implemented the program.

“Target archery is a safe sport, in which students of all skill levels can be successful regardless of age, size or physical ability,” said Mary Emmons, coordinator for the DNR’s Archery in the Schools program. “Incorporating archery as a school sport choice in the physical education curriculum creates an opportunity to engage students who otherwise may not participate in traditional athletics, and it is an individual sport they can enjoy throughout their lifetime.”

For more information on Archery in the Schools, contact Mary Emmons at 517-241-9477 or by email at emmonsm@michigan.gov. Information also is available online at www.michigan.gov/archery .

The DNR also is offering archery equipment grants to schools, both public and private, that enroll in the Archery in the Schools program.