Avalon fifth and sixth graders were recently given the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of archery. Put a bow and arrow in anybody’s hands and they are likely to have fun experience. The art of releasing an arrow towards a target provides a rush for the shooter.
But aside from providing students with a little fun and excitement, the event is part of an education program that is one of the many services provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, including environmental conservation.
“It was a great event, the kids all seemed to enjoy themselves,” Game Warden, Lt. Ryan Cordero, who instructed the program, said.
The CDFW regulates fishing and hunting throughout the state and the archery program taught to Avalon students is a first step in teaching skills in bow hunting. Cordero said one of the goals of the CDFW is to provide Catalina youths a chance to learn more about engaging with the environment in which they live.
“A lot of it is kind of tailored to suit that community there [in Avalon].” Cordero said.
Other programs have included taking Jr. Lifeguard students out on a boat and teaching them the basics of spear fishing, or giving rifle instructions to students. Cordero, a part-time resident of the island said that he meets a lot of kids who rarely get a chance to get out in the ocean around the island, or even visit the interior of the island.
He also noted that it is understandable, since many parents are working long hours, or multiple jobs, so it is difficult for families to find time for those activities. The archery program is a first introduction to sport that that was born out of an early need for people to feed themselves. And archery is popular competitive skill, going as far as an Olympic sport.
“The idea was to make [archery] more accessible to the general public,” Cordero said.
Cordero said the CDFW would like to expand the programs to include more student lessons on outdoor activities. They are looking to partner with local programs like the horse stables, swim and outrigger clubs. They are also looking for sponsorships that might help offset costs.
“We can’t do it alone,” Cordero said.
