By Chris Avena
In recent years the number of hunters has been in the decline, most notably with the age bracket of 16 years and older. Geographically, we have seen the largest decline in the New England, Rocky Mountain, Pacific states which resulted in a decline of 400,000 hunters. At this rate, over time, we are faced with the potential loss of our traditions not to mention the economic effect due to declining numbers.
Fortunately, there are organizations such as S3DA to introduce our youth to the outdoor lifestyle. Scholastic 3D Archery (S3DA) is on a mission to inspire and educate our youth to experience the magnificent sport of archery by providing target and 3D archery events as well as safe, ethical bow hunting opportunities for our young people to experience. It is an effective after school or weekend program with the focus on target and 3D archery. The result that S3DA has experienced has been a greater interest and participation in local, state and national archery events. S3DA has also worked diligently to provide an appreciation for our wildlife conservation and sport hunting.
This past spring my friend Gus Congemi, the host of “Live the Wildlife TV” invited me to attend the opening of the spring Scholastic 3D Archery (S3DA) season. Gus has been involved with the local chapter of S3DA for a number of years. Gus is aware that I am an avid bow hunter and thought that I would find it interesting. When I arrived, Gus introduced me to Nick Nobile. Nick has been a lifelong archer and bow hunter. He started this chapter of S3DA at his archery shop, B & B Archery in Rockland County New York just over five years ago. Along with his partner Paul Stewart, they have introduced a diverse number of students to the sport of archery. Nick is very dedicated as he inspires and educates each class of students to experience this magnificent sport of archery.
Nick takes his roll as a teacher very serious. He gives his students the confidence that they need to excel in the sport of archery. They have boosted their self-esteem because they accomplished something that they did not think that they could do. The kids learn everything from the basics all the way up to the advanced levels of archery. Infact, some of Nicks students have now become instructors at S3DA. Participating in archery with S3DA, you do not have to be an athlete. You don’t have to be a football or baseball star. You just have to have the desire to learn. Nick and Paul have accomplished just that by making archery fun and giving them the knowledge of the gear that they are using and the skill that they need to be successful. At the end of the season, the kids hard work is rewarded with their annual awards ceremony. Each participant is recognized for their growth as an archer and competitor. They have gained the knowledge and the tools that they need to be successful. I would like to thank Nick and Paul for all of their hard work to educate the next generation of hunters and outdoorsman.
https://bnbarchery.com/