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“All clear!” the teacher’s voice broadcasts down the line of little archers. Excitedly the intermediate students from Cataline Elementary School’s Archery Club gently lower their new compound bows to the soft grass and hurry to gather their arrows from strategically placed hay bales on which balloons have been fastened. Friendly encouragement seems to be the theme of this club as students admire each other’s well-placed arrows. Naturally, the ones which have come closest to the center of the target get pulled last. On the next round each youngster will strive to shoot a little better than the last time.

(Photos by Becky Haselhan: Cataline Elementary School Grade 6 students Chalico Setah and Kianna Haselhan eye the target at archery practice.)

The club, which has been in existence for the past two years under the direction one of Cataline’s teachers, was initiated with fiberglass bows generously on loan from Columneetza Secondary. This year, the school Parent Advisory Council (PAC), Gustafson’s Chrysler and a local First Nations band have chipped in to allow the school to purchase twenty Mathews Genesis compound bows. Now students can come to the club and enjoy a chance to shoot a good quality bow without having to purchase their own.

Approximately 25 students consistently arrive for weekly practice at Cataline Elementary. The mix is truly heterogeneous as students from different race, age, gender and nearby schools come together for a common purpose: self improvement and fun.  They enjoy a well structured, safe and friendly atmosphere where this life skill is taught and where good camaraderie is a natural by-product.

Some students have admitted that they have developed self discipline through this club. Others have said it is a reason to come to school. Whatever the reason, they are a lot of fun and all the encouragement the host, Mr. Dickens, needs to keep the club going. “They are a tremendous group.  The kids are very positive with each other and love the sport. It sure is fun to pass on the love of this game.”

For more information of how your child can become part of this exciting and growing club, call Cataline Elementary at 392-7154.

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