JEFFERSONVILLE, NY — Did you know that it is believed that bows and arrows have been used for at least 25,000 years, based upon the discovery of arrowheads in Africa?

On March 27, Small Town Country 4-H members gathered at the Catskill Outdoorsman indoor archery range from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to learn the fundamentals of archery.

Upon arrival, instructors taught the 4-H members about the various distances you can shoot from, the safety rules of archery and how to properly hold and aim a bow. The members were also taught how to position their feet for a proper shooting stance. 

After that, everyone had the chance to shoot a bow. Some people borrowed bows from the Catskill Outdoorsman, while others chose to bring their own. They played archery games and tried to pop balloons on the target wall.

Participant Tanner Houghtaling said that it was fun and exciting. He also said that it was “very well taught.” His favorite part was getting to shoot the balloons. 

Participant Kaitlyn Scardefeild said “It was really fun and I learned a lot. The teacher was really nice and funny, and I learned how to shoot a bow properly while having fun!”  

Small Town Country 4-H is a dynamic group of local youth who are interested in the outdoors, nature, agriculture and the arts, and in discovering all the benefits of their rural lifestyle. Club project work focuses on community service and healthy living. They meet every other week at the Presbyterian church in Hortonville. Current club leaders are Jenny Hillriegel Phelps and Kara McElroy. This group is part of and overseen by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County 4-H program.    

Any Sullivan County youth aged five to 18 can enroll in 4-H for free, all year long. Learn more about this and other Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County programs by calling 845/292-6180, emailing sullivan@cornell.edu or visiting www.sullivancce.org.