Young archers take aim in new Sequim class

SEQUIM — You would think that with no shooting range in Sequim, classes of 30 or more students and no school-district money for equipment, Billy Reamer would not pursue an archery program.

But Reamer saw something in bows and arrows that he wanted to offer his kids.

He’s in his second year as Helen Haller Elementary School’s health and physical education teacher and uses the neighboring Sequim Boys & Girls Club gym for all manner of activities.

Archery is “an opportunity for kids who are not successful in other P.E. [units] to be very successful,” Reamer said.

Young archers learn laser focus while developing core body strength — at age 9, 10 and even younger.

Last year, after studying the National Archery in the Schools program Web site (www.NASP archery.org), Reamer set out to raise the money for his students to explore the sport.

He received donations from nearly everyone he asked and then some: the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Easton Sports Development Foundation, the Greywolf Parent-Teacher Association, the Wapiti Bowmen Club near Port Angeles, Sportsmen for Conservation and Gary and Scott Gordon, a father-son team of archery enthusiasts.

Reamer raised $4,806, enough to purchase the archery equipment needed for his fourth- and fifth-grade classes to try their hands.

First unit

The first four-week archery unit finished on Friday, with a gym full of boys and girls rotating through orderly lines — and nailing arrows to targets.

Several students have asked him how much a good bow costs. They sighed when he told them: $125.

But your archery career needn’t be over, Reamer reassured the youngsters, because he hopes to start an after-school program next year.

The logistics won’t be simple. Reamer expects a large turnout, possibly larger than the Boys & Girls Club gym can hold.

But he’s optimistic anyway, based on the response he got from donors and students.

The Wapiti Bowmen Club of Port Angeles also promotes archery as a family sport. The club’s range on 20 wooded acres includes dozens of field targets, an indoor range and clubhouse. Information about the club is available by phoning 360-457-3476 and at www.angelfire.com/wa3/wapitibowmen.

Reamer, who completed an archery teacher training course before embarking on the unit, said he always emphasizes safety — and having an adult close by — when he talks with his kids about the sport.

He added that disabled students have been able to participate in the unit, shooting from their wheelchairs.

On the horizon: an archery unit at Greywolf, Sequim’s other elementary school.

Greywolf P.E. teacher Doug Hastings completed the archery instructor training with Reamer last year.

Then Reamer hopes the equipment will be shared with Sequim Middle School.

Offering this sport to the middle schoolers is a matter of finding a teacher there who’s willing, Reamer said.

“This is one of the more popular units,” he added. “It’s an opportunity to experience a true lifetime sport.”

________

Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Cheri Sanford of Port Angeles, right, hands a piece of metal debris to her grandson, Damien Millet, 9, after it was located with a metal detector and dug from the sand at Hollywood Beach in Port Angeles on Wednesday. They were combing the beach in search of whatever hidden treasures they could find. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Beach combing

Cheri Sanford of Port Angeles, right, hands a piece of metal debris… Continue reading

Six Peninsula school measures passing

Sequim voters approve bond, levy

Port Townsend, Chimacum pass school levies

Funds will support facilities, supplies, transportation

Counties can collect up to $1.80 of property tax per $1,000 of assessed value, but they are only allowed to increase their property tax collection amount by 1 percent each year, excluding new construction, without voter approval.
Clallam already eyeing 2026 cuts

If county can’t raise revenue, it may cut employees, services

Port Angeles School Board to conduct community conversation

Port Angeles School Board members will be available to… Continue reading

After-school art program returns to Stevens Middle School

Let’s Make Art, a free after-school program at Stevens… Continue reading

Department of Licensing offices to be closed

PORT ANGELES – The Department of Licensing office of the Clallam County… Continue reading

Voters approving all Peninsula school measures

Sequim bond passing with required supermajority

KEITH THORPE/PENINSULA DAILY NEWS
Clallam County election workers Neva Miller, right, and Debbie Kracht, both of Sequim, open election ballots on Tuesday at the courthouse in Port Angeles.
Ballot sorting in Port Angeles

Clallam County election workers Neva Miller, right, and Debbie Kracht, both of… Continue reading

Jefferson County board to select interim sheriff

Chosen candidate will serve until next election

State funding challenges dominate legislative conversations

Multiple bills may have local relevance

PA’s Platypus Marine looks to expansion

Growth benefits local economy