Long before Katniss used a bow and arrow in the box office block buster “The Hunger Games” and, according to the Associated Press, “bumped archery to the forefront of pop culture,” Katy Girl Scouts were learning to hit the mark with the Girl Scouts’ Archers in Motion Program.
As part of the AIM Program, girls age eight and older learn how to safely shoot a bow and take score. They also work towards earning distance medals – beginning at 10 meters and working their way to 60 meters.
Margaret Carrel, a Girl Scout alumna who has been a volunteer in the archery program for five years, said she has seen an increase in girls participating in archery since the release of the movie.
“Since the premiere of Hunger Games, the numbers have doubled in size and I hope they continue to grow,” Carrel said.
Members of AIM also help teach archery at different council events throughout the year. AIM meets every third Sunday of the month at Camp Robinwood.
Nestled in the woods of Willis, Robinwood is one of eight GSSJC camp properties.
“Participating in AIM teaches confidence and gives girls the ability to do anything they set their mind to,” said Carrel.
In addition to AIM, Girl Scouts of all ages can learn the skill of archery during GSSJC resident, daylight and twilight camp sessions being offered this summer.
For more information about AIM and camp sessions offering archery, visit www.gssjc.org or call 713-292-0300.
