BOYLE — Homeschooling is a trend on the rise in Alberta following the COVID-19 pandemic and for Aspen View Public Schools (AVPS) division, the anecdotal increase in families choosing alternative education options has grabbed the attention of trustees and staff.
For the kids who opt out of the traditional school system, finding extra-curricular activities to enjoy and excel at during the school year can be challenging. But one group of local moms are taking recreation opportunities into their own hands, and Boyle local Terryl Turner is leading the charge.
“I started this by myself, and it was a lot to take on, but some other homeschool moms really stepped up and it’s been a group effort,” said Turner. “We are really accustomed to if you want to see something, you’ve got to do it yourself.”
Turner brought her concept of a county-wide archery club to village councillors Oct. 16, a program in the works that will offer archery training to both homeschoolers in the area and students unable to register for the National Archery School Program (NASP) in traditional school.
“NASP, it’s huge all over all Alberta,” Turner told councillors. “Boyle, last year, actually had to turn away kids — it’s probably the biggest program Boyle offers.”
Turner’s children are among the 130-plus homeschooled students — by her count — within Athabasca County, and their desire to be archers was the impetus for Turner to pursue her Basic Archery Instructor certification.
“My biggest hurdle is a location to practice,” said Turner. NASP archers shoot at distances of 10 and 15 metres, meaning Turner is in need of a facility with upwards of 45 feet in length to accommodate proper shooting lanes.
“I think I’ve gone everywhere; I’ve measured every building you can think of,” laughed Turner. “I’ve got a couple of other options, but the basement of the community centre is my favourite.”
“I think it’s a great idea, the more stuff we can get in our community, the better,” said Boyle Mayor Colin Derko. “Bringing something like that into the community is fabulous.”
Councillors opted in favour of allowing Turner to use the facility for archery through a unanimous motion and directed admin to write a letter expressing the approval for Turner’s insurance needs.
Turner said the non-profit club is hoping to run practices twice a week, with a possible start in January following her certification course in November. With a location secured, the next steps include fundraising for the specialty equipment required, like bows, targets, and an arrow net to catch stray shots.
Initial cost estimates to get the club up and running for a group of 20 students hover around $10,000, said Turner. She noted her non-profit will be run under the umbrella of the Greater Athabasca Community Foundation, and any contributions to the club will be eligible for a tax receipt. Individuals and organizations looking to donate can contact Turner.
“It’s been a great community coming together and providing our kids something they really want to see,” she added.
