The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is offering free basic archery instructor (BAI) courses for teachers at Rockford North Middle School, from 8 a.m to 4 p.m. on Feb 13, Mar. 20, Apr.10, May 6, and June 5.

Each eight-hour session is for physical education teachers who wish to join the DNRE’s Archery in the Schools program.

Archery in the Schools introduces international-style target archery to students in 4th through 12th grade physical education classes. The in-school curriculum’s core content covers archery history, safety, technique, equipment, mental concentration and self-improvement. To date, more than 360 schools across Michigan have implemented the program.

“Target archery is a safe sport, in which students of all skill levels can be successful regardless of age, size or physical ability,” said Mary Emmons, coordinator for the Archery in the Schools program. “Incorporating archery as a school sport choice in the physical education curriculum creates an opportunity to engage students who otherwise may not participate in traditional athletics, and it is an individual sport they can enjoy throughout their lifetime.”

The DNRE also is offering archery equipment grants to schools, both public and private, that enroll in the Archery in the Schools program.

To sign up for this location, contact Jeff DeRegnaucourt, 616-977-7750.

For more information on Archery in the Schools, contact Mary Emmons at

517-241-9477, or by email at emmonsm@michigan.gov.Information also is available online at www.michigan.gov/dnrarchery.