The Department of Natural Resources is offering free basic archery instructor (BAI) courses at the following dates and locations:

Location: Hartland Middle School at Ore Creek, Livingston County
Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dates: Nov. 21, Dec. 19, Jan. 16, Jan. 20, Mar. 20
Contact: Robert Jellison, 248-877-5883

Location: Gaylord Family Fellowship, Otsego County
Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dates: Dec. 3
Contact: Mark Copeland, 989-705-1339

Location: Rockford North Middle School, Kent County
Time: TBD
Dates: Dec. 29
Contact: Jeff DeReagnacourt, 616-977-7750

Location: Portage Central Middle School, Kalamazoo County
Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dates: Dec. 5
Contact: John Dunlop, 269-323-5665

Location: Escanaba Civic Center, Delta County
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Dates: Dec. 19
Contact: Erick and Karen Kestila, 989-786-0957

Teachers attending the sessions can receive .7 SB-CEUs from the Michigan Department of Education. Each eight-hour session is for physical education teachers who wish to join the DNR'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 345 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."

For more information on Archery in the Schools, contact Mary Emmons at (517) 241-9477 or by e-mail at emmonsm@michigan.gov. Information also is available online at www.michigan.gov/dnrarchery.

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