Right on target
Instructor uses archery to encourage children
By Anne Marie Kyzer Staff Writer

Dylan Stembridge examines his arrows after planting one directly into the back of another stuck in the target's bull's-eye.

The kids race to the target while instructor Don Raley belts out a thunderous "Whoa!"

"This is incredible," the excited Raley tells Dylan Stembridge, as he examines the arrows protruding from the target. One arrow's point is planted firmly in the bull's-eye and the other arrow is wedged in the back of the first.

Stembridge looks them over in disbelief, hesitant to touch them lest the proof of his feat fall from the colorful target.

Parents and instructors whip out camera phones to take pictures. All the while, they heap on the praise, and Stembridge beams.

This is what it's all about for Raley- encouraging children and building them up.

He teaches archery courses for the Burke County Recreation Department and looks forward to each Monday evening, when he heads south to Waynesboro from his home in Augusta.

In the firing range at the Sheriff's Office, a cool retreat for the archers in hot weather, Raley gives Crystal Chance instructions as she draws back her bow.

Above, Crystal Chance pulls back her bow and takes aim with guidance from assistant instructor David Stembridge.

Thump. She lets go and hits her mark.

"That's it," Raley exclaims. Chance looks over at her mom Lorraine and smiles, her eyes shining.

The avid hunter turned world champion archer started teaching the classes in Waynesboro about five years ago. Raley met rec department director Rolene Rowell at an archery event, and she instantly became hooked and recruited him to teach.

Ever since, Raley has relished his time with children in Burke County, teaching them something new and watching their confidence grow.

"The kids obviously get a lot out of it, but also the adults," Raley said. He enjoys the company of seven assistant instructors, including several parents, who have become certified since he started the classes.

"This gives the adults something to do that contributes to their growth."

That growth is why Raley keeps coming to Waynesboro each Monday night.

At right, Dillon Quick, left, receives some pointers from instructor Don Raley.

He calls the classes an opportunity for ministry in an everyday setting.

"We teach everything to the positive," he said. "It's a great opportunity for ministry, because you're there every week letting them see Christian principles lived out."

Raley hopes that the kids' accomplishments will boost their self-esteem, as well.

"Success, to hit the bull's-eye, does a lot for anyone," he said, watching an archer take aim. "Especially, for a child, and especially in front of other children."

He's also thrilled to be able to help others while enjoying his hobby.

"The reason you like what you do is because God made you like it," he reasoned. "So go do it with someone, do it with a kid."

That's just what Raley has been doing with the archery classes- patting backs, cheering after good shots and watching children proudly pluck arrows from their targets.

"We all want to help people make better decisions," he said. "You just have to be able to invest the most valuable thing we have- time."