David Beck, park naturalist for Dutchess County, leads the indoor classes in the second-floor auditorium near the park's playground at 85 Sheafe Road.
The Dutchess County Parks Department provides the bows, which are adjustable for strength and skill level. Beginners are welcome, according to Beck
The archery class is open to anyone 8 years old and older.
Beck said eight to 12 people typically attend each class, small enough that he's able to offer individual shooting and safety tips.
The cost is $40 per person, which is good for five Saturday classes. The next classes are on Dec. 5 and Dec. 15.
Classes run for about an hour, starting at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Classes are repeated in the fall, winter and spring at the scenic 300-acre park along the Hudson River.
The Webster family of Spackenkill was taking advantage of a recent Saturday class. Joshua Webster, joined his brother Jeremy and their father, David, for a class, marking the second year the 11-year-old has tried his hand at archery. Jeremy Webster, 15, also has been taking the archery classes for two years, according to his mother, Barbara, who came along to watch how they fared.
Their older brother Jake, 17, also is skilled in archery, but was running cross country during the latest class at Bowdoin Park.
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