Man wins volunteer award for his work with youth
Archery among his favourite targets to inspire kids
Bruce Schneller is on target when it comes to working with youth.
The Scarborough resident was recently awarded the Larry Wallace Memorial Volunteer Award for his many contributions to youth, including education through archery.
The award was presented by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters at its annual conference March 13 to 16. It is given to the federation member who has best ensured the future of conservation by sharing their knowledge and love of the great outdoors with today's youth.
Schneller said he is so committed to sharing his knowledge that just before being presented with the award he was teaching archery to 60 youth at the conference.
"I really appreciate the award, it's an honour for me," he said. "The truth of the matter is I'd received my award earlier in the afternoon when I worked with the 60 kids."
Schneller sees archery as a way to not only teach youth a sport, but also important life skills.
"It is fun, but it teaches you a lot about life. Kids can learn patience and discipline," he said. "It's not about how many arrows you can put in the centre of the target. It's about leadership."
While he's been involved in archery since he was a child, it's only in the past five years that he's taught youth at the federation youth camp. In 2006, he attended the New England School of Archery where he received his coaching certificate and more recently he attended the U.S. Olympics training centre.
"I had the unbelievable good fortune to train with Olympics archery coaches," he said.
Through his training, he is able to train Olympic-level athletes.
"I choose not to be involved in the Olympic program, but to be involved with youth," he said.
Archery is a great sport because anyone can play, Schneller said.
"I really enjoy working with the youth. Archery is a fun sport ... it appeals to so many people," he said, adding it's a sport youth who are not as athletically inclined can do.
"I'm reaching out to a lot of kids who can't be on other sports teams," he said.
Schneller developed an interest in archery and the outdoors from his father, who has since died.
"He taught me everything about how to challenge kids and be there and support them," he said.
Schneller is also involved with the federation's Get Outdoors youth leadership program.
He was completely surprised to be awarded the honour for his involvement with youth.
"This wasn't just a secret, this was a conspiracy," he said.
He said he was humbled to be chosen from the federation's more than 80,000 members.
"Bruce Schneller makes a difference every time he shares his passion for the outdoors with a young person," said Bill Blackwell, federation's second vice-president. "Through outdoor experience, he teaches team building, positive relationships and shared success."
Larry Wallace, for whom the award is named, was a conservationist and longtime member of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters who had a keen interest in introducing youth to the wonders of the outdoors. He believed the future of angling and hunting rested with youth.
