Since 2012, Atlanta has been fascinated with "The Hunger Games."
Movies based on author Suzanne Collins' best-selling action trilogy — "The Hunger Games," "Catching Fire," and "Mockingjay" parts 1 and 2 — were filmed extensively in the Atlanta area.
Plans are now underway to build a "Hunger Games" theme park approximately 40 miles northwest of Atlanta.
If "Mockingjay" fever has your tween eager to become the next Katniss Everdeen, learning how to properly use a bow and arrow is a first step in the right direction.
Kids can gain hands-on experience in the ancient sport by attending archery classes at Panola Mountain State Park. Just minutes outside the perimeter, the park offers multiple indoor and outdoor arrow-shooting experiences for children ages 9 and older.
Beginning archery classes are held inside the nature center, while intermediate and advanced classes meet outdoors on static and 3-D ranges so students can practice accuracy at greater distances.
Participants in the program must attend at least three beginning classes before moving on to the intermediate level, and complete intermediate instruction before registering for advanced courses.
Classes at all levels meet for two hours, with starting times ranging from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year. All equipment is provided, but students must call to register and pay in advance.
Regardless of level, the cost is $12 per class, plus a $5 parking fee. Panola Mountain State Park is at 2600 Ga. Highway 155 SW, in Stockbridge. For more information, call 770-389-7801 or visit Panola Mountain online.
The park also offers an intensive, five-day archery summer camp designed for ages 10 to 14.
That camp is held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and begins Monday, June 27. Online registration must be completed by June 13.
Admission to archery camp is $150 and includes everything needed to create a new a generation of brave, young archers.
