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NILES -- Learning archery was just one skill youth from Ireland have gained while spending an entire month in Ohio as part of the Mahoning Valley Ulster Project.
The more than 20 youth, including nine local teens and 12 Irish youth, spent four hours one day at the Western Reserve Fish and Game Association in Niles.
Caoimhe Gatt of Northern Ireland, who organized the local events, said the activities in the Mahoning Valley are a way to have team-building activities for local youth and the visiting Irish teens.
''We want everyone to spur each other on. Archery is relatively new to most of them,'' she said, noting many of the Irish youth have never experienced archery.
Established in the Mahoning Valley in 1988, the Mahoning Valley Ulster Project is celebrating its 30th year of bringing teens from Belfast, Northern Ireland to spend the month of July with teens from the Mahoning Valley.
The intent of the Ulster Project is to break down the walls of intolerance and mistrust that exist in Northern Ireland. It was created through the efforts of peace seekers who strive towards the ultimate goal of creating a community of peace through fostering tolerance, understanding and friendship.
The Ulster Project focuses on changing the perception of Ireland's youth by bringing them together in an atmosphere that emphasizes acceptance of all people, regardless of creed.
Gatt said the 12 Irish teens are spending time with host local American families during July doing various events and seeing local sites.
''They are here for the whole month of July,'' she said.
The visitors have taken part in camping, assisted with summer camp program at Youngstown YMCA, helped at local Fourth of July parades with games, helped at food banks, worked with special needs children, took part in Habitat for Humanity building projects, visited and spent time at area churches taking part in services.
Katie Mooney of Ireland said she liked the time spent at the YMCA reading to children and playing games with them during camp.
Noah McBurney, 15, of Ireland, said he has found the United States much warmer than Ireland.
''I have really enjoyed being here. We have been busy with all the activities and helping in the community. It is good seeing new cultures,'' McBurney said.
Victorya Lange of Poland said she has begun noticing things that the Irish visitors are seeing that she never paid much attention to before because she lives here.
''They see how things are done here differently than in Ireland,'' she said.
Erik Vargo of Boardman said his mother, Michele, has been involved with the Ulster Project for many years and stays in contact with Irish teens and coordinators who often come back to the area each summer.
''Because they are similar age to us we can go places and do things together,'' he said.
The group is going to Cedar Point and continue with the YMCA summer camp.
''They met the mayor of Youngstown,'' Gatt said.
She said taking part of the different churches including Zion Lutheran Church and St. Michael's Church.
''It is important that we take part in the church services and community service projects as part of cross cultural and overcoming any prejudices,'' Gatt said.
Dan Padula Jr., president of the Western Reserve Fish and Game Association in Niles, said they received a $14,910 Wildlife Conservation state grant which covered costs for the bow and arrows and archery items and air rifles.
''This can be used for our youth and senior programs,'' he said.
Padula said this is the first time they have ever hosted the Ulster Project youth.
''It is important to involve and instruct the youth on the outdoors,'' he said.