In this article we will explore various archery programs for kids. There are many organized programs that are available through out the United States and some case beyond! The personal benefits for young archers only grow in a organized program, learning among their peers.
The Value Of Getting Kids Connected In Archery Programs
There is so much value for getting kids connected in archery programs. My granddaughter recently started an archery program and we have seen her flourish because of it.
Physical Benefits
Archery can help kids develop upper body and core strength, stamina, balance, and coordination. The process of shooting an arrow can also improve hand-eye coordination and accuracy. Some archery programs are outdoors based, and what kid wouldn’t benefit from some fresh air and sunshine.
Mental Benefits
Archery can help kids develop focus, patience, discipline, self-control and self-motivation. It will help them learn to regulate their emotions, as they learn to perfect their shot. The systematic repetitiveness of shooting an arrow can be especially beneficial for children who have trouble focusing in other areas of their lives.
Social Benefits
This is where being part of an Archery program really comes into play. The physical and mental benefits can be experienced shooting in your own backyard. When kids participate with peers and instructors they develop social skills, discover camaraderie, practice sportsmanship, learn teamwork, build confidence and make friends. Some of my best friends I have met on an archery range. Emily, my granddaughter, has made many new friends since attending archery programs and tournaments.
Top Archery Programs For Kids
There are many amazing archery programs for kids to choose from. A few of the top ones are the National Archery in School Program, 4-H Archery, Olympic Archery in Schools, Junior Olympic Archery Development, and Scholastic 3-D Archery. Let’s dive deeper into each one below.
National Archery In School Program
The National Archery in the Schools Program is an in-school program aimed at improving educational performance among students in grades 4th – 12th. Using archery to teach self-control, discipline, patience, and the life lessons required to be successful in the classroom and in life.
This program was developed by experts in education and target archery. The program is usually presented as part of the physical education program. But any teacher can become certified Basic Archery Instructor. I am a certified Basic Archery Instructor and so is my wife.
What makes this program different is that all shooters, from 4th grade to 12th grade, use the same type bow and type of arrow. The Genesis Original bow has no fixed draw length and an adjustable draw weight from 10-20 lbs. There are no equipment advantages. If one shooter excels, it is by their own abilities and efforts.
NASP archers can participate in Local, Regional, State and National tournaments. Most tournaments are indoors and consist of 3 rounds (called an end) of 5 arrows at 10 meters and 3 rounds of 5 arrows at 15 meters. For a possible high score of 300.
Check your local schools for NASP programs. Even if your child doesn’t go to a school that has a program, sometimes the school will allow them to participate.
4-H Archery
4-H Archery is part of their Shooting Sports program. The Archery discipline is coached by at least one, and in most case more, instructors certified by 4-H. Archery programs can vary from state to state, and not all counties have an archery program. Check for your area here.
This program serves youth archers from 8 to 18 years of age. Archers are grouped in one of three age groups: Junior 8-10, Intermediate 11-13, and Senior 14-18. Each age group has different divisions based on the whether their bow is compound or recurve and sighted or unsighted. Most programs have equipment for archers to use. Archers can provide their own as well.
Archers can participate in 4-H run tournaments as long as they are a member of a 4-h club that has as archery program with a certified instructor. Tournaments can be Field, Indoor, FITA or 3-D matches. State tournaments can have combinations of the types of matches. Indoor and FITA matches are shot with larges groups at the shooting line at the same time. Field and 3-D matches are shot in small groups, usually 4 archers per group, of their peers. 4-H does not allow parents to actively coach their child at tournament or get involved with any disputes or discrepancies on their child’s behalf. The goal is for the shooters to learn to become self-reliant.
Olympic Archery In Schools
Olympic Archery in Schools (OAS) is a program for Middle Schools and High Schools that provides an archery experience using Olympic Recurve equipment and a format modeled after events in the Olympic Games. There are Junior Varsity and Varsity teams for both Middle School and High School . Junior Varsity is the beginner’s level archers and Varsity the advance level archers.
Schools have the option to participate in remote competitions, school-vs-school games, Championship competitions, and more. A competition consists of a Ranking Round, Olympic Round and Team Round. There are State and National level competitions that are similar to the Olympics.
All OAS coaches are required to hold a current USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Certification which covers range setup, safety, and archer instruction with safety and discipline in mind. OAS offers young archers opportunities in introductory, intermediate, and advanced level archery in the program, suitable for any eligible archers. Although OAS is school based the program and is open to accredited Home Schoolers.
Junior Olympic Archery Development
The Junior Olympic Archery Development Program, JO-AD, is a program for youth to learn archery year-round, inside and outside, in a safe and fun environment. JO-AD is part of USA Archery. USA Archery is the National Governing Body for the Olympic sport of archery in the United States. This program is not school based and is open to anybody. Just find a USA Archery club in your area.
JOAD Program is for youth as young as 8 years old. Archers learn range safety and proper shooting technique, taught by coaches certified by USA Archery. Archers may choose from barebow, basic compound, fixed pins, recurve and compound bow disciplines. The JOAD Achievement Award Program provides archers a pathway to progress and learn, at their own pace, similar to earning belts in a martial arts program.
Once Archers have the necessary skills they may in particicpate in competitions at the local, state, regional, or national levels. A typical tournament will have Archers shooting 20 rounds(ends), 3 arrows per end, for a total of 60 arrows. Targets are set at 18 meters and size is based on the age group. Larger targets for younger Archers. Archers must be members of USA Archery to compete.
Scholastic 3-D Archery
Scholastic 3-D Archery, or S3DA, is an after school archery program that focuses on 3-D archery, indoor target archery, outdoor target archery and ethical bowhunting. S3DA is not only a school based program, but can be sponsored by Archery shops, Sportsman clubs, churches, home schools, etc. No school affiliation is required. A S3DA certified coach in required to form a team and all team members must be members of S3DA to participate in competitions.
S3DA is open to Archers from 8 to 18 years of age. Archers are allowed to use virtually any equipment, but in competitions they must shoot within the class that matches their equipment. Depending on age and class, Archers can shoot anywhere from 10 yards to 60 meters. Each discipline is shot as a separate round. 3-D targets are a separate round from indoor or outdoor and visa versa.
S3DA offers conservation education in combination with outdoor events. S3DA partners with many other organizations to teach and promote outdoor and wildlife conservation. S3DA members learn valuable skills like fair chase and ethical practices for bowhunting.
Founded in 2012, S3DA is in 30 states and growing constantly. Find your nearest club here.
Join The Archery Club
All of the programs discussed here offer tried and true practices, taught by certified coaches. All these programs have excellent safety records and are a large reason Archery is one of the safest sports to be a part of. As with all sports, your experience is largely influenced by the quality of the coach. Not all coaches are created equal. These programs assure that they are at least trained equal. Archery is a fun and family oriented sport that teaches skills and values we can all benefit from , not just kids. Find a program near you and join the club!
Even More Archery Resources For Kids
- Archery Lessons: How To Find The Best Instruction
- Why Archery is the Best Sport for Kids
- Where To Start When Buying Your First Archery Bow
- 3 Ways To Determine Eye Dominance in Archery And Why It’s Important
- 3 Ways To Determine Your Archery Bow Draw Length
- Archery Basics: How to Determine What Draw Weight Is Right For You
- Beginners Guide To The Four Basic Types Of Archery Bows
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