Activities
The Group
History
Archery
Several Years down the line our numbers had thinned and we ran a new course and trained up another 8 from our Group, along with a Leader from another District. We have since run another two courses in 2007, training up another two for our Group, two for District and 20 other Leaders from as far afield as Todmorden and Wetherby, and Shipley to Nottingham. We have a waiting list for the next course in 2008.
We aim to treat archery as a skill, rather than a game. Our members will be taught how to fletch arrows, repair damaged equipment and make bow strings, as well as being trained to group arrows neatly.
At Clayton West we train basic archery technique to GNAS standards in bare bow and Olympic shooting with recurve bows. The range is restricted to a maximum of 20 metres with nets, although experienced archers may shoot up to 30 metres if Archery is the sole activity being undertaken on the premises.
Our equipment allows us to offer archery at a basic level to the youngest members of the Group through to Instructor level. This facility can be booked by other youth groups for a small donation for a two hour session for a maximum of 20 archers. This gives each archer approximately 45 minutes shooting.
It is our goal with archers over the age of 10 to try and improve their shooting skills over the session. All equipment is maintained to a high standard and instructors are urged to ensure that they offer tuition rather than supervision. Under 10 we find that most are satisfied if they can hit the target and we try to ensure that all manage to hit the boss with some regularity.
Equipment No Comments Sherwood Forester x6 Good for younger members, plastic rests in handles break off though Barnett Junior Recurve x2 Draw about 16lbs - wish we had bought more. Ideal for starters. Browning TD Recurve x16 various lengths and weights, suit early teen to large adult! All now have sights available. Hickory and Lime Longbow x1 Demonstration and teaching use only - draw about 45lbs!! Win&Win Trigger x3 Instructor bows fitted with long rods and sights PSE Compound x2 Demonstration and teaching only - 45-60lbs draw. Arten String Jig x1 To earn Master at Arms all archers must know how strings are made. Arten Arrow Jig x1 Archers straighten their own arrows for Master at Arms. Arten Fletching Jig x1 Archers must know how to repair fletchings. Foam bosses x4 Plus two practice bosses which we use as portable bosses. Safety nets x2 Assorted Stuff Sights, plungers, bow square, draw balance, tabs, braces, boob guards, bowstringers etc.. Since establishing this list there have been developments in the market and Junior TD bows at 54" and 14-16lb draw weight have become available. If buying more equipment we would specify several at this size for Cubs and Scouts.
We would retain the Indians for Beavers and smaller Cubs. They are not recommended by some Archery Coaches, but the GNAS are not in the habit of instructing under 8 years of age.
As you can see, we are well equipped for archery training , but are always keen to collect more equipment. If you have any you wish to discard, give us a call. Also seeking old hop sacks for use as additional safety nets.