Help getting youth started in archery

[OlympicElkJunkie]

Here's the situation: I just finished a week at youth camp and one of the activities was archery. Several of the youth expressed interest in getting some of their own archery equipment and getting into the sport. Some will want to use that skill to some day go hunting, many will not. Most of these kids are either foster kids or from low income families so recommending they go out and buy a $500 starter bow from Cabelas is not in the cards.

1. I'm looking for some ideas to help them get some equipment to get started.
2. What programs are in the area (Pierce/Thurston county) for youth archers?
3. Any place they can go to shoot bows on something like a rental basis?

Thanks for the help fellas.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Contact NASP, (National Archery in the Schools Program) http://nasparchery.com/activea.asp?CompID=23&btnSubmit=ByFileID&cboFileID=6027&cboFileCategoryID=963
They have grants available.
Also  WSAA, might be of some help.. http://www.washingtonarchery.org/
The TBW has WAJAM every year, where they (the kids) get to build bows, might be worth looking into..
I also remember somewhere where there was info on making kids bows out of PVC, cheap alternative to buying bows...
You might even approach local shops and ask for sponsorship...
Check out Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) also, Ann Hoyt/Jim Easton JOAD Grant
The Ann Hoyt/Jim Easton JOAD Grant is made possible by archery legend, Ann Hoyt and current supporter of youth archery, Jim Easton. Through contributions from the Ann Hoyt Legacy Fund and the Easton Sports Development Foundaton, JOAD Clubs can request funds for items such as target butts, stands, archery equipment, general supplies and coaching certifications.

[Recurve-Elk]

Boy that's a tuff question...  One that needs an answer though because archery can be and was a huge part of my childhood.  All I can think of is used bows, sometimes you can get full setups for 100 or less, it may be a longbow or recurve, but those are just as fun for kids starting out.  Keep in mind kids bows under 35-40lbs are often pretty darn inexpensive. 

Other than that I really don't know, it would be tricky because there is so much knowledge required with archery and if the kids don't have someone to teach it to them its probably doomed.  I would think there is some archery camps and I know there was a little one on whidbey island, but its not very informative. 

Ill have to think about this and see if I can come up with something else....

Here is something youngins could maybe start with.  Not the most technically amazing bows, but I am positive it would be fun.  When I was little I shot a walmart red fiberglass longbow.  It was great!  I know its walmart... Looks like its got a good review for kids up to say age 12-13

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Crosman-Sentinel-Youth-Long-Bow-Right-Hand-Use-Only/10248644


This was basically my first bow by the way, good times.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bear-Archery-1st-Shot-Bow-Set-RH-LH/11000704?findingMethod=rr&ssm=0&sspt=1

[dreamunelk]

Check with the local archery clubs. Capitol city archers is a good one.  You will most likely not find  an organization willing to give them to the kids.  But, if you can develop a class you can come up with ways for them to win donated items.  The biggest problem is doing something like you suggest take an enormous amount of time and dedication from a few individuals willing to sacrifice there time.  More power to you if you are willing to take on the challenge.
RMEF also has grants available for this type of program especially if you have a strong ethics and conservation component.

[BOWHUNTER45]

The East coast is way a head of us here out west ... Heck when I was in high school we had a rifle team & a archery team ..plus archery was part of physical education ...I always thought about trying to get our local high school on the ban wagon but never did ...I need to get a hold of Mathews and see what they have to offer...all schools should have archery as part of its physical conditioning classes...

[OlympicElkJunkie]

Some good suggestions so far. I'll start digging into these leads and see what I find.