The PPHCSD Parks and Recreation offers kids archery instruction at no cost in collaboration with the Mojave Archers Club. Previously the lessons took place at the Phelan Community Park. However, this year new archery facilities have been built, allowing the Mojave Archers to offer more opportunities for classes and other archery events to local residents and archers.
At the first session for kids, over 60 participants attended along with highly trained Mojave Archers Club members to guide each student step by step on safety, how to stand, aim and shoot, all while looking like a pro. The great thing is you do not have to be a club member or have the equipment to attend the Thursday morning classes. The classes start at 9am and end at 11am throughout the summer.
Also, in attendance the PPHCSD Parks and Recreation Manager Steve Lawrence and General Manager Don Bartz, both were incredibly pleased with the turnout.
The new Mojave Archers Range is located at 13186 Sheep Creek Road at the corner of Cayucos Road. The facility is still being developed but has a cleared, woodchip-covered parking area from a local mulch-producing business.
Mr. Bartz explained, “The PPHCSD is leasing land owned by the district that was not being used for anything else, to support the archery club which brings useful skills, and a wonderful sport, as a resource to the community and the youth that live here.” The range features a beautiful desert landscape with field, 3D, and practice targets and welcomes all forms of archery.
The instructors from the Mojave Archers Club have years of experience and offer a USA Archery Junior Olympic Archery Development Program (JOAD), which teaches archery to young people, provides experience and opportunities for eager young archers. One could enjoy the sport for recreation or progress to the excitement of competition. JOAD offers both curve and compound bow instruction. Students learn range safety, proper shooting techniques and is designed to foster and increase self-confidence and team-building skills. The program is open to young archers 8-20 years of age and is designed to grow as the archer grows, starting with the basics and eventually moving on to more advanced techniques.
The Mojave Archer’s Club is a 5013c nonprofit organization. Club fees are kept extremely low so that it is affordable for anyone to join. Adults and children may join the club.
No-cost lessons are on Thursdays from 9am to 11am on July 8, 15, and 22. Open Shoots are open to the public. Membership information is available by contacting Mabel Ison 760- 217-3556 or Don Ison at 760-217-1057
