Youth ages 8 to 17 may join one of our Youth Archery Programs based on availability and prior approval. These programs are split into two separate age groups: one is for ages 8-11 and the other is for ages 12-17. Both groups meet indoors weekly at Carolina Outdoor Sportsman in North Raleigh. Youth archers need to have basic archery skills and range safety knowledge before they will be allowed to shoot in a group setting. This may require that an archer take one or more private archery lessons before being considered for youth group membership. These private lessons ensure safety for everyone. Session fees are payable in advance (4 session minimum). Youth may attend sessions as their schedules permit . Pre-paid session fees are “debited” only to sessions they attend. The most cost-efficient way to participate is with your own equipment and an annual range membership fee of $75 per youth archer. Memberships are encouraged but not required. A Carolina Outdoor Sportsman Range Membership allows youth archers to shoot during open range hours (with parent or guardian supervision) at no additional fee for one year. Members also receive discounts on archery equipment purchases. Contact Lifetime Archery for information on cost and availability.
Youth program sessions focus on proper archery techniques, consistency and safety. Sessions vary and may sometimes include games and other archery-related activities, such as our recent "longbow-building" activity.
Additionally, optional archery-related field trips are sometimes offered to our youth groups. The group recently took a field trip to Meishin Kyudojo in Apex for a Japanese Archery demonstration. An upcoming field trip is being planned for the outdoor archery range located near RTP at Durham County Wildlife Club.
Youth archer tries a PVC bow:
