Explore Archery is an innovative education program focused on introducing beginners of all ages and abilities to the lifelong sport of archery. The Quiver Archery Range located in Bentonville, Ark, is bringing this to life, all the while making an impact on the community around them.
The Quiver Archery Range opened in October of 2021. It is just one of the properties within the Peel Compton Foundation, whose mission is to connect the community through nature, education, recreation and preservation.
As the only fully staffed outdoor range in the state of Arkansas, the goal of the program is to educate participants of all ability levels in the sport of archery. They offer a variety of programming which includes Explore Archery camps, Try Archery events and lessons. The club has also recently introduced an Adult Archery Club and plan to start having monthly Achievement Award pin shoots.
Jana Stout, Archery Range Manager for the Quiver, noted how they are making the most of their Explore Archery Program. “We use Explore Archery as a week-long introductory camp for teens during Spring and Summer breaks. Each day is dedicated towards one of the disciplines that allows our campers to earn their achievement award.”
The club is also receiving positive feedback and continued interest in the program. Stout continued, “One of the biggest successes that we see is our campers signing up for memberships and additional program offerings.
“A major win for us is when we see that their love for archery doesn’t end when camp does, and they develop a love for the sport. Our participants love the variety of activities that are offered each day and are surprised with how much they’ve learned by the end of the week.”
To continue to build upon the initial success of the program, the club is using social media, as well as calendars, flyers in local schools and archery shops, as well as word of mouth. Social media posts explain upcoming class schedules, as well as provide highlights with pictures to engage audiences.
Stout concluded, “We love getting bows into the hands of new archers. We’ve seen a lot of growth at the range through programs like Try Archery, Corporate Teambuilders and sponsored Free Community Days. Our patrons love having certified coaches to guide their experience.”
The Quiver has seen a total of 90 campers in two years of offering their Explore Archery Camp. Stout has seen the size of their camp double in the last year. She noted, “That tells us there is a growing demand and word is getting out. As more and more teens learn about this option, we look forward to adding additional sessions to meet the demand.”
Contact [email protected] for more information about Explore Archery.
