Colorado Club Seeks New Members with Help From Lancaster Archery Foundation

The Lancaster Archery Foundation is helping an established Colorado archery program attract new youth members and retain existing members.

Western Colorado Archers received a $5,000 grant from the foundation through the Growing Youth Archery Together program to put toward new equipment that will insure anyone who wants to come shoot with the club will have equipment to do so.

The club practices from late October through August, with members competing in S3DA, ASA and local tournaments.

“Our long term goals include promoting archery to youth ages 9-18 in the development of leadership, character, sportsmanship, tolerance, discipline and athletic ability, and to nurture youth fitness, volunteerism and a lifelong love of archery,” the club’s grant application states.

Western Colorado plans to use its grant from Lancaster Archery Foundation to help buy new Genesis and recurve bows, finger tabs, arm guards, targets and related equipment so that prospective new members can have gear to use if they don’t have their own.

“Having equipment available will give beginners the chance to shoot, have fun and learn more about the sport,” the application states. “It also provides opportunity for everyone to shoot, even those whose family income may not be able to purchase personal equipment.”

Rob Kaufhold, president of the Lancaster Archery Foundation board of directors, is a firm believer that all kids should have the opportunity to at least try archery.

“It’s amazing how many kids find out they love archery just by putting a bow in their hands,” he said. “You never know where the next Olympic champion is going to come from.”

Based in Lancaster, Pa., the Lancaster Archery Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expand, develop and promote 3D and target archery to help people improve their confidence, discipline and leadership skills through participation in competitive archery.