Lancaster Archery Foundation Helps New York 4-H Archery Expansion Effort

The Lancaster Archery Foundation has awarded a grant to a New York 4-H program looking to add more archers to its team.

Saratoga County 4-H Shooting Sports received $1,000 from the foundation to buy targets, bows and arrows.

The program currently works with 25 archers age 10-18, and hopes to engage 100 more within the next five years.

Saratoga 4-H has an indoor range and an outdoor field range, but expects to add more facilities in the coming years.

As facilities expand, Saratoga 4-H recognizes a need to upgrade its equipment and targets as well.  

“The (foundation) grant funds will be used to support our growing program through purchases of new equipment, such as bows, arrows, safety equipment and targets,” club officials stated.

“Most of our equipment, though safe at this point, has gotten some age and we recognize that expanded use will begin wearing it out.”

Through active outreach, Saratoga 4-H officials expect their organization within 10 years to be “a key program and facility for 4-H youth shooting sports programming in eastern New York State.”

Rob Kaufhold, Lancaster Archery Foundation president, said 4-H organizations are critical to engaging kids in rural areas.

“There are many rural areas that don’t have established archery clubs, and if a young person doesn’t grow up in an archery family, they don’t have much chance of ever being exposed to the sport,” he said. “Kids pick up a lot of interests and life lessons through 4-H, and we’re glad to be able to help reach kids in Saratoga County, New York.”

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.

For more information on how you can donate to help organizations like Saratoga County 4-H Shooting Sports, visit lancasterarcheryfoundation.org.