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by Mike Culbertson
As traditional shooters, we all know too well how much fun it is. We have learned from each other many things, how to whittle a stick into a bow, leather quivers, or simply building arrows. Then shooting form, safety, becoming the arrow, on and on.
Many of us began when our fathers taught us. Some fell into it through someone they knew, and others found the way through leaders. Leaders who have a teaching quality that attract more and more kids aside from their own.
Last summer I was elected as your new ‘Director at large’, and am very honored. One of my first tasks was to study, the by-laws and constitution, to determine my job as a whole.
In the by-laws I found among other things;
1. To promote the use of traditional equipment for archery and bowhunting.
2. Encourage and provide instruction for the making of traditional equipment.
Just on these two important points I’d like to comment a little from my past. Traditional archery has always been a lifelong learning experience as most of you already know. In 1995 my wife talked me into forming a 4H archery club, which I never knew existed. I think you know where I’m going from here.
The cool thing about 4H was they already had the curriculum in place. Part of that was a project book. Inside this, are the ten commandments of archery (safety issues mostly), among many many projects. During the winter we would make leather quivers and arrows and in the spring we began our shooting, then we would have our county shoot in July before the fair, where the awards were given.
I had to submit a change on the county level to allow grand champions in the traditional field, and the district leader has always been helpful. In fact, when starting new shooters, the use of traditional equipment is encouraged. We had many bows donated along with 21 used 3D targets. halleluhah. If you decide to do this, start looking now for 35# bows, this poundage I never had enough of.
Te only down side is some of the kids wanted to shot compound when they got into their teens. At this point we have to remember that they now have a foundation in traditional style shooting which at the time, unknown to me, is part of our by-laws, to promote the use of traditional equipment.
As Dale and Bill can testify, we not only had our own family camp at the rendevous’, but multiple family camps all associated with our club. Most of the older kids who went to compound, brought their old recurves because they still loved it. Part of their community service was to help pick up targets at the end of the rendevous. It really worked out great for everyone.
After ten years, what I really enjoyed about 4H was how we affected the kids. Some had no family and some had troubles in school. There are a few stories I will never forget and when we have time, come talk to me and I’ll share those with you. Some of those kids, now older, still come by to say hi!
So I am asking some of you, if you are willing to give some of your time to do this, get involved. State law now states that to teach any shooting sport you must be certified. Well, don’t let that stop you cause I am a level II archery instructor and am more than willing to certify anyone interested. So if you feel this is your calling, go ahead and get the ball rolling with your county 4H director, then call me at 360-686-3202.
On a personal note, I’d like to again thank all of you for allowing me this exposure as your ‘director at large’, and hope I can fulfill this obligation to the best of my ability. This promotion for 4H is in my personal interest and not coerced in any way by TBW. Sincerely, Mike Culbertson
Ps. If anyone is interested call me by May 1st and we can set up a weekend for the certification. 4H does have their own certification program as well.
The only down side is some of the kids wanted to shoot compound when they got into their teens. At this point we have to remember that they now have a foundation in traditional style shooting which at the time, unknown to me, is part of our by-laws, to promote the use of traditional equipment.
As Dale and Bill can testify, we not only had our own family camp at the rendevous’, but multiple family camps all associated with our club. Most of the older kids who went to compound, brought their old recurves because they still loved it. Part of their community service was to help pick up targets at the end of the rendevous. It really worked out great for everyone.
After ten years, what I really enjoyed about 4H was how we affected the kids. Some had no family and some had troubles in school. There are a few stories I will never forget and when we have time, come talk to me and I’ll share those with you. Some of those kids, now older, still come by to say hi!
So I am asking some of you, if you are willing to give some of your time to do this, get involved. State law now states that to teach any shooting sport you must be certified. Well, don’t let that stop you cause I am a level II archery instructor and am more than willing to certify anyone interested. So if you feel this is your calling, go ahead and get the ball rolling with your county 4H director, then call me at 360-686-3202.
On a personal note, I’d like to again thank all of you for allowing me this exposure as your ‘director at large’, and hope I can fulfill this obligation to the best of my ability. This promotion for 4H is in my personal interest and not coerced in any way by TBW. Sincerely, Mike Culbertson
Ps. If anyone is interested call me by May 1st and we can set up a weekend for the certification. 4H does have their own certification program as well.
