History Behind Little Hills Youth Archery
(November 2009 - 5 years)

A few members of St Louis Bow Hunters Archery Club recognized that a youth archery program was limited if nonexistent for the areas of St Charles and St Louis Counties in Missouri. Members came together to form a youth archery club, that has been named Little Hills Youth Archery.

Garry Halim proposed Little Hills Youth Archery for a club name because it goes along with the  history of certain areas in St Charles County, Missouri. Other members agreed it to be an appropriate name for the club. With the club's name approved, what type of archery program would be offered to the youths in our area? Members had knowledge of a program offered by the National Archery Association (NAA) or USA Archery. USA Archery is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the sport of archery in the United States. It establishes shooting regulations, conducts tournaments, maintains records and provides information to organize and support archery clubs. Youth clubs charted with US Archery are known as Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) clubs..

Above: Programs and logos used in association for National Archery Association also known as USA Archery.

The format and support given by USA Archery was the reason for deciding on the JOAD format. November 2004 was the first year to charter Little Hills Youth Archery as a JOAD youth club with USA Archery.

The JOAD format teaches the fundamental steps needed to obtain skills for the advancement in archery. Individuals can  choose the type of equipment they would like to try and builds their form for shooting that equipment. As the youth grow in archery, tournaments are offered by NAA for everyone's fun and enjoyment as well as national recognition for participating, if so desired after becoming a member of the NAA. An award system is setup for challenging each youth's abilities for their self-paced growth in archery. Now, with so much offered we were very excited about beginning the JOAD program as quickly as possible.

Various equipment was purchased by the sponsorship of  St Louis Bow Hunters Archery Club and the use of their range for holding the indoor-classes. Little Hills Youth Archery is an affiliate club with the St Louis Bow Hunters, without this support Little Hills Youth Archery would not have been possible.

Ann Weber Hoyt donated 6-Genesis for use in a youth program and other equipment was purchased from Ann Hoyt Archery at a discounted rate. Mike's Bait and Tackle has also supported the youth club by discounting equipment as well. Many other individuals have donated arrows, fletching, and other supplies for getting this youth club up and running.

A Level-1 training course is offered by NAA centered on teaching safety in archery and important information for instructing an archery class.  Debbie Hermerding lead the instruction course for the  Level-1 training for the JOAD volunteer instructors. Those who took the Level-1 course for the club's first year as instructors have been Andy Sanchez, Bob Brumback, Garry Halim, Greg Bouras, Bob Sieg, Kevin Karney and Cathy Ball . They were certified for their training with a 3-year teaching certification. Since then Cathy Ball has been recognized by NASP and NAA as a level-2 instructor for their programs.

Little Hills Youth Archery instructors have a history in archery, some have won National and State competitions in their divisions, some have set records in archery competitions and others have enjoyed archery for many years. Each instructor is anxious to share their knowledge in archery with the youths for their growth in archery.

Our first 4-week JOAD program began November 6, 2004 with 13 youths signed up for this program. Our classes have grown to 87 youth in the JOAD classes with everyone enjoying the activities and growing in archery. (February 2009).

2005 Tournament participants

9 am - Nov. 2008 class

11 am - Nov. 2008 class

1:30 pm - Nov. 2008 class

3:30 pm - Nov. 2008 class

We are very happy for the participation, enthusiasm and growth in archery the youths have shown. We wish them the best in their archery experiences and are proud to have been part of it.

Little Hills Youth Archery JOAD

Safety - first | Fun -second