Shoot Exhibits

Currently we only perform archery exhibits in the Bergen/ Passaic area from February to June in the calendar year. We have all of the necessary equipment (youth bows, arrows, arm guards, caution tape and large foam backstops) to perform exhibits either at a school facility or at the Campgaw Archery Range in Mahwah in New Jersey. We have performed exhibits for groups as small as 9 people and as large as 150 participants. Usually the exhibits are done on a Thursday or Friday night or Saturday/Sunday during the day.

We go over how the bow came about; the evolution of the bow from long bow to recurve to the compound bow of today. We cover the types of archery as well as it being an Olympic Sport. Safety and respect for the bow and arrow is also covered and stressed. The group is shown how an archer stands and how to properly shoot the bow to shoot accurately. They see some club members take a few shots at the targets to get an idea of what they are about to take part in. Some of the particpants have shot before, but some are new. We treat all as if they have not shot a bow at all, we assume nothing.

Several times if opportunity allows we have done a shoot off of balloon tic-tac-toe ( the children pick the two members to shoot it out). The children love to watch and really see some shooting fun.

We then pin a large amount of balloons as 'targets' on the foam backstop for the children to shoot at. Even if they may not have the best of aim at least they have a chance at popping a balloon and they feel a sense of accomplishment. It is fun to see the suprise and excitement in a child eye's to be able to shoot a bow.

The very act of shooting a bow is great for concentration, self-esteem/self-accomplishment and is great for hand/eye coordination.

If you have an interest in having the Bergen Bowmen perform an archery exhibit for you please contact us.

St Phillip's School

February 2001

Jim Kraft, Tom Surlak, Leon Dussault and Joann Mills instructing on the firing line.

St. Phillip's School

February 2001

Kathrine Surlak, Tom Surlak, Joe Mills and Leon Dussault (pictured left to right) helping cub and boy scouts learn how to properly shoot a bow.

Camp Alpine

May 2004

Heinz Honnetter and Joe Mills instruct the Ridgewood/Glen Rock group of Boy Scouts about archery.