My older two boys were booked in at Cotswold Archery, which is located in the grounds of Farncombe Conference Centre, which is in the stunning Farncombe Estate, (Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7LJ). Everything was provided (including a drink during an interval) and they had 2 hours of demonstration and practice – with around 3 or 4 bows. The initial day had to be changed because of the weather. Neil responded quickly to e-mails and my telephone call (on the morning to double check it was all okay). We were able to stay in the grounds after the session but had to shoot off.
I like my boys to get outdoors, and if they can learn a new skill at the same time even better. Truth be told, left to their own devices they would have all been quite happy playing computer games on various platforms. Luckily for me there are things that can entice them away. Archery became something our 11 year old was interested in after reading (and rereading, and rereading again, and again) The Hunger Games. In fact then we got the films (and the comedy version too). I am pleased to say that no children were injured in this particular Archery session.
I was actually quite surprised to see that all the other attendees were in fact adults. Neil had organised an extra target (which was closer to him) and smaller bows, for the younger of my two sons. I asked if children usually took part and he said that indeed they did, and that he even did parties – where they could shoot at a castle. My 11 year old son was most impressed as it was a dedicated archery range – outdoors and much more space than he had previously been used to. It was in stunning grounds, easy to access and with good parking.
Neil provided expert tuition and demonstrations, skilfully splitting his time between the participants. There was an excellent range of bows which were all explained thoroughly. Of course the most exciting bit was the chance to use the cross bow (even if it should have been holding an Olympic bow). My oldest son even got the “Gold” target and I think impressed some of the adults participating.
Benefits to Archery
Both my boys had a great time and it was great to get them into the fresh air. But also there are many benefits to archery:
- Hand eye coordination
-
Remember to keep at least one eye open - Balance
- Building upper body strength
- Improving focus
- Teaching patience
- Suitable for a range of ages and abilities, so helps develop social skills
- Improving self-confidence and self-esteem
- The importance of safety
- Exercise – a lot of walking can be involved
- Stress relief – archery is known to be a great form of relaxation.
I would like to thank Neil not only for allowing the boys to participate, but for his patience (especially when the youngest’s arrows kept going over the fence).
The boys had a 2 hour Archery session free of charge at Cotswold Archery in return for an honest review. All words and opinions are my own.
Sounds like they had a great time. My son tried out archery at a country show last year and really enjoyed it – I hadn’t thought about looking for a club!
Looks like great fun and wonderful to get them outdoors for a bit isn’t it?
This looks like a great activity. I would love to have a go x
When i was younger, i was a beaver, cub and then a scout for a few years and i loved doing outdoor activies like this. Archery was always a favourite of mine 🙂 It’s great that you are getting them out and about x
I’ve always thought I could be quite good at archery. I’m not sure why! Perhaps one day I’ll get the chance to prove myself right or wrong!
I used to love Archery – the hand eye coordination definitely benefits! The arm pad is soooooo important, I used to feel sore even when wearing it!
This sounds like a great experience – am also surprised that all the other participants were adults, as it sounds like exactly the kind of thing my two would enjoy too.
Sounds like the boys had lots of fun. I did archery once (with the target being marked with sound because I am blind) and it was great.
Ive tried once, I was so awful at it, even the tutor got annoyed ha x
Oh Joy if i had boys it will be the perfect place to take them. Although my eldest fancies herself a bit like Brave 🙂
Nice to see boys outside rather than in front of a computer console!
Great job !
Really great post Joy, sounds like it was lots of fun too. You may laugh but I used to play archery when I was at school, was quite good too. I left school a long time ago though so I’m sure I’d be rubbish now! Hope you’re good x
Cool – I’ve only ever done archery at things like country shows, but I had a former work colleague who took it all very seriously and he always claimed it was an excellent thing for children to get in to as it taught them patience and accuracy. Glad your boys enjoyed it.
Oh what a brilliant activity, and it’s a form of stress relief too?!?! Fetch me those arrows!
Max would love that, he could pretend to be Link from the Zelda games!
So many benefits! We did it once but the kids were a bit small, must revisit. Great review 🙂
My boy loves archery, he would have thought this was fabulous and well done to your oldest son and his gold shot! Mich x
This is my cup of tea, I always remember trying and LOVING archery at an activity day back in school. Have never thought about it since.
Glad that there is activities to entice the boys away from the consoles. #countrykids
I’ve seen the signs for this over the years and always wondered what it was like. Looks like something for our ‘must do when Monkey is older’ list #CountryKids
You look like you all had a great day, isn’t it amazing how children pick this up. My older son considers himself a mini Robin Hood x
It sounds like they had a great time! What a fun activity to take part in. I’ve always fancied a go at archery x
This sounds like a lot of fun, I think my eldest 2 would love to try archery! #CountryKids
Another great sport to enjoy! As you say there are many benefits to being outdoors and active, it looks like they really enjoyed their lessons. Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
Wow, looks like a great place to try it out. I tried archery once a long time ago at guides, but my Granddad told me ‘that’s not for girls’ when I was playing with my brother’s archery set. What a prat! I was a bit of a tomboy and not impressed.
Our boys would be in heaven if they could do that Pinkoddy! They recently had a small go and asked if they could do more but it was quite expensive for the 10 arrows and so we stopped there. It certainly feels like it could be highly addictive!
My eldest has done some archery and loves it. The other two seem to fall below the minimum age for most courses, but are raring to have a go, when they hit that age! We have a set in the garden and they are very responsible with it, following the rules. It is a great outdoor activity. #CountryKids
This looks fab! I’ve never done archery before, I reckon I’d be really bad!
I tried archery once, I wasn’t very good at it at all. Glad the boys had a good time though.
Oh looks a fab day out! I love archery – I am pretty useless at sport but oddly my aim is very very good. I think it’s because I don’t have to run! Glad you had a lovely time xxx