Introduction to Archery

Introduction to Archery for Youth Ages 8–17
A four-week beginner archery program taught by USA Archery-certified instructors. No prior experience is required, and equipment is available for participants who need it.

September 8–29, 2026
Tuesdays at 6:15 PM or 7:30 PM
Palmyra Sportsmen’s Association, Annville, Pennsylvania

Registration is limited to 10 archers per session.

Click Here to Register for Introduction to Archery

Contact the Program Director


The Palmyra Sportsmen's Association Introduction to Archery Program is taught by a team of certified archery instructors from Palmyra Sportsmen's Association.  The classes will begin with very basic instruction and progress with each archer at their own skill and interest level.

 

Program Details

  • Ages: 8–17
  • Experience: No prior archery experience required
  • Program length: Four consecutive Tuesdays
  • Session choices: 6:15 PM or 7:30 PM
  • Capacity: 10 archers per session
  • Equipment: Provided at no additional cost, or bring your own
  • Location: 410 Sportsman Road, Annville, PA 17003
  • Cost: 
  • Membership required: No
  • Registration status: Open
 

What Participants Will Learn

  • Range commands and archery safety
  • Basic archery terminology
  • Proper stance, posture, grip, draw, anchor, aim, and release
  • Safe arrow handling and retrieval
  • Scoring and basic tournament procedures
  • Individualized skill development based on each archer’s progress
  • Opportunities to continue into recreational, competitive, or hunting archery

  

All participants will begin shooting at 10 yards.  Palmyra Sportsmen's Association will provide all the necessary archery equipment for those who do not possess their ownArchers are encouraged to bring their own equipment to use during the program.  Personal equipment will be subject to a safety inspection prior to use.


 

What PSA Provides

  • Beginner-appropriate archery equipment (arm guards, finger tabs, arrows, and bows)

  • Targets and range equipment
  • Safety instruction
  • Coaching from USA Archery-certified instructors
 

What Participants Should Bring

  • Comfortable clothing that is not loose around the arms or chest
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • A water bottle
  • Long hair tied back
  • Personal archery equipment

You can register using our Spond link.

2026 Introduction to Archery Program Dates & Times*

September 8, 2026 - Two Sessions:  6:15 PM Session & 7:30 PM Session
September 15, 2026
- Two Sessions:  6:15 PM Session & 7:30 PM Session
September 22, 2026 - Two Sessions:  6:15 PM 
Session & 7:30 PM Session
September 29, 2026 - Two Sessions:  6:15 PM Session & 7:30 PM Session

Participants register for either the 6:15 PM session or the 7:30 PM session and attend that same session for all four weeks.

*Please arrive at Palmyra Sportsmen's Association 10 minutes before your assigned session time.

PLEASE NOTE:  Our Intro to Archery class fills up quickly.  If you wish to participate, you can use the Spond link, or contact our Program Administrative Director, Shannon Koons, at shannon@pas3da.org


USA Archery Certified Coaching Team*

Program Leadership

Shannon Koons, Program Administrative Director
James Koons

Coaches and Instructors
Frank Baird
Rich Breach
Bryan Young
Justin Mays
Tori Baird
Kylee Koons
Holden Mays
Delia Smith


*All coaches, including our junior coaches are USA Archery Certified and conform to the U.S. Center for SafeSport Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP)Adult program leadership supervises all safety controls, archery instruction, range operations, and the activities of all junior coaches.  All coaches have official credentials and training, including US SafeSport certification and training, background screenings, CPR, and first aid.


Program FAQ

  • Does my child need previous experience? No. The Introduction to Archery Program is designed for beginners, including participants who have never handled or shot a bow. Instruction begins with range safety, basic terminology, proper shooting form, and fundamental archery skills. Coaches then work with each archer according to their individual ability, progress, and interests.
  • Does a parent or guardian need to remain during class? A parent or responsible adult must remain on the Palmyra Sportsmen’s Association property throughout the class. Parents may observe from the designated spectator area but may not enter the shooting area unless directed by a coach. For safety reasons, all spectators must follow all range instructions and remain outside the active shooting area unless invited onto the range by a coach.
  • Can my child bring a compound bow or recurve bow?  Participants may bring their own recurve or compound equipment, provided it is suitable for the archer and passes a safety inspection before use. Coaches may limit or prohibit the use of equipment that is damaged, improperly adjusted, too heavy for the archer, or otherwise unsuitable for the class environment. Participants should not purchase new equipment specifically for the program without first speaking with a coach.
  • What happens if a participant misses a week? Because the program builds skills progressively over four weeks, participants should attend every scheduled class whenever possible. If a participant will be absent, the parent or guardian should notify the program staff as soon as possible. Coaches will make a reasonable effort to help the participant review missed material during the next class, but individual makeup classes are not guaranteed. Participation in another session time is subject to available space and advance approval from the Program Administrative Director. Participants should not attend a different session without first receiving permission. If PSA must cancel or reschedule a class because of weather, facility conditions, instructor availability, or another safety concern, parents and guardians will be notified through Spond as soon as reasonably possible. PSA will provide information about any rescheduled class or alternative arrangement when the cancellation notice is issued.
  • Are accommodations available for participants with disabilities? Palmyra Sportsmen’s Association wants all eligible youth to have a fair opportunity to participate. Parents and guardians should contact the Program Administrative Director before registering, or as early as possible before the first class, to discuss any disability, medical condition, sensory need, learning consideration, communication need, or physical accommodation that may affect participation. The program team will review each request individually and determine what reasonable accommodations can be provided while maintaining range safety. Providing advance notice allows our coaching staff to prepare appropriately.
  • Is there a waiting list when a session fills?  Yes. Each session is limited to 10 participants. Once a session reaches capacity, additional registrants will be placed on a waiting list. If a space becomes available, families will be contacted in the order established by the program’s registration process. A family may be given a limited period in which to accept the opening before it is offered to the next person.  Please contact the Program Administrative Director for details.
  • Is club membership required? No. Participants do not need to be members of Palmyra Sportsmen’s Association to attend the Introduction to Archery Program. Families who are interested in PSA membership or continuing youth programs may ask the coaching staff for additional information.
  • Can siblings register for the same session? Yes, provided space is available in the requested session. Each child must be registered separately because PSA needs individual participant information, emergency contact details, and any required parent or guardian acknowledgments. Registering one child does not automatically reserve a place for a sibling. Families should complete all registrations as promptly as possible because each session is limited to 10 participants.  
  • What programs are available after the four-week course?  Participants who want to continue archery may ask the coaching staff about PSA’s ongoing youth programs. PSA proudly has one of the largest and most active youth archery programs in Central Pennsylvania with several program opportunities to choose from.  We recommend considering our S3DA and/or JOAD programs as possible next steps.  Check out our photo albums!

Palmyra Sportsmen's Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

410 Sportsman Rd. Annville, PA 17003

717-832-0488

email: office@palmyrasportsmens.com

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