They just have to be able to listen, follow instructions and want to have some fun. Heath said the group works with lots of beginners and has some equipment to loan. Though scores are kept, she said the fun of archery and self-improvement are the main goals. Several levels of badges are given to students as they improve. Beginners shoot from 15 meters, while more experienced youth shoot from 18 meters.
Targets are the traditional, multi-color, concentric ring type.
Shooters shoot 60 arrows per class. Heath said with practice, perfect scores do happen for many kids. JOAD competitions are held at state and national levels, and some high-level contests are planned for the Wichita area. Heath said many local youths are ranked in the top 10 nationally.