Advancing NH Archery Since 2013

Why archery?

Though archery is often perceived as a stationary sport, competitive archers actually require a significant amount of strength, endurance, and focus to perform well. If you aren't familiar with the demands of the sport then you may be surprised to learn that there are several health benefits to participating in archery. In addition to physical benefits, archery can improve your mental health as well.

 

There are lots of archery instructors and archery clubs in your area.  What makes Pioneer JOAD different?

Since the club began in 2013, Pioneer JOAD continues to excel in four key aspects: Training, Routine, Quality, and Support.  We believe that our program is like no other in New England. To see all the qualities that make Pioneer JOAD different from all the other clubs, click here.

 

My child has already taken lessons with a local instructor. Can he/she join Pioneer JOAD?

Yes, Pioneer JOAD welcomes all archers, regardless of level of experience.  Those with little experience will have a good foundation upon which to build, while those with more experience will have the opportunity to raise their archery skills and performance to the next level.

​

My child belongs to another club, but is frustrated because he/she is not improving.  How can you help?

Many of our archers have joined us after experiencing less than satisfactory results as a member of another club.  In every case, the archer has improved in a short period of time simply by participating in our training sessions and applying the National Training System (NTS) as it was meant to be taught. All Pioneer JOAD coaches teach the NTS the same way, ensuring consistent instruction for all of our archers.  In addition, all archers get individual attention (since we maintain a low instructor-to-student ratio) at each training session, so the improvements are usually quite fast.  

 

USA Archery rules state that a child can belong to only one JOAD club, so the archer would have to leave their current club prior to joining Pioneer JOAD.

 

I’ve heard from other clubs that Pioneer JOAD only cares about winning at tournaments and takes the sport too seriously, don’t you ever have fun?

Yes, of course we have fun.  Within every 6-week training block is one training session dedicated to a “fun shoot.”  Coach Christy is a master at planning and designing the most awesome, most fun, most incredible fun shoots our archers and parents have ever seen.  In addition to the scheduled fun shoots, we incorporate fun, interesting, and challenging activities into each training session - activities that help the archers apply the skills being taught in a fun way.

 

Everyone has more fun doing anything when they do that thing well.  We train our archers to perform well, which in turn, results in more fun for them.  Having more fun increases their confidence and self-esteem, which, in turn, results in even more fun for them. As the archer’s confidence (and fun) increase, they are ready to compete.  When they compete and shoot well (because they have been well-trained), their fun level increases even more.

 

Not every Pioneer JOAD archer competes in tournaments, but our training philosophy is to train all of our archers as though they are preparing for competition. JOAD stands for Junior Olympic Archery Development, therefore our commitment to our archers is to train them in accordance with the US Olympic standards and expectations.

 

Is Pioneer JOAD a business?

No, the Pioneer JOAD Archery Club is a non-profit Archery Club run by a wonderful team of certified coaches who all love the sport of Archery.

 

Not having to worry about the monetary “bottom line” gives our coaches the freedom to dedicate themselves to helping every member of the club develop into the best archer they can be.

 

With respect to outfitting the archers with equipment, since we are non-profit organization, our focus is dedicated to ensuring the archer's equipment is right for the archer, and fits within the parents' budget. Neither the club nor the Pioneer JOAD staff receive any profit from equipment sales.  

 

What is the age range to be a member of Pioneer JOAD?

10-20.

 

How do we get started?

It is also best to try archery first to see if you are interested as lessons and equipment can be costly. The Pioneer JOAD Archery club recommends that all new members take lessons prior to joining the Pioneer JOAD Archery Club.  Once you have the basic techniques and skills accomplished, you will be ready to join the club.

 

Where do you practice?

The Pioneer JOAD Archery Club practices at the Pioneer Sportsmens Club in Dunbarton, NH.  All of our training takes place on the Pioneer Sportsmen grounds.  For indoor training, we use the Leon Gilman Archery Center, which is a 3000 sq ft heated building, allowing for 12 archery lanes and shooting distances up to 30 meters.  The building has storage areas for bow cases, excellent lighting, target cameras and video monitors, and a tournament-grade clock timing system.

​

For outdoor training, we have use of the 90 meter archery field. Adjacent to the archery building is the Pioneer Sportsmen clubhouse, which has two meeting rooms, as well as separate men's and women's restroom facilities.

​

How often do you meet?

The JOAD training sessions are held once a week for 6 weeks. Between each 6-week session, there is a 1 or 2 week break that coincides with the NH school calendar.

 

Are you a part of any other organizations?

Yes,  in order to be a member of the Pioneer JOAD Archery Club, you need to also be a member of USA Archery.  Membership in US Archery allows you to compete in Regional, State, and National tournaments.  Please keep in mind that there annual fee for US Archery membership.

 

How much does it cost?
The cost of the 6-week session is $60 for 1 child, $110 for 2 children and $160 for 3 children, payable by cash or check at the first meeting. There is also a one-time registration fee of $30.

 

How much do you need to practice?
Every athlete must practice their sport to get better; without practice you will not improve. The club officially meets once per week, but practicing at least once a week between sessions is recommended to develop proper form and skills.  If you are planning on competing, members should practice at least 3 times a week.  

 

Do you compete on a national level?

Yes, in addition to the JOAD Regional tournaments, we participate in both the Indoor and Outdoor National tournaments throughout the year. 

​

Still have questions? Get in touch.