Stanford Archery

Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD)

Stanford's JOAD program is part of a national program designed to encourage children's participation in archery. It offers kids a chance to train for competition and get to know other local archers while improving fundamental skills, learning advanced techniques, and perfecting an individual and consistent shooting style. The program is ongoing and runs throughout the year--new archers can join at any time.

No experience is necessary for those participating in JOAD, however a mandatory safety private lesson is required for those with no prior Stanford Archery experience. Stanford Archery experience includes private lessons (either with team members or Sheri Rhodes), previous Stanford JOAD participation, Group/Corporate event, or attending Stanford Archery Summer Camp.

All equipment will be provided by Stanford Archery. The JOAD program accommodates both those interested in competitive archery and those looking for recreational opportunities by providing a serious atmosphere focused on critical skill development, while still maintaining a fun environment. Whether or not an archer wishes to compete, the ultimate goal of their JOAD experience will be the development of lifetime shooting skills and a love of archery.

JOAD classes are coached by members of Stanford's competitive archery team. Meet some of them.

THE STANFORD JUNIOR TEAM

Archers who demonstrate superior skill, commitment, and sportsmanship and are dedicated to reaching higher levels of competition may earn a spot on the elite Stanford Junior Team. While all members of the JOAD program will have opportunities to compete in local, state, and national archery competitions, members of the Junior Team will train specifically for these competitions and travel together as a team to tournaments.

Specific scoring requirements needed to qualify for the Junior Team vary with age and can be explained at JOAD sessions.


JOAD Details

Who:	Anyone ages 7 - 18 (Note: Those younger than 7 can try archery in a private lesson format and possibly move into JOAD if appropriate.)

Dates and Times:	For summer 2008: Saturdays 1-3pm. (for upcoming confirmed dates see the Calendar)

Location:	Stanford Campus, Athletic fields along El Camino Real. See Driving Direction and Parking Info.

Costs:	Per-Session Fee: $30 for 2 hour session including high-quality provided equipment. -- or -- $25 if you bring your own equipment. Five session passes can also be purchased (to save check-writing)

Sign-Ups:	Archers should sign-up for each week's session by filling out the online sign-up form. Stanford Archery accepts cash and personal checks. Checks should be made payable to "Stanford Archery".

Mailing List:	Receive emails about JOAD by joining our Community Programs mailing list.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Should I buy my own equipment?
While a $5 discount is provided to those who bring their own equipment, high quality equipment is provided as part of the regular JOAD price. However, for those wishing to pursue competition, we recommend purchasing equipment that can be customized and used for practice outside of JOAD and Private Lessons. Feel free to contact us with any questions about equipment purchases.

Is JOAD appropriate for complete beginners?
Absolutely. JOAD accomodates junior archery champions as well as those who have never before touched a bow. For safety reasons, we require those with no prior experience to take a private lesson from any of our coaches before attending their first JOAD.

What if I'm not sure I want to get into competitive archery? Is JOAD still right for me?
Yes, definitely. Though all members of JOAD have the opportunity to compete, none are required to. For those looking for purely recreational archery, JOAD is a chance to hang out with friends and pursue the sport for fun.

Will JOAD sessions be similar to the Summer Camp?
JOAD is similar to the Summer Camp in that no experience is required and kids will have a chance to meet and bond with other archers in the area. However, since JOAD is designed as a true archery training program it maintains a more serious, skill-development-oriented atmosphere.

If you have any questions or comments, please email us.