When I was a child, I was a Boy Scout for a couple of years. I don’t recall what initially prompted me to join, but it was likely because my peers were participating. We participated in a variety of fun activities, including building model derby cars and competing in Pokémon tournaments. I will never forget the time my dad took me to a comic shop and bought me a holographic Zapdos for one of these events. Little moments like that are what I look back on, especially now as a husband and father myself.
Another really exciting activity I took part in while in Boy Scouts was an outdoor, cabin-living excursion. This short trip was filled with many activities, including hiking, learning to identify plants, and archery. For archery, it took the instructor a little while to realize that I was left-handed and he had given me a bow meant for righties. However, once that minor issue was resolved, I went on to have a great deal of fun. I don’t know how many times I have shot a bow and arrow since then, but having an archery-practicing wife is a fun reminder of my brief stint at it. Fortunately for those in the Portland-metro area, there are quite a few places to help hone this craft.
The earliest traces of bows and arrows date back 60,000 to 72,000 years ago, when arrowheads were discovered in South African caves. Additionally, the earliest evidence of arrowheads found outside the continent of Africa was discovered in Sri Lanka in 2020. Those arrowheads are dated as approximately 48,000 years old. Small stone points from around 54,000 years ago were found in Southern France, and experts believe these to be arrowheads as well, most likely.
We have plenty of ancient arrowheads, but what about ancient bows? The oldest intact bow was found in Denmark and dates back to around 9,000 years ago. The design of the bow and arrow was not only developed over the course of tens of thousands of years, but the concept itself was central to many civilizations of the past. Taking part in using a bow and arrow is not only an entertaining, potentially competitive hobby, but it also speaks to our history as humans.
One location around Portland where you can practice archery is Trackers. Currently closed for the summer, Trackers opens back up in the next couple of weeks and offers both group and private lessons. This indoor archery range also offers All-Ages, open hours for individuals not seeking lessons. With the fall season approaching, this could be your next unique family activity.
Another location worth checking out is Broken Arrow Archery. Located in Milwaukie, their indoor range is the perfect setup for both experienced and beginner archers. With distances reaching up to 20 yards and 15 shooting lanes, there is plenty of space to put your skills to the test. Broken Arrow Archery charges either by the day or through one of their various monthly, semi-annual, or annual packages. A really cool feature here is that they use a Dart Target System, which creates digital images as targets to help you hone your craft.
Archers Afield is another great choice for those interested in bows and arrows. Located in Tigard, several of their staff members have more than 40 years of experience each in archery. They offer several types of private lessons for kids as young as five and provide all necessary equipment. They also offer various types of group classes for different age ranges and bow types. Furthermore, they host birthday parties that can include a cosmic range setting for those interested.
Another amazing spot is Archery World. With locations in Troutdale, Vancouver, Battle Ground, and Lacey, they offer walk-in options for anyone looking to have fun at their range. Their Troutdale location provides a class called A Nock Above, an introduction to the basic fundamentals of archery. This would be a perfect family activity and a great way to discover who has a natural talent for the sport. And who knows, maybe it will set off a lifelong passion.
Archery is an enjoyable activity that is not only entertaining but also teaches valuable skills, such as focus and self-discipline. It also speaks to the past of our humanity, as we have seen various types of bows and arrows used for thousands of years across cultures. Over time, archery has also evolved into a competitive hobby. For example, there were documented archery events in England in 1483. Much later in the 18th century, the English aristocracy revived archery as a sport, which spread around the world as both a leisurely activity and a competitive one.
This is a great activity to do either as a family or as something to send your children to partake in. My view on things such as this is that it doesn’t hurt to try. Pick an activity that you think they would enjoy and learn from, and sign them up for classes. The likelihood of them regretting it is very low, but the skills and fun they obtain from it are high, even if they don’t participate in it forever. Archery is an exciting activity, and one that your family will remember forever.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.