Youth Archery Programs
The following is a list of our youth programs available. The great thing about archery is your child doesn’t have to be the biggest, fastest or the strongest. They just need to want to shoot a bow. Anyone can do it!
Scholastic 3-D Archery & Junior Olympic Archery Development
Downwind Archery is home to the largest S3DA and JOAD program in the state of Idaho. We currently have 48 competitive kids ranging in age from 8 to 17. With some national and multiple state champions in the program we’re extremely proud of these kids. This program is competition based and does require a serious commitment from both the kids and the parents. Due to the training provided, the line of progression is our Explore archery program, followed by the JOAD pin shoot competitions. Entry into this program is based on availability.
USA Archery Explore Archery
Explore Archery is a six week program that introduces youth to the sport of archery. The course covers safety, bow identification, proper shooting form, scoring a target, etc. Medallions are given out for each section completed. These are only given if the student can demonstrate they know the material. No participation awards. Prior experience and equipment is not required. They have the opportunity to try both Genesis compound bows and recurves. Starting age is 8 years old. Contact Downwind Archery at 208-523-2237 for cost and class availability.
Junior Olympic Archery Development
The JOAD program is the natural line of progression if your child wants to further there archery experience and continue on to compete. This program is six weeks long and will continue to build on what was learned in the Explore archery program which must be completed first. Coaching will expand into many of the things taught in our S3DA/JOAD competition program. They will be introduced to JOAD pin shoots, where they will begin to earn pins based on their skill level, while shooting in a competitive environment. Parents are urged to compete with your child as well. A current USA Archery membership is required to compete in the pin shoots.
Indoor Range
Indoor 20 yard range with ten lanes. Coming in the spring of 2024 we will be adding an additional 30 yard indoor range with ten lanes. 24 hour access to both ranges will also be available.
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Outdoor Range
Large outdoor range with bag and block targets ranging from distances of 20 to 60 yards. An expansion for this range is planned in the spring of 2024.
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Meet Our Coaches
Founder | Owner
Bud Robinson
I'm Bud Robinson. My wife Kathy and I opened Downwind Archery in December of 1996. I started working with youth almost from the start. I've worked with hundreds of kids from scout groups, youth groups, church groups, camps, etc. Since starting the S3DA program four years ago I have gotten an S3DA instructor certification as well as a USA Archery Level 2 instructor certification.
I enjoy working with youth of all ages.
Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it".
Archery Coach
Shelby
I grew up in this industry since I was 3 years old and have been hooked ever since! My dad Bud the owner of Downwind Archery started teaching me to shoot and my love of the sport grew from there. I have been apart of the Nockbusters team from the beginning and I am grateful for the opportunity to Coach the awesome bunch of ladies and gentlemen that come into this program. I love watching the kids love for this sport grow and grow throughout the program.
Archery Coach
Erin
Hi! I’m Erin Jackson and I have been shooting a compound bow for a little over 20 years. I am a level 2 USA Archery certified archery instructor, certified S3DA coach, and an S3DA Regional Coordinator. My kids have been on the Downwind Nockbusters competitive team since it started, and I have been coaching the team since 2022. Coaching these kids is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my life and it’s a privilege to help every one of them see their potential and reach their goals.
Archery Coach
Alex
Hi! I’m Alex Fisher. I am a USA Level 2 certified archery instructor and a certified S3DA coach. I have been with the Downwind Nockbusters competitive team since the beginning, but coaching since late 2022. Personally, I shoot barebow recurve and love to compete locally and nationally in tournaments. While my heart lies with barebow and olympic recurve style of shooting, I also have fun coaching compound. When I’m not shooting, I can be found at home with my husband and 5 kids that I homeschool. I enjoy teaching kids, so getting to mix my love of archery with my love for teaching youth is absolutely the best thing on Earth.
Archery Coach
Will Daarud
My name is Will Daarud. I'm a USA Archery Level 2 instructor and S3DA certified. I've been interested in archery since I was a child. I grew up with a love for the outdoors and hunting, and I always wanted my children to be involved in the same things that I enjoy doing. When I learned what USA Archery and S3DA could do for the kids I knew I wanted to be a part of it. These programs do so much more than just teach kids how to shoot, and I love to see them grow and develop into top competitive athletes.