By Keighla Schmidt, Staff Writer 

As far as family activities go, archery is right on target.

Pun definitely intended.

On one of the few and very far between 90 degree days this summer, while swatting at bugs and squinting into the setting sun, a group of about 20 people were shooting an arrow at hay bales tucked in a corner of Hidden Valley Park. Isabel Derks: Isabel Derks shoots an
arrow at a target in Hidden Valley park
with instructor Bill Holzmer watching.
Derks enrolled in the class with her
twin brother, Ethan.

They were congregating for a beginner’s archery class offered by the city. The class was open to all ages, which might seem a bit unusual to some.

But what transpired was something that put a new spin on “family time.”

“Usually when you’re setting up programs like this and you make it just for youth, it falls away. But if you do it so parents are involved, they have something to do together,” said archery instructor Bill Holzmer.

And that’s just what it was for Molly Kingery and her son 6-year-old son, Tyler.

“Well, dad wants to do some bow hunting,” Molly said. “So I thought if I took this class then it was something we could all do together.”

Tyler explained he had some experience with archery, but it was limited to the bow and suction-cup arrow set he got for his birthday in April. He wasn’t sure which type he preferred, but either way, the idea of shooting something was enticing.

In spite of scoffs from his father, Justin Reinarz also admitted it was the act of shooting that attracted him to archery. “I like to shoot things,” the 10½-year-old said. “It’s a good feeling when you hit the mark.”

He bragged about the slingshot and bow and arrow he has attempted to make, and the hot wheels with a rubber band rig he successfully crafted. 

Justin’s dad, Bob, who brought the age curve up to 51, said the duo has gone to sporting good stores and looked over archery displays.

“I’ll bet if Justin likes this we’ll go get a bow and arrow set,” Bob said.

Not only was it a bonding opportunity for Bob and Justin, but was nostalgic as Bob recalled days of his youth when his father would take him out.

“I bet it’s been about 40 years since I shot a bow and arrow,” he said.

For twins Isabel and Ethan Derks, the last time the 8-year-olds remember handling the simple weapon was much more recent.

“I practice bow and arrow at home and at my cabin,” Isabel said. “I like to shoot.”

While she doesn’t always hit the target, she said she hopes she gets better. Noticing she was one of just a few girls, the girl clad in the paperboy hat was asked if she minded being outnumbered by boys.

“Not really, I have a brother who does this with me too,” she said.

Ethan, who was wearing a backward black baseball cap, admitted he wasn’t too thrilled about sharing the class with his sister, but said he liked that his dad was there watching.

With some encouragement from his dad, he eventually conceded that he liked having Isabel around. But like the other boys, it’s the thrill of shooting that keeps him entertained.

“Shooting at things makes it fun,” he said. “I hit the target most of the time.”

Hitting the target came pretty easily for Molly Kingery.

“It’s a lot less complicated than I thought,” she said. “I think hunters like to keep it a secret. There are a lot of parts to it, but with practice – all ages could do it.”

In the end, there was just the right combination of bugs, humidity, diminishing sunlight and flying arrows in the air to bring these families together.  

 Keighla Schmidt can be reached at kschmidt@swpub.com.