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NORTHMORELAND TWP. — After the first night of the new Centershot archery program at the Northmoreland Baptist Church on Jan. 11, organizer Matt Johnson had a problem.
He needed more bows.
Johnson, who is the director of the Northmoreland Baptist Sportsmen, began the program hoping to get a few kids interested in archery. But on that first night, when 31 kids came out to shoot bows, Johnson knew he better be prepared for the program to grow.
“We’re averaging 40 shooters a night, and our highest turnout was 56,” Johnson said last Thursday as groups of archers skillfully shot arrows at eight targets in the church hall. “I’d love to see it continue to grow.”
The program combines archery and a message of faith and is free and open to everyone. Originally it was designed just for children, but the church opened it up to families after seeing the large amount of interest. Pastor Kurt Seboe said when Johnson approached the church about the idea, they were on board immediately and purchased 18 bows.
“It’s a way that families can spend time together, learn about archery and there’s a spiritual purpose in letting people know about Christ,” Seboe said. “A lot of people just enjoy coming out and talking while others shoot.”
Johnson, who is also president of the Mehoopany Creek Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, said his love of hunting and a desire to share it were also behind the implementation of the archery program.
Johnson began hunting a few years ago and the sport has had a positive influence on his life, he said.
“I realized what hunting meant to me and I hope this program gets others involved,” Johnson said, adding the Northmoreland Baptist Sportsmen will be hosting a hunter education program later this year at the church.
“It would be awesome if kids that are in this program end up taking the hunter safety course as well,” he said.
It was clear the group of adults and children had a keen interest in archery. Shooters were divided into three groups and they eagerly waited their turn to line up and pull back the bowstring. Safety is paramount, Johnson said, and 15 trained staff members assist archers as they shoot.
Scores are also kept, but it’s just a way to allow participants to gauge how they’re doing. The program isn’t about competing but rather education, camaraderie and family time.
Kaitlyn Shaver, 12, scored 49 out of 50 points in one round. She said she never shot a bow until the event began in January.
“I’m excited for this every week and it’s fun learning the different steps involved with shooting a bow,” Shaver said. “I look forward to it, and so does my entire family.”
Jodi Weiskerger brought her 9-year-old daughter, Lily, to the archery program and said she hopes it continues weekly for the entire year.
“It’s great fun and I absolutely love that it’s for the whole family,” she said.
Jimmy Gillen, 8, of Noxen, said he’s learned a lot about shooting bows since the Centershot program began. When it was his group’s turn to shoot, Gillen took his time to make sure he had the right bow.
“I tried to pull the first one back but the string was too tight. The next one was just right,” he said.
As shooters took their turns at the line and tallied their scores, Johnson marveled at how far the program had come in a short time. There’s room to grow, he said, and both children and adults at any skill level are welcome.
Best of all, Johnson said, is the common bond that’s shared over a night at the archery range in the church hall. While he’s too busy running the program and doesn’t have time to shoot, Johnson spends the time with his wife, Renae, who helps coordinate the event.
“I have a passion for hunting and I feel it’s important for hunters and everyone to hear the gospel,” he said. “This is the best of both worlds.”
