Beginning your Archery journey with Chewton Archers
How can I start archery?
In short - easily! Chewton Archers offer two-hour come and try sessions for you to
experience archery with us. In a small group (8 person max) you will learn how to
shoot safely under the guidance of an Archery Australia accredited coach. Archery
Australia is the national governing body for archery and you will be covered by their
insurance during your visit.
There is a Come & Try-Level 1 session each month followed by two further sessions
where you will build on the skills learned in your first session and learn more about
archery. The three sessions form your pathway to membership with Chewton Archers.
You can book a Come & Try session-Level 1 without obligation to proceed to a Level
2 or 3, however, if you think you might like to become a Club member please
consider booking all three sessions consecutively. You must book and complete the
sessions in sequence.
Who can participate?
Chewton Archers is committed to inclusivity and accessibility. Anyone 8 years or
older is eligible to participate in a Come and Try Session with us. As far as possible,
within our resource constraints, we will do our best to support all abilities
participation, so please contact us at chewtonarchery@gmail.com if you have any
queries and we will explore ways to support you.
Session costs
The cost for each of the sessions is $35 for an adult, and $30 for those under 18
years old.
Chewton Archers is the recipient of VicSport Grants aimed at increasing the
participation of underrepresented groups in sport. These grants can cover the cost of
Come & Try sessions, Club membership and/or Club vouchers for range and
equipment fees. Currently the following groups can benefit from the Grants:
● Women & Girls.
● People living with disability.
● People of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander background.
● Members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Our Try Booking system allows you to select one of the Grant options. For further details
please contact treasurerchewtonarchers@gmail.com to obtain a promotion code prior to
booking.
The Club is also registered with the Victorian Government’s Get Active Kids
voucher program: https://www.getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers/ This program is
seasonal and usually opens to applicants during the summer months. If a person
under 18 years old qualifies for this voucher program, a voucher for $200 can cover
the cost of participating in Come and Try sessions, Club membership and/or Club
vouchers for range and equipment fees.
How to book
To view available sessions and to book please visit our booking site at:L
Enrolling your child?
The Club Code of Conduct requires that a person under 16 years old must be
accompanied by a responsible adult while participating in Club activities. In our
experience, those who have enrolled their child discover that they also would like to
join in the fun. There are not too many sports where parents/carers, grandparents
and children can all participate together, so here is your opportunity. So you might
like to consider booking both yourself and the child for your first Come and Try
session. You and the child in your care will enjoy the experience more if you do it
together-you can help each other as you progress. Further, you have nothing to lose
and you might be surprised-many of our current members discovered their
enjoyment of archery in this way!
Where are the sessions held?
All sessions are held at the Club’s premises, Chewton Archery Park, 663 Pyrenees
Highway, Chewton, Victoria 3451:
https://goo.gl/maps/34SqzmbHKweKv3Mt5
What to bring
Yourself, a water bottle, a sun hat and sunscreen. We provide you with all other
appropriate safety and shooting equipment and ensure that you understand how to
use it before we commence the session.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE
ATTENDING YOUR FIRST COME AND TRY SESSION
Statistically, archery is a very safe sport. However, for the safety of you and others
attending your session, please note the following important safety instructions:
1. When shooting, the bow string travels at considerable speed close to your body.
So it is important to make sure that the string will not become tangled with
anything. Prior to commencement of the session:
● Hair must be tied back off the face;
● Loose jewellery (eg bracelets, long necklaces, chains) removed ; and
● Some facial piercings may need to be covered or removed;
● Loose or bulky clothing (eg a scarf or puffer jacket) removed, so consider
wearing a close fitting topTee shirts are fine in warm weather and long
sleeved thermal tops work well if its cooler. Chest pockets should be emptied
of bulky items.
2. Arrows have a sharp point at the front and can be quite sharp at the rear of the
arrow (the ‘nock’). So to prevent injury from dropped arrows etc. footwear should
be closed over the top of the foot - thongs, sandals and similar footwear are not
suitable and you will be unable to participate if you wear them.
3. We shoot outdoors, often in full sun, so protection from ultraviolet radiation is
important:
● Bring a hat (many archers use a ‘bucket hat’ because baseball caps can
interfere with your shooting),
● If you have one, an SPF 50+ shirt (or tight woven shirt), with long sleeves and
a collar, is ideal. Otherwise, a long-sleeved shirt or sun sleeves will be
sufficient.
● Consider bringing sunglasses – some archers shoot with them.
● Finally, please apply your sunscreen to all exposed skin.
4. Please ensure that you are not under the influence of alcohol or any other
substance that could affect your participation at this session.
5. If you have any pre-existing medical condition that we should know about, please
let us know – we will do our best to make any adjustments so that the session is as
enjoyable as possible for you.
HOW CAN I JOIN CHEWTON ARCHERS?
Prospective members of Chewton Archers must meet required safety standards
before being accepted for membership. Different pathways to membership are
described in a separate information sheet:
