Hitting the Mark

Gabriel’s love for archery began in 2020 with a simple beginner’s kit. The arrows had suction tips, and we spent hours in the garden practicing our aim, taking turns and cheering whenever one of us managed to hit the target squarely. It was a great way to introduce him to the sport and sparked a growing fascination with bows and arrows.

A Handmade Bow at Forest School

Gabriel’s interest took a more hands-on turn during a session at forest school. That day, they learned how to craft their own bows and arrows from natural materials. Gabriel found a branch, carefully stripping away the bark with a knife under the instructor’s watchful eye. Once smoothed, the branch was strung with twine to create the bow. For arrows, they selected straight twigs, sharpening the tips with knives.

Gabriel returned home with his homemade bow and arrows, brimming with pride at having created them himself. We spent the afternoon testing them out, marvelling at how resourceful and skilled he’d become.

An Old Wooden Bow in a Friend’s Shed

The archery adventures didn’t stop there. During a visit to a friend’s house, Gabriel discovered an old wooden bow and arrows had been tucked away in their shed. It was a bit weathered but still functional, and his friend kindly brought it out from the shed and him borrow it. Gabriel eagerly set up a new target in the garden, fine-tuning his aim with every shot.

There was something magical about using a traditional wooden bow—it connected him to a sense of history and skill, much like his forest school creation. He quickly became absorbed, practicing his stance, drawing the bowstring, and letting each arrow fly with determination.

Archery as a Growing Passion

Archery has become more than just a game for Gabriel—it’s a mix of skill, focus, and the thrill of seeing how far and accurately he can shoot. From suction-tipped beginner’s arrows to handmade and traditional bows, his journey into archery has been one of discovery and growth. Watching him take on these challenges, whether crafting his own bow or improving his accuracy, has been a joy.

I’m sure this won’t be the last chapter in Gabriel’s archery adventures.