New Totem Archery Club announces summer program

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The New Totem Archery Club is opening its doors for a summer lesson program.

Throughout July, there will be lessons every Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The program will start on July 5th, and the last day will be August 2nd.

The cost of the program is $60, which can be applied to a membership purchased as of June 1st. The summer program is open to people over the age of six.

Due to the limited space available, club director Graham Goertzen recommends signing up soon.

“It will serve those who are interested well to sign up quickly because space is limited,” says Goertzen.

If the program fills up quickly, Goertzen says the club will open another session.

“We may have to open another time slot if there is not enough or if this one fills up too fast, which it likely will.”

Despite COVID-19 restrictions putting a damper on most sports and activities over the past year, Goertzen is proud to say the club was able to offer limited programming for kids.

“While adult programs were shut down pretty tight, the kids’ programs were still allowed to run with certain limitations. We were able to maintain a couple of kids’ programs through the winter.”

The New Totem Archery Club operates out of the Stonebridge Hotel in the Alexander Ballroom. Locals will remember the location as the old Wet Spot bar.

The club also has an outdoor range in the Jones Subdivision.

Goertzen explains why he loves archery and why he loves to compete.

“The joy of hitting something at a longer distance is a lot of fun for me. Fundamentally, it’s the calming aspect of when you’re shooting; you’re only thinking about one thing, your shot execution.”

For Goertzen, the balance of being hyper-focused but not anxious is very rewarding.

“It sounds really intense, and it is. But in a relaxed sort of way.”

For more information on the summer program, go to the New Totem Archery Club Facebook page.