Local Archery Club to Hold Annual Bob Jones Safari Jamboree

With summer being in full swing, the local Citrus Archery Club is set to host yet another event next month. On August 17, the organization’s next competition will be its third annual Bob Jones Memorial Scholarship Safari shoot. Club President David Ireland and company hold events throughout the year, and like many of the others, this jamboree is for children and adults and will serve to support the club’s youth scholarship fund.

As part of the festivities, archers will be shooting a 30-target Safari Round, which includes 16 3-D and 14 paper targets. Each competitor will fire two arrows each from 10 to 45 yards out. The various classes set for the shoot are the TRAD (traditional), Youth, Adult Freestyle, and Bowhunter classes. The event will take place at the local club located in Spring Hill. Registration starts from 9 a.m. through 11 a.m.

While they are not hosting any competitions throughout the month of July, the organization will pick their schedule back up in August. After the Bob Jones Memorial shoot, the club will be participating in the NFAA Nationals in Yankton, South Dakota (August 21-25). September will see Citrus Archery in full swing with 4-H, Fall League, and other such shoots sprinkled throughout the month.

According to the club’s website, it holds shoots on the third Saturday of the month and the 4-H club meets the second and fourth Saturday of every month (September through May). They also host two eight-week handicapped leagues in the spring and fall as well as their Summer Youth Days that just concluded on June 18.

The members only, family-oriented archery club offers coaching and equipment for members of the 4-H program. Founded in 1953, the organization is a chartered member of the Florida Archery Association, a two star Chartered NFAA Club since 1978, and the first NFAA National Club of the Year.

August’s annual shoot is named after former Citrus Archery Club President Bob Jones who was an avid archer for over 40 years and sadly passed away while in office. As Jones was suffering from an illness later in his life, the organization was forced to move from their previous plot of land four years ago. This is when Ireland became president, reorganized the club and temporarily relocated the group to its current Spring Hill location. Ireland and company are on the hunt for a more permanent place to set up shop.

“The annual scholarship shoot is our way of remembering Bob for his selfless dedication to archery in Florida and will continue as his legacy to the club he loved so much,” said Ireland.

It should be a good time to get out in the fresh air and feel the summer sun. Archers will get the chance to hone their skills and put their efforts towards a good cause. President Ireland invites everyone to come out, support their scholarship fundraiser and experience the fun that archery has to offer.