Kids learn archery skills during Barton Library summer program

Children aim and fire during an event held by the Barton Public Library on Wednesday. Instruction and equipment was provided by Brent Smith of Slingin’ Arrows, located on Main Street in El Dorado. Caleb Slinkard/News-Times
Children aim and fire during an event held by the Barton Public Library on Wednesday. Instruction and equipment was provided by Brent Smith of Slingin’ Arrows, located on Main Street in El Dorado. Caleb Slinkard/News-Times

There are several memorable literary archers — Robin Hood, William Tell, Legolas — and, in that spirit, 20 local children gave the sport their best shot Wednesday as part of the Barton Public Library’s summer program.

Brent Smith, owner of Slingin’ Arrows (1100 E. Main St. in El Dorado), provided some key tips before setting them loose on two cardboard box targets. Held in the shade of a pavilion at Hugh Goodwin Elementary across the street from the library, the tiny tournament is always a hit with the kids, according to children’s librarian Karla Nelson.

“Every year I always have such a great turnout for this and the kids really enjoy it,” she said. “I could spend my whole summer reading program just around Brent.”

The children shot for the better part of an hour, mostly missing the targets at first, but steadily improving with practice. Smith was careful to ensure the safety of the children, stepping in to assist those who were anxious to hit the target.

His store primarily focuses on providing equipment for hunters, but Smith added that Slingin’ Arrows is increasingly focused on tournaments and training sessions.

“We have a shooting range, we do offer lessons,” Smith said. “We’re growing the tournament and competition side of it, but most of what we have in stock is geared toward bow hunting. Bow hunting starts Sept. 28.

“We have a Junior Olympic archery development program, which is kind of a traveling kids team. They shoot for different achievements every month to hopefully get to a gold pin, eventually. It can be a recruiting ground for the national team.”

Smith has been providing summer entertainment for the library for the past three years.

“We had the Boys & Girls Club this morning; we usually have kids shoot at the outdoor expo in September,” he said. “It’s an activity for the kids to have fun and kind of see what it’s all about. It’s a great way to grow the sport and hopefully have lifelong shooters.”

Today, the Hampstead Stage Company will perform “Stories in the Stars” from 2-3 p.m. at the library. Children’s story time is from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

“I enjoy doing [the summer reading program] every year,” Nelson, who has run the program the last five years, said. “It takes a lot of preparation; I start in January planning for all of this.”

The library’s summer reading program wraps up next Thursday from 2-4 p.m. with a “summer blowout.” On Tuesday, reptiles from Moro Bay will be on hand from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday will feature the Union County Animal Protection Society. For more information, visit bartonpubliclibrary.org or call 870-863-5447.

Caleb Slinkard can be reached at [email protected] or 870-862-6611 ext. 151

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