Hank Leo, the CEO of YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley, shares how the Y started an archery program in 2018 with USA Archery. Initially, they had six participants and raised $500,000 to build an indoor range. The program emphasizes character development through archery, aligning with YMCA values.
To date, the program has served over 600 people and engaged families in the community, including a wide age range from a 92-year-old and an 8-year-old. The program unexpectedly included people with disabilities, which was a pleasant surprise for the YMCA. USA Archery’s safety standards and instructional methods — including metaphors for training step — have been crucial to the program’s success and safety.
Enjoy!
Top Takeaways
1. Mission-Driven Program Design
Leo and his wife built the YMCA archery program around character development, not just skill building. Every session reinforces the YMCA’s core values — caring, honesty, respect and responsibility — through the sport.
2. From Small Start to Major Impact
The program began in 2018 with just six kids shooting outdoors behind a church. Through persistence and partnership with USA Archery, it has now served 600-plus people and raised $500,000 to build an indoor range.
3. Powerful Family Engagement Tool
Archery became a multi-generational, family activity, with participants from ages 8 to 92 — including grandparents, parents and kids shooting together. This created a unique, shared experience that many rec programs struggle to provide.
4. Unexpected Growth in Adaptive Participation
Without initially planning for it, the program organically grew into adaptive archery, welcoming participants with physical, learning and intellectual disabilities. A visit from Paralympian Sammy Tucker reinforced that archery is truly for all.
5. Safety and Leadership Development Through Standards
Following USA Archery’s safety protocols has resulted in zero injuries. The program now has seven certified instructors, including former youth participants who became junior instructors, demonstrating a strong leadership pipeline.
