PWSB Launches Archery Range at YMCA

After a snip of a ribbon, arrows will now be flying at the new Archery Range located on grounds.

The YMCA on Monday held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the range to the public, which YMCA Center Executive Jennifer Clearwater said was made possible by donations from the bank.

Clearwater said the archery program is a great fit with the YMCA because of the fitness focus.

"The addition of archery as an accessible sport will have enormous benefit on the youth character-building efforts of schools and families throughout Ozaukee County," Clearwater said. "Archery is both social and requires tremendous personal focus and stamina. It simultaneously boosts mind, body, and spirit, and touches on all three pillars of the YMCA’s cause-driven nonprofit mission of supporting Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility opportunities within our walls and throughout Ozaukee County."

Steve Schowalter of PWSB said he is proud to be able to give back to a community that means so much to him.

"I have always had a good spot in my heart for this YMCA," he said. "Our family happens to be from Saukville ... so we have a lot of deep ties to this community. I am amazed at the amount of girls that are (already) participating — I think that's wonderful. We're always greaftful as an organization for any opportunity to enhance services."

Currently, the range is offering a number of youth archery classes, and is taking registrations for the Fall 2012. The class runs Sept. 10 through Oct. 28 on Wednesdays, from 4:25 to 5 p.m. for 13 to 16 year olds, and 5 to 5:30 p.m. for 8 to 12 year old. The cost is $23 for YMCA members, $33 for nonmembers.

The YMCA hopes to grow its archery program to include adult classes and a parent/child league in Spring 2013, Clearwater said.