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Archery & First Aid/CPR

$225.00

Archery & First Aid Camp
Ages 10 and up
Friday, June 26 | 9:00am–4:00pm
$225 per child

Becky’s Mindful Kitchen
4139 Crosheck Rd. NE, Solon, IA 52333

*If you know someone who is an Eagle Scout or is at least 14 years old has strong archery experience and would be interested in assisting with this camp, please reach out directly.

[Junior Leadership participants this is a camp you can attend as a camper, not helper, UNLESS you have archery experience and have cleared it with me.]

This is a full-day, skills-based camp focused on practical first aid, emergency awareness, and archery fundamentals, designed for kids and teens who are ready to learn real-world skills that matter.

This year, we’re shifting our focus from fire building to archery. Fire camp will return in the future, but I’m excited to spend dedicated time at the archery range teaching both the technical skill of archery and the deeper life lessons that come with it. Archery demands focus, patience, self-regulation, and an ability to adjust without spiraling when things don’t go as planned. Those are leadership skills, whether kids realize it or not.

Between structured time at the archery range, campers will have free reign of the timber, time with the goats and chickens, and space to move, explore, and reset. This camp, like all of mine, balances instruction with independence.

Optional individual and team competitions will be included as they have been a camp favorite each year!

Baby goats, fingers crossed, will have been born - so campers may have tiny babies to play with during breaks!!

** I have a few cooking possibilities to add to this camp that I am considering, I will update you once more sign up and I see the average age of campers.

First aid that matters

Bill, my husband and Becky’s Mindful Kitchen’s resident firefighter and EMT, will be back to lead the first aid portion of the day. This is not a surface-level overview. Bill focuses on the things that actually make a difference in emergency situations kids and teens could realistically encounter now and in the future.

We’ll cover practical first aid, situational awareness, and basic CPR concepts, with an emphasis on staying calm, thinking clearly, and knowing when and how to act. The goal is confidence, not fear, and competence, not overwhelm- AND- to have FUN!

Archery focus

We’ll spend focused time at the recurve archery range learning proper form, safety, consistency, and adjustment. Kids may bring their own bows and arrows if they choose. If they do, they are fully responsible for their equipment. We will have fun competitions (optional as always participation wise) as well as cooperative games. Kids will also be working on their individual goals when it comes to improvement.

OFF THE PAGE AND INTO LIFE:

The following section is a direct excerpt from my book, Choose the Handle That Holds, and explains why archery plays such a powerful role in how I teach leadership.

“At the start of each lesson, whether with kids or adults, I remind them that everything up to the moment the arrow leaves the bow is within your control; after that, you can’t dictate the outcome. The wind may blow, the animal could move, or as someone once shared, a bird might cross right in front of your arrow.

In archery, we control the process up until release. Where the arrow lands gives feedback for adjustments. If it lands high, lower your arm; if it veers left, adjust your wrist. The target may stay the same, but the approach will shift depending on your position and the weather. If my goal was to hit the bullseye every time, I’d stand close to the target in the same spot. But the bullseye is only a point on the target. What I care about is adjusting my process to land the arrow where I want, regardless of where I stand.

A crucial part of my archery lessons involves pairing people up. We all would benefit from being better at asking for help, so I make it a nonnegotiable here. Their partner watches closely, offering feedback on adjustments they might not notice. Whenever possible, surround yourself with those who share your values and goals when it comes to leading a life of purpose. Those you can trust to confide in and seek mentorship from are the voices to listen to as you draw your next arrow. The rest is just noise.

To achieve true success, focus on refining your process and let the outcomes take care of themselves.”

***THE INFORMATION IN BLUE BELOW IS THE SAME FOR EACH CAMP- PLEASE READ AT LEAST ONCE. ***

Archery & First Aid Camp
Ages 10 and up
Friday, June 26 | 9:00am–4:00pm
$225 per child

Becky’s Mindful Kitchen
4139 Crosheck Rd. NE, Solon, IA 52333

*If you know someone who is an Eagle Scout or is at least 14 years old has strong archery experience and would be interested in assisting with this camp, please reach out directly.

[Junior Leadership participants this is a camp you can attend as a camper, not helper, UNLESS you have archery experience and have cleared it with me.]

This is a full-day, skills-based camp focused on practical first aid, emergency awareness, and archery fundamentals, designed for kids and teens who are ready to learn real-world skills that matter.

This year, we’re shifting our focus from fire building to archery. Fire camp will return in the future, but I’m excited to spend dedicated time at the archery range teaching both the technical skill of archery and the deeper life lessons that come with it. Archery demands focus, patience, self-regulation, and an ability to adjust without spiraling when things don’t go as planned. Those are leadership skills, whether kids realize it or not.

Between structured time at the archery range, campers will have free reign of the timber, time with the goats and chickens, and space to move, explore, and reset. This camp, like all of mine, balances instruction with independence.

Optional individual and team competitions will be included as they have been a camp favorite each year!

Baby goats, fingers crossed, will have been born - so campers may have tiny babies to play with during breaks!!

** I have a few cooking possibilities to add to this camp that I am considering, I will update you once more sign up and I see the average age of campers.

First aid that matters

Bill, my husband and Becky’s Mindful Kitchen’s resident firefighter and EMT, will be back to lead the first aid portion of the day. This is not a surface-level overview. Bill focuses on the things that actually make a difference in emergency situations kids and teens could realistically encounter now and in the future.

We’ll cover practical first aid, situational awareness, and basic CPR concepts, with an emphasis on staying calm, thinking clearly, and knowing when and how to act. The goal is confidence, not fear, and competence, not overwhelm- AND- to have FUN!

Archery focus

We’ll spend focused time at the recurve archery range learning proper form, safety, consistency, and adjustment. Kids may bring their own bows and arrows if they choose. If they do, they are fully responsible for their equipment. We will have fun competitions (optional as always participation wise) as well as cooperative games. Kids will also be working on their individual goals when it comes to improvement.

OFF THE PAGE AND INTO LIFE:

The following section is a direct excerpt from my book, Choose the Handle That Holds, and explains why archery plays such a powerful role in how I teach leadership.

“At the start of each lesson, whether with kids or adults, I remind them that everything up to the moment the arrow leaves the bow is within your control; after that, you can’t dictate the outcome. The wind may blow, the animal could move, or as someone once shared, a bird might cross right in front of your arrow.

In archery, we control the process up until release. Where the arrow lands gives feedback for adjustments. If it lands high, lower your arm; if it veers left, adjust your wrist. The target may stay the same, but the approach will shift depending on your position and the weather. If my goal was to hit the bullseye every time, I’d stand close to the target in the same spot. But the bullseye is only a point on the target. What I care about is adjusting my process to land the arrow where I want, regardless of where I stand.

A crucial part of my archery lessons involves pairing people up. We all would benefit from being better at asking for help, so I make it a nonnegotiable here. Their partner watches closely, offering feedback on adjustments they might not notice. Whenever possible, surround yourself with those who share your values and goals when it comes to leading a life of purpose. Those you can trust to confide in and seek mentorship from are the voices to listen to as you draw your next arrow. The rest is just noise.

To achieve true success, focus on refining your process and let the outcomes take care of themselves.”

***THE INFORMATION IN BLUE BELOW IS THE SAME FOR EACH CAMP- PLEASE READ AT LEAST ONCE. ***

Leadership in action

Leadership at BMK is not taught in a lesson. It is practiced all day, every day.

Kids work in teams, communicate with one another, take responsibility for shared spaces and projects, and learn how to adjust when things do not go as planned. “Fail” is a four-letter word they are taught not to avoid, but to engage with. Mistakes are treated as information, not something to fear, and kids learn to look for the opportunity inside the obstacle.

They are also encouraged to solve their own problems that I know they are capable of. This is intentional. Confidence does not come from being rescued. It comes from discovering, firsthand, that you can figure things out.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE…

In every camp, kids rotate between structured activities and unstructured time in the timber, treehouse, ninja course, zip line, swings, games, and plenty of time with the goats and chickens.

Busy schedules mean kids rarely get to be in charge of their own time. This unstructured outdoor time is intentional. It gives them space to manage themselves, navigate peer dynamics, and remember how to be kids—outside, untethered, and learning through play, much like many of us did during summers that were measured more by daylight than by calendars.

And it is often where some of the best moments happen.

The Parent Camp Survival Guide (all the info you could need and more- plus a precamp checklist): 

Snacks, lunch, and ice cream

SnacksSnacks are provided. If your child is a picky eater or has food allergies, please send snacks from home. 

Lunch2 day camps: If your child will want lunch at camp, please send one. 

1 day camps: Lunch is not provided- please send one! 

We keep food rules simple. If you are hungry, eat. If you are not hungry, do not. 

Homemade ice cream is part of every camp. Dairy-free popsicles are available for those who cannot have or do not like ice cream. On especially hot days, I often add popsicles, lemonade, and other cold treats throughout the day.

Drop-off & pick-up

Drop-off starts at 8:50 a.m. for all camps.

Please review the email sent in the days leading up to camp to understand the drop-off system. It is designed to keep things moving smoothly, fairly, and safely for everyone.

If you arrive before 8:50 a.m., wait by the drop-off sign until someone is there to greet you. Please do not park in front of the house while waiting.

Pick-up is at 1:00 p.m. for half-day camps and 4:00 p.m. for full-day camps. Most days, kids will be ready a few minutes early to help keep traffic flowing. If you need to pick up early, please let me know.

There will be new instructions in the pre-camp email for families who would like to come early to see the baby goats or explore the property.

If you are running late for drop-off or pick-up, do not stress. Life happens. Just text me at 319-325-3464.

Bad weather policy and Iowa heat

For rain, please send kids in appropriate rain gear and boots, with extra clothes included. Kids often play outside in the rain and have a great time. Indoor space is always available for anyone who prefers to stay dry.

For storms, kids stay inside.

If weather becomes unsafe for driving, we follow a common-sense approach:

  • If severe storms affect drop-off, camp start may be delayed. I will send an email and text by 7:30 a.m.

  • If severe storms are expected at pick-up, camp may end early. I will communicate as soon as possible.

  • If conditions require camp to be canceled or if power is lost, I will send an email and text as soon as possible.

These decisions are made with safety in mind, not to create inconvenience or disrupt your day. If you need to stick with the normal drop-off or pick-up time OR you wish to delay drop off or pick up early, just let me know via text. 

Discomfort vs. safety

Summer in Iowa can be hot and sticky. Safety is non-negotiable, and I prioritize it above all else.

Kids always have access to the air-conditioned BMK kitchen and workshop space. On very hot days, I adjust plans to include more indoor time, modify recipes to limit oven use, provide cooling neck towels, and ensure constant access to water.

Discomfort and heat exhaustion are not the same thing. Safety is never compromised. Discomfort, however, is part of learning resilience. Kids are encouraged to practice not letting mild discomfort determine whether they have fun, stay engaged, or try something new.

What to send with your child checklist (feel free to just copy and paste this to print and have your child take responsibility of checking things off): 

Please label items you would like to have a better chance of returning home. We remind kids constantly to collect their belongings and invent new systems every summer. Lost items still happen.

  • Daily essentials

  • ☐ Water bottle

  • ☐ Lunch (if your child will want one)

  • ☐ Snacks from home (if needed for preferences or allergies)

    Clothing and footwear

  • ☐ Closed-toe shoes recommended for outdoor play and animals (Flip-flops leave toes vulnerable to goat hooves. In my experience, hooves tend to do more damage to toes than toes do to hooves.)

  • ☐ Inside shoes (slippers or slides) if your child does not want to go barefoot indoors. (Outside shoes are removed indoors to keep the kitchen clean.)

  • ☐ Clothes that can get dirty

  • ☐ Extra clothes (especially on rainy days)

    Weather and outdoor comfort

  • ☐ Hat (optional)

  • ☐ Sunscreen

  • ☐ Bug spray

Hats, sunscreen & bug spray

The timber is shaded, and shade sails cover parts of the goat playground. Because activities rotate, kids are rarely in direct sun for long stretches. A reminder sign will be posted mid-morning for campers who were told to apply sunscreen.

There will be bugs.And some laugh in the face of bug spray, but you are more than welcome and encouraged to still send some along. 

Please check your kids for ticks after camp. Here is a link to one of the types we have stashed around here: Tick Twister

I will have sunscreen and bug spray for those who forget and need to use some. 

Medication

If your child needs medication during camp and you would like me to store and administer it at a specific time, please let me know by email and remind me at drop-off.

If your child is old enough to manage their own medication and there is no reason for me to be involved, then it is completely your choice to notify me about it. I trust parents to know what is best for their child and respect privacy.