Survey Summary: Shaping the Future of San Diego Archers

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your thoughts in our recent survey!
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Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to improve and grow the club. Here’s a detailed snapshot of what we learned from our members and how we plan to use it to shape the future of the San Diego Archers community.

Top 5 Takeaways from the Club Member Survey Results:

1. Barriers to Attendance:

Many members face challenges in attending events frequently, with over half of respondents citing work, health issues, or scheduling conflicts. Distance and advance notice were also significant barriers for some. We’re focusing on improving communication with clearer schedules and reminders to make planning easier.

2. Popularity of 3D Shoots and Animal Rounds:

The 3D Shoots and Animal Rounds are by far the most popular activities, along with the Balboa Park shoots. Members love the mix of competitive and casual events, which cater to both experienced and newer archers. We plan to keep these activities fresh and engaging, possibly adding themed events to increase excitement.

3. Interest in Social and Indoor Activities:

Members expressed a strong interest in social events, such as a monthly BBQ at Morley Field.

4. Volunteer Appreciation and Involvement Opportunities:

There is overwhelming appreciation for the volunteers who maintain our ranges and events. However, members expressed a desire for more opportunities to get involved. We’re planning to introduce a clearer volunteer sign-up system to make it easier for everyone to participate and help keep the club thriving.

5. Awareness of Membership Value:

While many respondents understand the benefits of club membership, including discounted events, some were unaware of the full range of perks. We are working to better communicate these benefits, and we are exploring additional perks like exclusive workshops, and merchandise to add more value.

Just Recapping – a Bit More Detail

Attendance and Barriers to Participation:

The majority of respondents shared that while they love being part of the club, attendance at events is sometimes less frequent than they’d like. Specifically, over half of members reported attending fewer than 10 events per year. The most cited reasons for this were work commitments, health-related challenges, and difficulties with scheduling. Some recommended more Saturday events.

For some, the distance to our events was a challenge, especially for those who live outside the immediate San Diego area. Members also mentioned that having more advanced notice about events would help them better plan their attendance. We’re taking these points to heart and exploring ways to better communicate upcoming events, perhaps through a more streamlined calendar or reminders.

Interestingly, a few members noted that while they are passionate about archery, they sometimes feel intimidated by the skill level at certain tournaments. We want to ensure that our club is a welcoming place for archers of all skill levels, so we are considering creating more “introductory-level” or casual events that allow newer archers to gain confidence and practice in a less competitive environment.

Favorite Activities and What Makes Them Special:

When we asked about favorite activities, 3D Shoots and Animal Rounds came out on top. Many members emphasized that they particularly enjoy the variety and challenge these events bring. The Balboa Park shoots were also frequently mentioned as a favorite due to their unique setting and the opportunity to spend a day outdoors surrounded by such a beautiful backdrop.

Several respondents specifically mentioned how much they appreciate the “fun and relaxed” atmosphere of our novelty shoots. Events like the State 900 also hold a special place for many members, with some expressing that these larger, more structured competitions provide a great opportunity to test their skills in a more formal setting while still feeling the support of the club.

To enhance these experiences, some members suggested adding themed events—for example, a “Classic Archery Day” where participants use traditional bows and wear historical clothing. We’re looking into how we might incorporate some of these suggestions in the coming year to create memorable, themed experiences that celebrate archery history.

New Activities and Community Ideas:

The creativity of our members shone when we asked about new activities you’d like to see. A recurring suggestion was to introduce monthly social gatherings, such as a BBQ at Morley Field. These events could provide a relaxed opportunity for members to mingle, share tips, and just enjoy each other’s company without the structure of a competition. The sense of community is what sets the San Diego Archers apart, and we’re eager to expand on that.

There were also some fantastic suggestions around holding workshops—like equipment maintenance classes and specialized shooting clinics led by our more experienced members. These ideas would help bridge the gap for those newer to the sport and also provide our seasoned archers with an opportunity to share their wealth of knowledge. We think this is a wonderful way to build community while boosting everyone’s skills.

Volunteer Efforts and Club Awareness:

One of the standout positives from the survey was how much appreciation members have for the hard work our volunteers put in. Nearly all respondents knew that our ranges, targets, and setups are entirely maintained by unpaid volunteers, and many of you took a moment to thank them. We want to echo that appreciation—our volunteers are truly the lifeblood of the club, and without them, none of this would be possible.

That said, we did note that some members mentioned not always knowing how to get involved or what specific tasks need volunteer support. To address this, we plan on rolling out a more structured volunteer sign-up system—something easy to navigate where members can see specific tasks or roles and sign up based on their availability and interests.

Membership Value and Benefits:

While the majority of respondents were aware of our membership value—just $24 annually, which includes a $5 discount on all SDA-sponsored tournaments—there were still a few members who weren’t as familiar with the benefits. We want everyone to understand that joining the club isn’t just about discounted events—it’s about supporting the entire archery community here in San Diego.

Several members expressed interest in seeing even more tangible membership perks. We’re actively exploring options such as exclusive workshops, or more branded club merchandise. We believe that these initiatives could help reinforce the value of being part of the San Diego Archers and make membership even more rewarding.

Moving Forward: Next Steps…

We’re incredibly grateful for your honest feedback and excited about what lies ahead. Based on your input, here are some next steps we’re committed to taking:

• More Social and Accessible Events: We’ll work on creating more casual and social gatherings, like monthly BBQs, to help build a stronger community bond. We’re also looking into options for more beginner-friendly shoots to ensure newer members feel comfortable and included.
• Improved Communication: We’re exploring options for a better events calendar and more advanced event notifications, so everyone has plenty of time to plan.
• New Workshops and Themed Events: Look out for equipment maintenance workshops, themed shoots, and maybe even a traditional archery day—all suggestions that came directly from you, our members.
• Enhanced Volunteer Opportunities: A clearer volunteer sign-up system is on the way, so those who wish to lend a hand can do so in a way that fits their schedule and skills.

Once again, thank you to all who participated. Your thoughts are helping us shape a better, more inclusive, and more exciting future for the San Diego Archers.

❤ Please share your thoughts in our Facebook Group. We’re very much looking forward to reading your thoughts on improving our archery club in 2025!