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 Read more...
