To the members of the MLA, the preservation of traditional archery is priority one. As we've grown older as an organization, we've recognized the danger of archery becoming just "an older man's game" and have endeavored to fix it by sharing our passion with Michigan's youth whenever an opportunity should arise.

Our theory is a simple one - within every child there is an archer - and that archer is waiting for a chance to shoot a bow. If you would, think back to when you were a kid and to the daily adventures you had as such. We are willing to bet that at some point, in your bedtime stories, books, movies, gym classes, and camps the bow and arrow was there and stuck with you to some degree or you wouldn't be here.

This is a common phenomenon. For some unexplainable reason, this simple tool seems as natural to us as shelter. The sight of an arrow in flight is one of the purest sights to behold and one not easily forgotten.

Now imagine if someone had let you shoot one, or even bought you your own. Think about the wonder and excitement of the string in your young hands....arrow nocked...ready to be set free. This experience is precisely what we are trying to create and have created time-and-time again. Now you can be a part of that - be it as a participant living the dream, or at our side as a volunteer making it happen.

Longbow Outreach and Education

Hosted Events and Appearances

The MLA participates in several youth events throughout the year, including a booth at the Traditional Archery and Bowhunting Expo, lending a hand with the youth program at the Compton Traditional Bowhunting Rendezvous, hosting clinics at various outdoor shows across the state, and hosting a variety of youth activities, including the Youth Silver Arrow Competition at the Great Lakes Longbow Invitational.

We are always looking for an opportunity to educate others about the longbow. If you have a community event you think we would be a good fit for, please reach out.

The MLA Youth Scholarship

The MLA offers a youth scholarship for high-school-aged MLA members. Download the application to find out if you or your son/daughter is eligible.

 The MLA Next Generation Archer Program

Mission: The creation of a separate and dedicated account for the purpose of inspiring and attracting a new generation of longbow archers by providing the necessary archery equipment to those who may not have the connections or resources to pursue the longbow lifestyle.

Vision: To put bows and arrows in the hands of young people under 18 who may otherwise remain outside the traditional archery experience.

Values:

• Welcoming - provide a welcoming spirit to all those interested in traditional archery and the longbow lifestyle.

• Passionate - promote a passionate embracing of all things associated with the longbow lifestyle.

• Commitment - committed to the propagation and preservation of longbows and the longbow lifestyle.

• Collaborative - enthusiastically work with other clubs, businesses, organizations, and individuals to promote traditional archery.

• Education - work diligently to provide information and resources on traditional archery.

• Tradition - strongly embrace the heritage and traditions of longbow archery.

• Fun - robustly encourage everyone seeking the longbow lifestyle to focus on having fun!

Donations: The MLA Next Generation Archers Program will accept monetary and equipment donations to fulfill our mission. Donated equipment must be in good working condition. Contact us for donations or additional details.

Process: If you know of any young person who may have an interest in traditional archery but does not have the connections or resources to explore or maintain it, we encourage you to contact a member of the MLA Council to submit their name and contact information for consideration in the program. A representative from the MLA will reach out to those individuals to gather as much information as possible to see if we can accommodate their needs and get them on their way to living the longbow lifestyle.