July 30 - August 2 • Nebraska National Forest • Halsey
By Eric Albrecht
Jamboree Co-Chairman
Every year on the first weekend in August, NBA members congregate in the Nebraska National Forest for a weekend of fun and unlimited 3D targets. The event this year will run from Thursday, July 30th to Sunday, August 2nd. We will have a registration table set up from Thursday through Saturday at the main picnic area. Please stop in when you arrive at the forest and sign in. Our volunteers will be happy to help you get signed in, hand you your registration button, and answer any questions you may have. The registration cost is a $30 flat rate, whether it is a family of five or one individual shooter, and whether it is for four days or one day of shooting, it is a flat rate. The registration cost covers the unlimited shooting at the 3D Ranges. It also includes the Saturday evening BBQ dinner and Kids’ activities. It does NOT include membership dues, camping, novelty shoot costs, or any activities paid to the forest.
This is a MEMBERS ONLY event. If you are not a current NBA Member or your membership has expired, you need to join or renew. You can do that on our website or at the Jamboree Registration table.
During the event, we will have our amazing 3D archery ranges set up. On top of that, we will have competition shoots Friday and Saturday. At these novelty shoots, you can test your skills and compete against other skilled archers for your chance at winning a medal at our Saturday night awards BBQ.
Other than the 3D Ranges, there are a variety of things to do throughout the forest. Hiking trails and a fishing pond are some of our favorite attractions. There is poison ivy throughout the forest, so you may want to brush up on your plant ID skills. Located in the heart of the forest is the Middle Loup River which offers attendees a great area to go cool off in the heat of the day. You will find a lot of NBA members down in the river enjoying the water, good conversation, and an ice cold beverage.
As I write this article we are still unsure as to where our ranges will officially be in the forest. We are working with the forest service to find the best places to set them up. It is possible they will be in the same locations they normally are but we do not feel confident enough yet to put the information in this newsletter. Please check in at registration during the event and there will be maps and people there to inform all of you as to where everything is located. The Barnes family has generously offered us the use of their land to set up our novelty shoots and anything else we may want to set up there.
Family fun night will be on Thursday evening at the main picnic shelter. There will be treats and prizes so please bring the kids down there to let them partake in the fun. There will also still be a kid’s activity at the main picnic shelter on Saturday morning. So once again please bring the kids down there to enjoy a fun activity!
As always, we will have a barbecue picnic and raffle Saturday night located at the main picnic shelter in the forest for all attendees to enjoy. The meal is a free-will donation and there will be some great raffle items there, including the kids’ bow contest, for which points have to be earned not purchased. The winners of the competition shoots will also be announced and medals will be handed out to the winners. Bring your lawn chairs and come enjoy a good meal and stay for the fun!
We encourage you to make the NBA Jamboree a part of your summer plans and we look forward to seeing you all at this year's Jamboree!
The Statewide NBA business meeting will be held Friday at 11:00 AM at the picnic shelter.
Competion Shoots
- Meat Swing - Members of all ages line up to shoot a swinging target in order to win some frozen meat.
- Distance Shoot - This event isn’t so much about distance but marksmanship, while using unconventional bow equipment. Contestants of all ages can test their shooting skills on a 3D target placed at an unknown distance.
- Balloon Shoot - Teams of two shoot balloons from about 15 yards for the youngsters and 25 yards for the adults. Shooters are timed to see how quickly their team can break four balloons.
- Robin Hood Run - Participants race through a course to shoot at designated 3D targets. This is a timed event, with seconds deducted for targets hit in the vitals, and seconds added for missed targets.
- Aerial Shoot - Archers use the provided flu-flu arrows to aim at circular, foam targets as they fly through the air.
- White Buffalo Hunt - This ‘true’ long distance shoot has a target set at an unknown distance - no range finders allowed on the line, or in the crowd. Test your ability to guess the distance and adjust your shots ‘on-the-fly.’
- Winners will be announced at the awards bbq Saturday evening.
Other Activities
- NBA Merchandise is available to purchase throughout the event.
- “Scottie” The Rock will be hidden somewhere in the forest again this year. New clues will be given each day to help you find it. First to find Scottie the rock wins a prize.
- On Thursday evening down at the picnic shelter, kids and their parents join in the fun and games at Family Fun Night.
- Friday morning begins with the NBA Fun Run. Kids run about a mile and adults run about a 5K.
- Each year a group of NBA members gathers together Friday morning and heads out to do some Highway Clean-Up.
- The Statewide NBA Meeting takes place on Friday and is a great opportunity to learn and contribute to our organization.
- The annual Halsey Volunteer Fire Department Benefit Breakfast is a great fundraiser on Saturday morning.
- There are Kid's Activities on Saturday morning down at the picnic shelter. Kids can come create something and enjoy learning a craft!
- Bring your Nebraska shed antlers to the picnic shelter on Saturday for the Shed Antler Contest.
- The Saturday Night Church Service takes place directly following the barbecue and auctions.
