Just wanted to share about the great time that my family, friends and I had at OJAM this year.

My daughter and I arrived a little late Thursday afternoon and had a little trouble finding a camping spot because of the great turn-out this year, but some fine folks that were leaving early were kind enough to let us set up while they tore down.

We got to talk with Terry Lightle (from the Nocking Point) and he told us that Trad Archer's World had asked him to put together an article about OJAM and specifically how the kids and women are getting involved as well. Well, at only the prospect of possibly being in a magazine, my daughter said, "I want to build a bow."           And we'll see you again next year!

Thanks for reading.
-Tony

I forgot to add a big thank you to Terry Lightle for donating shooting gloves to all of the kids, too.

I just read some stats:

Over 160 kids went home with Rattan bows and shooting gloves

Between 250-300 people went home with bows they made themselves (many with help from the Yellow and Red Hats)

And an estimated 900+ people in attendance!

They say that this is the biggest event of it's kind in the U.S.A. (and probably the world), and it's due to a lot of hard work and generosity by lots of folks, both in the spotlight and behind the scenes. Thanks again to all that make it possible!
                     

Well I have to say I was IMPRESSED!!  What a GREAT event.  Hats off to the folks Oklahoma Selfbow Society....what a great job.  This was my first event EVER of this kind and it was awesome.  Great people, great vendors, just a great atmosphere in general.  Everyone was having fun and everyone respected the folks around them.  Only made it up for a few hours on Friday and then headed back out Saturday early afternoon and camped til Sunday late morning.  My daughter had a great time running around with Tony's daughter Isabella and a new friend was made.  
Met Terry Lightle....what a great guy!  I know I'll be spending more time around that guy.  Spent a lot of time with Tony.  Good people!  I will be back next year with a draw knife in hand!!  Thanks Tony for making us feel welcome around your camp!!  By the way...nice shot at that 80+ yard target!!!

I hope more from this great event will chime in or even start a new thread to talk about it's success!  The Oklahoma Selfbow folks have a lot to be proud of.  

Here are a few pics from My experience with Tony's thrown in as well!

Here are Tony (Fattony77), me and his daughter Isabella on the left, my daughter Mia in the middle and his girlfriends daughter as well!

   

A few TradGangers...
Fattony77, Okla Bearclaw and Skitch



The kids...My Daughter Mia, Tony's Daughter Isabella and Tony's buddy's son!



Isabella working on her bow:




And a few others...love the ones with the kids and their bows!!

 

OOps....here are the others!






Finally...Mia getting the tent ready!!

WOW... Sounds like a great time. The smiles on your girls tell the story  

If I were a betting man I'd bet that your bow is finished before June  

Looks like  a great Event!!!

Patrick, I'm so glad you brought your camera and remembered to use it more than I did! Thanks for adding!

Thanks for the responses Ben and Charlie. It really is a great family time. If you can ever make it to Oklahoma during our spring break, it would be worth the trip. And they always do it during spring break so that more kids can come.

A great time was had by all.The smiles on the kids faces tells the whole story

Well, after visiting with you on Tradgang in the past, Patrick, I wish I could have met you at OJAM.  I'm the guy in the third picture with the backquiver and red plaid shirt. It really was a great event.

Gordon I was standing beside you (in fact I'm the yellow hat that took you money for our clout shoot) and I was amazed as you put 5 out of 6 arrows in the target which was over 80 yards away!

Great stories you all have shared.  I was not able to take any pictures but can tell you I had the pleasure of working with a few folks from western Oklahoma and one from Maine.  Our group did not get any bows finished but then we got a late start and most of them had to leave early.

I hope more folks will share stories and pictures of Ojam X.  What a fun time!!

Wow, Gordon! 5 out of 6!?! And here I was jumping like an idiot because I made 1 out of 4!        

I didn't realize that OJAM was such a big event.
I will try my best to be there next year.

QuoteOriginally posted by Gordon Jabben:
Well, after visiting with you on Tradgang in the past, Patrick, I wish I could have met you at OJAM.  I'm the guy in the third picture with the backquiver and red plaid shirt. It really was a great event.

Sorry Gordon...I missed this post.  

Dang!  I'm the guy two over on your right in that pic.  Sure wish I would have said hello!!  We will have to meet soon!

Looks like a great family event and everyone seems to be having a great time.