Royal Ambassador leaders, it’s time to step up your game! No, literally, step up—preferably to a target range. Archery and knife safety are the newest additions to our Royal Ambassador activity lineup, and they promise to be as thrilling as they are educational. If you haven’t already dusted off your Robin Hood hat or started practicing your best “Lumberjack Survival” pose, this is your cue.  

Interest activities like RA Race Car, RA linegliders, and sports have been around for a long time. Recently, national WMU decided to add to that ever-growing list to allow Royal Ambassadors the chance to learn more skills and earn more patches. And let’s be honest: who has enough patches? Our two new additions to the all-star lineup are archery and knife safety. 

Archery: More Than Just Pulling a String 

Let’s face it: archery is cool. When you think about it, who doesn’t admire the skill of hitting a bull’s-eye from 50 feet away while looking effortlessly heroic? From ancient battlefields to Olympic stadiums, archery has stood the test of time, and now it’s landing in the heart of Royal Ambassador activities. 

For leaders, the challenge will be not only mastering the art of shooting arrows but also teaching it to eager young Royal Ambassadors. There’s something magical about helping boys discover the joys of precision and focus while holding a bow. Plus, it’s a golden opportunity to instill values like patience, discipline, and concentration—traits that pair perfectly with our overarching mission of teaching boys to live on mission lives for Jesus. 

Pro Tips for Leaders 

• Start with the basics: Teach simple techniques like stance, grip, and aiming. Avoid jumping straight to trick shots—save that for your highlight reel. 

• Safety first: Establish clear ground rules about staying behind the firing line, wearing protective gear, and ensuring all arrows are accounted for (Tip: this prevents “surprise” discoveries later). 

• Celebrate small wins: Whether it’s hitting the target—or just not hitting the instructor— enthusiastically praise progress. 

Know Your Knife: Sharp Skills for Sharp Minds 

Knives? For kids? You might be thinking, “Are we prepping for an episode of Survivor?” But hear me out—knife safety teaches responsibility, respect, and practical skills that are invaluable in life. Plus, let’s admit it, wielding a blade (responsibly) makes you feel like a cross between MacGyver and Bear Grylls. 

For Royal Ambassadors, knife safety isn’t about turning them into expert chefs or wilderness survivalists overnight. It’s about learning how to handle sharp tools with care, whether they’re whittling wood, cutting rope, or opening stubborn packaging. Leaders, your role here is crucial—after all, you’re the first line of defense against accidental finger cuts and overly ambitious carving attempts. 

Teaching knife safety might feel like a balancing act between instruction and hilarity. Expect questions like, “Can I carve my initials into this tree?” or “How do I become a ninja with this?” Spoiler alert: the answer to both is “Not today.”  

Pro Tips for Leaders 

• Start small: Begin with basic knife types, uses, and handling techniques. Save the lesson on machetes for . . . never. 

• Respect the tool: Teach Royal Ambassadors to treat knives like the serious tools they are—no waving them around for dramatic effect! 

• Practice makes perfect: Introduce activities like whittling soap or small craft projects. Bonus points if the end result doesn’t look like modern art gone wrong. 

The Challenge: Leaders, It’s Your Turn! 

So, leaders, are you ready to rise to the occasion? Archery and knife safety may sound daunting, but they’re also incredibly rewarding. They offer unique ways to bond with Royal Ambassadors, build trust, and foster skills that will benefit them for years to come. 

But here’s the kicker—these activities aren’t just for kids. As leaders, you have the chance to learn alongside them. Imagine the camaraderie of practicing archery together or the shared laughs over a whittling project that turned into . . . well, something abstract. It’s all part of the journey.  

And if you’re worried about stepping into uncharted territory, remember this: every expert was once a beginner. Embrace the adventure, make mistakes (preferably funny ones), and enjoy the process of discovery. Who knows? You might just find yourself hitting bull’s-eyes or crafting the perfect wooden figurine in no time. 

Final Thoughts 

Archery and knife safety are more than just activities—they’re gateways to confidence, new skills, and memorable experiences. As leaders, you’re the key to unlocking these opportunities for Royal Ambassadors. Take on the challenge, enjoy the journey, and don’t forget to laugh along the way. After all, even if your arrow misses or your carving resembles a potato, you’re creating moments that will be cherished by everyone involved.  

So, grab a bow and a knife, aim high, stay sharp, and make this adventure unforgettable! 

Keith Gates serves as national WMU ministry consultant for Royal Ambassadors, Challengers, and Youth on Mission.