Santa Cruz Mountain
Archery
About the Range Master
Cris Vaughan
I became a USA Archery certified instructor in 2017 and I have taught archery at various Girl Scout camps ever since. I also have an archery range on my property and have taught several friends and family members the joys of archery as well.
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My teaching philosophy is that ANYONE can do archery! For the first 40 years of my life, I thought I couldn't do archery because I'm right-handed but I can't straighten my left arm to hold the bow (I have a handicap called Erb's Palsy). I tried to shoot a bow at a Renaissance Faire when I was younger, but there was no one there to instruct me and help me overcome my handicap. I quickly became frustrated and didn't think I could do the sport. 30ish years later, I met an archery instructor who encouraged me to try shooting as a "lefty" using my right arm to hold the bow. That made all the difference in the world and I have fallen in love with the sport ever since! If you still doubt that ANYONE can do archery, check out the videos of Matt Stutzman, paralypic silver medalist and one of the best archers in the country, who shoots without arms!
I am a Girl Scout mom to two girls (now college age) and I have been president of the Stevens Creek Elementary PTO and CT English Home and School Club. My background is in marine biology (UC Santa Cruz, Ph.D. 2004). I currently design and build theatrical sets for Theatre in the Mountains and the Saratoga High School drama department, and work as a substitute theater manager at the Saratoga McAfee Center.