Make Your Own Bow & Arrow

Children can reenact the guerrilla warfare between Bar Kokhba’s forces and the Roman Legio X Fretensis with bows and arrows made from sticks.

Introduction

Be one of the soldiers fighting in Bar Kochba’s forces! They used bows and arrows. Here is how to make your own.

To Make the Bow

Step 1

Find a live tree branch that is ½ inch or 1/5 cm. thick. It needs to be able to bend.

Step 2

Saw the branch off the tree, and cut the leaves and branches off with the garden shears.

Step 3

The branch for the bough needs to reach just above the child’s navel. Cut the branch down to that length with a saw.

Step 4

Use the utility knife to cut notches on both ends of the branch.

Step 5

Tie a knot at one end of the twine.

Step 6

Wedge the twine down into one notch and pull it through until you reach the knot.

Step 7

Bend the branch to measure how long your twine should be. Cut your twine at this point.

Step 8

Tie a knot at the end of your twine.

Step 9

Wedge the twine down into one notch and pull it through until you reach the knot.

To Make the Arrow

Your branch should be about 18 inches or 45 cm long.

Step 1

Cut a notch at one end of the branch. This will fit in the bow string when you aim your arrow.

Step 2

Do not sharpen the other tip of the arrow.