By Dana Rowland
As a mom, I feel like I learn something new every day.
Having a son has taught me many new things. Usually when he has a new interest or hobby, it’s something that my husband is familiar with and he can help him along the way. However, last Christmas my son wanted a remote control car and the shopping was left to me.
He had been watching YouTube videos and knew much more than I did. At the age of 10, he likes to research and had an idea of what he wanted. A few people recommended we check out Hunters Haven on Bloomington Road. I was leery to take him because this seemed more like “dad territory” and I really had no idea what we were even looking for, let alone what questions to ask.
From the outside, Hunters Haven doesn’t really look like a place I’d want to go. My husband had been in there before and assured me it would be fine and that it was more than a hunting store. Wow, was he right!
The first time my son and I went in, we were there for more than an hour. They were so helpful with all of our questions and concerns. But more important, they answered all my son’s questions. They pulled up videos he mentioned, they went over reviews with him, and even spent about 20 minutes in the parking lot showing him how to work each car. They treated him like an adult and made sure all of his questions were answered and that he knew exactly what he was getting. I merely had to stand by and listen. I was so impressed with their customer service. Any time we’ve had problems with the car, we take it in and in a matter of minutes they can usually fix it and explain what happened and make sure my son knows how to fix it for next time.
This past month my son enrolled in an archery class through 4-H. I was happy to hear that it was going to be at Hunters Haven. Once again, I am very impressed. The instructor, Cole, is sure to stress the importance of safety and make sure the kids know the rules before they even begin shooting. As a mom, this was a concern because it’s a large group. But after attending classes, my mind was quickly put to ease. They have very strict rules when in the shooting range yet the kids are learning and having fun. They shoot at targets, balloons and playing cards along with learning proper technique and the parts of the bow.
Cole teaches an Archery class the third Tuesday of every month that is for all ages and open to the public. It’s from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and the cost is $20.
But that’s not all that Hunters Haven has to offer. I was amazed with all the items they carry. It’s much more of a hobby shop than a hunting store. They have everything from R/C cars, to boats and planes. They have craft kits, model cars and rocket kits. You can gaze up and see model planes of every size and find drones in every price range. Train tracks, parts and kits line the back wall. They also have a large fishing and hunting area.
Hunters Haven: 1040 W. Bloomington Rd., Champaign, (217) 359-1920
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Dana Rowland lives in St. Joseph with her husband and two children. She is a cake decorator, freezer meal maker and stay at home mom. You can read her blog here.