Well, there is no quick answer to your dilemma. If they want to make selfbows you will need some hand tools and of course some seasoned staves. If they have the patience you could harvest the staves and go through the process over 3 – 4 months of drying the staves before making their bows. But making a bow can get complicated depending on the quality and type of wood used. I have a post here showing the start of a selfbow and the basic tools needed.
Another route would be to use board lumber. Find the straightest grain hickory or osage boards you can find, determine the crown, rip 1/4″ off of it, turn it over and glue it back on. That will be the back of the bow. Then you can use shop tools to create the shape of the bow and finish the rest with hand tools. 3 Rivers has some books and videos that might be helpful. If I was in MO I would come and help you.
Another option would be to get some more recurves or commercial longbows or even some U-finish-it kit bows. Wish I could be of more help.
Duncan

I would check to see if there is a traditional archery club in your state. Perhaps some willing members of a club in the state would be willing to show you the ropes. It seems like the logical thing for them to do.

Check out the link below. It may be just what you’re looking for.

http://marshallbowhunters.com/marshallbowhunters/bowyers.html

Bow making is as simple or complicated as you want to make it. You should try to make it to mojam but, in the mean time, get a good book (Traditional Bowyers Bible Vol 1), find some wood and make shavings.

ch