Sportsman Education News

Update ~ May 27, 2009

National Archery in the Schools Program of New York (NASP-NY)

A physical education curriculum entitled, Archery: "On Target For Life" co-created by the Kentucky Departments of Education and Fish & Wildlife Resources has been implemented in more than 200 Kentucky elementary, middle and high schools since 2001, which started the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). The NASP brings the sport of archery to millions of students in schools across the United States.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) implemented the program in January of 2008 and became the 44^th state in the program. Through the National Archery in the Schools Program of New York (NASP-NY), students have the chance to excel today, tomorrow and throughout their lifetime in the unique sport of archery. NASP-NY is dedicated to providing quality instruction, information, and support for implementation of archery in Physical Education curriculums.

Designed to teach international-style target archery in 4th-12th grades, core content covers archery history, safety, technique, equipment, mental concentration, and self-improvement. Before presenting the 2-week archery course, teachers undergo an 8-hour Basic Archery Instructor (BAI) training program. Topics are taught through classroom instruction, positive communication and hands-on activities. Students, responding to whistle commands, shoot at bulls-eye targets placed before an arrow resistant net right in the gym. The act of shooting the bow improves upper body strength, grip strength, muscle endurance and flexibility. Archery also develops hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and the importance of learning how to focus. Educators report that the National Archery in the Schools Program "engages the unengaged" and inspires students to greater achievement in school.

School attendance is improved
Student behavior is improved all day
Students of both genders and varying abilites are achieving success
Students are buying personal archery equipment
After-school archery clubs are forming

Thanks to support from the archery industry, an equipment kit valued at almost $5,000.00 may be purchased by the schools for approximately $3,000.00. Sponsorship or grant money to purchase equipment kits can often be obtained from various sources, such as archery organizations, area conservation organizations, archery retailers, civic organizations, businesses, parent organizations, and/or student group fundraisers. NASP is an eligible program for many physical education grants.

If you have questions concerning the program or would like to implement the NASP in your school, please contact Melissa Bailey, NASP-NY Coordinator, at 315-793-2269 or by e-mail: mrbailey@gw.dec.state.ny.us