Archery in Schools

Everyone has their favorite class in school. During my grade school years, my favorite was physical education or as we called it ‘Gym Class’. The opportunity to participate in physical activities during school was always highly anticipated, especially by those of us who loved sports and competition.

One sport however, that was rarely or never offered in grade school was archery. We could do all the other ball sports or activities but archery we had to do on our own, usually with misfit equipment and no formal instruction. I remember having to find Dad’s old recurve in the basement, makeshifting some arrows, and teaching myself how to shoot, usually with limited results.

Now, all this is changing with the NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program). The NASP is a joint venture between state Departments of Education and Wildlife. Formed in 2002, the program was established to allow more involvement in archery for those who may otherwise never get a chance. It promotes student education, physical education and participation in the sport of Archery in hopes to broaden the interest of the young participants.

A local Mandan, North Dakota NASP collaboration of five grade schools made its first stop at Christ the King where 5th and 6th grade students participated in learning and shooting archery. Christ the King, Lewis and Clark, Roosevelt, Custer and Ft. Lincoln schools together purchased equipment, which included Genesis bows, arrows, targets and a backstop. The teachers were also supplied with educational materials to better allow them to facilitate the learning process. They each had to take a course in archery and be registered to teach it. This is also offered by NASP.

The Genesis bows have adjustable draw weights and have no set draw lengths. This allows any student regardless of size or strength to comfortably draw and shoot the bows while maintaining form and technique, which the students quickly caught on.

As I watched the Christ the King students, they each waited with eagerness to grab a bow off the rack and step to the line. With the teacher’s instructions, each would focus intently on the task of nocking the arrow, drawing the bow and aiming to the bull’s-eye. I did not have to look at the target to see if they hit where they were aiming, the expressions on their face’s told the story. For this activity, there was no individual or team competition, just support and encouragement for each other.

Since its inception, NASP has far exceeded the expectations. It has spread into 14 countries and 44 states have adopted the program. Schools have indicated that attendance has increased on days in which it is offered and it also helps students that do not normally participate in activities. Many students that dropout of school have indicated that they were never involved in extra-curricular activities. Others students when asked after participating in the class said they thoroughly enjoyed archery and approximately half said they would like to try bowhunting.

We as sportsmen realize that declining participation in the shooting sports such as this threatens future support for wildlife conservation. These NASP programs have been successful in teaching over 2 million students in school the wonderful sport of archery and many will continue to make it a part of their life.

Whether you are young or old, male or female, athletic or not, Archery is a sport in which there are no boundaries and families can enjoy it together.

Promoting archery in schools is a great way to open the eyes of those whom have not experienced what we all love and enjoy. They will be the wildlife and outdoor curators of the future and NASP points them down the right trail.

When I asked these students if they liked the archery, most all said it was one of their favorites activities in PE class. Some said it was even better than ‘dodge ball’; yes - better than ‘dodge ball’! 

Editor's Note:  Wayne Muth is an avid big game hunter and FBO Field Staff member. He attributes much of his success to hard work and quality equipment. Mathews bows, Rocky Mountain Broadheads and Gold Tip arrows top the list of quality tools to make his hunts successful.  Wayne also is the creator and manager of TON's affiliate Big Game Outdoors.

Photo One:  Archers intently listen as their teacher gives instructions. They learn responsibility, respect, discipline and safety through this program.  Photo Two:  This petite, 5th grade girl takes aim at her target.  Whether girls or boys, big or small, all the students seemed to enjoy the archery sessions.