NASP® is an activity that doesn’t discriminate based on popularity, athletic skill, gender, size, or academic ability. It’s a different kind of team sport. It’s open to any student. Its biggest supporters are professional educators. Teams come together around one thing: Archery.

The National Archery in the Schools Program is an in-school program aimed at improving educational performance among students in grades 4th – 12th. And through it, students are learning focus, self-control, discipline, patience, and the life lessons required to be successful in the classroom and in life.  Source info: (NASP website).

This program can:

• Improve school attendance
• Increase self esteem
• Increase physical activity
• Translate into subject matter
• Appeal to all students
• Get kids out-of-doors
• Become an after-school activity
• Truly change lives one arrow at a time!

Archery is a sport nearly everyone can find success in regardless of age, size or physical ability. Statistics show that school archery programs engage more students in the educational process, improve classroom performance and reduce drop-out rates. Find out how your school can get involved today!

Who’s it For?

The Archery in the Schools Program is designed to introduce target archery in 4th through 12th grade classes during the school day.
Kansas Archery in the Schools also supports homeschooling groups and Centershot.

Kansas Involvement

In 2006, Kansas adopted the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). Currently, over 360 teachers representing 291 schools have completed the Basic Archery Instructor (BAI) training. In 2019, 11,593 student archers participated in the program!

Requirements

Teachers must attend a one day training session conducted by a KDWP certified instructor. Once a teacher has completed the BAI training, their school is eligible to purchase an equipment kit.  A minimum of 8 school faculty are needed for a training, multiple schools are encouraged to attend.  

What’s in a Kit?

• 12 universal draw length bows (Genesis)

• 10 dozen aluminum arrows

• 5 targets

• 1 30’ backstop safety net

• 1 repair kit

• 1 (12 bow) bow-rack

How About the Cost?

Thanks to the support of the archery industry, the $5,000 equipment kit can be purchased for $3,100-$3,800!

This estimate range is dependent on specific equipment that is chosen by the school.

What about school funding?

Any school that completes the BAI training will be eligible for a grant of up-to $1,600 from KDWP to go towards a complete kit.  Multiple buildings and area schools are encouraged to attend the training and all are eligible for the matching funds.  (Proof of matching funds will be needed before ordering equipment.)  Multiple school buildings in the same district, Ex) elementary, middle and high schools will often split the remaining cost of $1,600 and share the archery equipment kit throughout the year.  Local sportsman groups, non-government organizations and student fund-raisers are quick ways to find matching funds. 

Why Educators Like the Program:

• Adds diversity and interest to the classroom
• Teaches a life skill to students
• Complies with state and national PE standards
• Accessible to all Students

What the Teachers are saying:

• School attendance has improved
• Student behavior has improved all day
• Kids of all genders, ages and abilities are successful
• Students are buying personal archery equipment
• After-school archery clubs are forming

 
Why the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism is committed to the Kansas Archery in the Schools Program

The program introduces archery as a lifelong activity that is both safe and fun for students. In addition to gaining a healthy pastime, future archers and bowhunters will provide needed funding and general support for hunter education and for wildlife conservation efforts. Federal excise taxes on archery equipment directly support hunter education program efforts in Kansas through federal assistance in wildlife restoration. Many of the students that participate in the program will become shooters and shooting supporters. Many will become bowhunters.

NASP Website - https://www.naspschools.org/

Tournaments- https://nasptournaments.org/

Annual Reporting - https://naspbai.org/default.aspx

Contact: Lyndzee Rhine; Lyndzee.Rhine@KS.GOV; 785.260.3033