The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries recently received two National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) awards. Karen Holson, VDGIF Outdoor Education Supervisor and Virginia NASP State Coordinator accepted "The 200 NASP Schools in Virginia Award" and the "NASP in 10% of Virginia Schools Award" on behalf of the Agency and the many volunteers and partners that helped reach this exceptional level of participation.
Highlights: Hitting the Mark | Virginia Schools with NASP | Virginia NASP State Tournament
The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) is a joint venture between state departments of Education and State Fish &Wildlife Agencies. Several archery equipment manufacturers and conservation organizations are also partners. The program promotes student education and participation in the shooting sports. This archery education program started in Kentucky in 2002 and is spreading throughout the United States. Virginia started NASP in 2006 and VDGIF currently has trained over 297 schools, and 760 teachers. DGIF has provided and assigned NASP equipment sets to over 200 schools.
NASP program accomplishment highlights in Virginia include:
- The programs' focus is 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 instructor training program referred to as BAI, Basic Archery Instructor.
- Students shoot at bulls-eye targets placed in front of an arrow resistant net in their gymnasium. Program is designed for outdoors as well.
- Equipment used is state-of-the art and designed to fit every student, of all ages and all abilities.
- Thanks to support from the archery industry, the $4,900 equipment sets can be purchased by schools for $2,850 to $3,550 dependant upon the target and bow hanging units selected for the set.
- Some funding from private donations, grants, and federal funding are available for Virginia's schools to assist with equipment sets and cover certification fees for teachers. The certification packets are $35 per teacher.
- The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) brings the sport of archery to millions of students in schools across the United States. NASP positively influences student attendance, behavior, self esteem, confidence, and on task behaviors.
Congratulations to the VDGIF staff and many partners and volunteers that have made this program a great success throughout Virginia.
For more information, contact VDGIF Outdoor Education Supervisor and Virginia State NASP Coordinator