National Archery In The Schools Program (NASP)
The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) is a cooperative effort between state conservation departments, school systems and private organizations to help engage young citizens in outdoor activities and participate in the enduring sport of archery.
The program promotes student education, physical education, and lifelong participation in archery. Since its inception in March 2002, more than 4 million students at over 8,500 schools located in 47 states and 5 countries have participated in National Archery in the Schools Program. New York was the 44th state to implement the program, and school participation continues to grow each year.
Our Mission
New York NASP is dedicated to providing quality instruction, information, and support for implementation of archery in physical education curriculums for grades 4-12. Safety and a positive atmosphere for students are emphasized. The program helps build muscle, endurance, and flexibility, and helps develop hand-eye-coordination, grip, and body strength.
Archery is a non-discriminatory sport and can be taught through this program to almost any student of nearly any age or skill level. Educators report that NASP "engages the unengaged" and inspires students to greater achievement in school.
View the National Archery in the Schools photo gallery on DEC's Flickr page.
For archers who may not have access to a bow or range at home, but want to keep their archery skills sharp, view our 10 Activities to Practice Your Archery Skills At Home (PDF).
Support National Archery in the Schools Program
Members of the public can support DEC lands, facilities, and programs through our charitable partner, the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT). Online giving is simple and secure and fully tax-deductible. Donations to NHT directly support projects and programs that enhance facilities, expand access to outdoor recreation and environmental education, provide public land access, and protect natural resources. Donations made on Natural Heritage Trust's website (leaves DEC website), will be used to cover costs for youth that otherwise would be unable to attend, as well as, to purchase assistive equipment for students with disabilities.
State and National Tournaments
Each year a state tournament is open to all schools who participate in NASP. It is the culminating event where students can prosper from all their hard work and compete in front of their family, parents, and friends. The state tournament is annually held in March in central New York. Students from across the state compete in a live tournament where all the archers are together, shooting on the same day. Each competitor could achieve a maximum score of 300 points. There are three divisions: High School, grades 9-12; Middle School, grades 6-8; and Elementary School, grades 4-5.
Awards
Each top male and female receive a trophy, a Genesis bow and bow case, a Morrell target, and other prizes as available. Awards are also given out in each of the three divisions for first through fifth place. Trophies and prizes are given out to first through third place teams in each of the three divisions.
Students that place in the top 10 in each of the three divisions, by gender, qualify to compete and represent New York at the National NASP Tournament held in Louisville, Kentucky, each May. In 2017, New York had 60 eligible students from 17 schools that participated in the national tournament. In 2016, 88 students from 12 schools participated in that annual event.
For more information on NASP, contact the state program coordinator for NY-NASP at 1-888-486-8332 or send us an e-mail.
