How Does the National Archery in the Schools Program Work?

August 2, 2018

Question: I heard that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will provide bows and arrows to schools that want to add archery to their physical education curriculum. Is that safe? Archery is a lot of fun but it’s also probably more dangerous than something like soccer or dodgeball, right? What kind of teacher training is offered or required? (Amy)

Answer: Archery is terrific activity that is accessible to any student, regardless of popularity, athletic skill, gender, size or academic ability.

CDFW is proud to be a partner of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). This is an international-style archery program taught by teachers and delivered to students in physical education classes in grades 4-12. In addition to the fundamentals of archery, NASP students learn focus, self-control, discipline, patience and other life lessons that lead them down the path to success, both inside and outside the classroom.

The NASP program is designed to be delivered to students in a very concise, controlled manner. The range is usually set up indoors, with great precautions taken to prevent anyone from walking onto the range. Your school district’s Office of Risk Management will have information regarding insurance and the district’s general liability policy. The safety record of archery is exemplary, and in fact you might be surprised to learn that the National Safety Council and the insurance industry both consider archery safer than most school contact sports and all ball sports, including tennis and golf!

The first step to starting a NASP program in your school is to get the school administration to agree to offer the program in the school during the school day (typically as part of a gym class). The NASP startup archery kit runs around $3,000 depending on the equipment ordered. This typically includes 12 Genesis compound bows, five bullseye targets, one arrow-resistant net, one or two bow racks, five dozen arrows and an equipment maintenance kit. CDFW does offer grants to help cover the cost of the equipment, and most schools that apply do receive financial aid. Approved schools will also need to send a credentialed teacher to a NASP Basic Archery Instructor training class. These are offered regularly throughout the year at many locations throughout the state.

For more information about how to get started, please contact our California NASP Coordinator, Bridget Kennedy, at bridget.kennedy@wildlife.ca.gov. Bridget would be more than happy to help grow this incredible program in the Golden State.