Current instructors, please see the Teacher Resources page.
What Is Archery in the Schools?
“Not everyone can dunk the ball, tackle, or run fast. However, as a young lady from Hubbertville School said, “I can do this!”
A physical education curriculum entitled Archery: “On Target for Life” was started by the Kentucky Department of Education and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources in the spring 2002. The program has expanded across the nation. Alabama implemented the program 16 middle schools in 2003. To date, approximately 400 Alabama schools have implemented NASP as part of the physical education curriculum and it is growing every year. Teachers from approximately 800 schools have completed the training workshop.
Archery in the Schools is designed to teach Junior Olympic Archery Development style archery programs to 4th-12th grades as part of an in-school curriculum to improve educational performance and participation. Core content covers archery history, safety, technique, equipment, mental concentration and self-improvement. Before presenting the two-week archery course, teachers undergo a eight-hour National Archery in the Schools Program archery-training program.
Students shoot at bulls-eye targets placed before an arrow-resistant net in their gymnasium. Equipment used is state-of-the art and designed to fit every student. Thanks to support from the archery industry, the $6,000 equipment “kits” can be purchased by schools for just over $3,000. The goal of this program is to provide participating students with the ingredients to become involved in a life skill that has no barriers. Unlike many school activities, students of all sizes can easily be involved in archery.
Teachers report that students are enthusiastic about learning archery and that their behavior and attendance is improved on archery days. Furthermore, students that historically resisted PE classes are eager to participate in archery and those who excel in archery class are not necessarily the stereotypical athletes.
How Can My School Become Involved?
To learn more about the program and to make this physical education curriculum available to your student body contact Marisa Futral, Hunter Education Coordinator of the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division at 1-800-245-2740 or e-mail Marisa.Futral@dcnr.alabama.gov.
