More than 275 Nebraska schools currently offer the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) for their 4-12 grade students. Each year more than 30,000 Nebraska students participate in a NASP course in their math, history or physical education class, and the program continues to expand. For youth participants, one of the highlights of NASP is participating in the state archery tournament each spring in Lincoln.
Nebraska Game and Parks schedules teacher training workshops as needed. Training workshops generally last eight hours and have been incorporated into teacher in-service workshops in many districts. Once completed, teachers receive national certification to teach basic target archery. Grants for equipment are available for interested schools.
The benefits of archery to youth are numerous and included enhanced self-esteem, self respect and patience; development of fine motor skills; and greater enjoyment of P.E. class, including for youth who are physically impaired or disabled. Additionally, boys and girls participate — and excel — in archery at similar rates. More information on the program and the benefits of archery is available on the official NASP website.
