It’s back-to-school time and, for schools, it’s time to get back on target.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is looking to kick off the 2014-15 school year in a big way.

The National Archery in the Schools Program is entering its 13th year in 2014. And, once again, schools have the opportunity to join the program at a fraction of the actual cost.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is offering $1,500 equipment grants to help schools get the program up and running, and also will train staff and parents who want to become instructors.

Schools looking to bring new programming to students might want to give archery a try, said Todd Holmes, NASP coordinator for Pennsylvania. It’s fun, safe and exciting, and enables students to build new friendships, he said.
“The NASP program gives students an opportunity to explore the sport of archery, all while in a school setting,” Holmes said. “It brings something new to traditional physical-education classes and, as the students find out, anyone of any ability can become a successful archer.”

Pennsylvania now has more than 170 schools and more than 45,000 students participating in the NASP program.
Nationally, more than 12 million student archers from more than 12,000 schools have participated in classroom archery instruction through NASP, with more than 30,000 trained instructors guiding them.

“Challenge your students to learn how to shoot a bow,” Holmes urged. “Who knows, your son or daughter could be the next state or national champion.”

To learn more about the NASP program or to request information, contact Holmes at 717-787-4250, extension 3330, or email him at toholmes@pa.gov.