Teachers invited to attend basic archery instruction workshop

ATHENS, Ohio – Classroom teachers and other members of school communities who are interested in becoming certified National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) instructors are invited to attend a free training workshop, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

There are two upcoming opportunities in southeast Ohio to attend the Basic Archery Instructor Training. The first will take place on August 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Deerassic Park Education Center located at 14250 Cadiz Road, Cambridge, Ohio 43725. Preregistration is required by August 10. The second training will take place on August 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the ODNR Division of Wildlife District Four office located at 360 E. State Street, Athens, Ohio 45701. Preregistration is required by August 18. For more information about either course or to sign up please visit naspbai.org. Participants are encouraged to bring a packed lunch.

NASP instructors teach target archery to elementary, middle and high school students, within the school gym. The curriculum covers archery, safety, equipment, technique, concentration skills and self-improvement. When students are introduced to the sport of archery, the in-school educational component is only the beginning. Many NASP-participating schools then start after-school programs and archery teams.

The NASP program is rapidly growing and popular among both students and educators. It was introduced into 12 Ohio schools in 2004. More than 900 Ohio schools now have teachers certified to instruct target archery. Over 30,000 Ohio students participated in NASP as part of their physical education curriculum during the 2015-2016 school year.

The first NASP program was launched in Kentucky in 2002. Since that date, 47 U.S. states and 11 foreign countries have adopted it. For additional details regarding NASP in southeast Ohio, visit wildohio.gov or contact the Wildlife District Four Office at 740-589-9930 for more information.

The ODNR mission is to ensure “a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.” Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.