National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) is a nation-wide program that provides guidance and support to partners wishing to implement the program in schools within their state. The SCDNR initiated this program in 2005 and now provides the opportunity in 146 schools. SCDNR participates in the program by recruiting schools and has trained 236 teachers and instructors. Eighteen thousand students in the 146 schools are expected to participate in the program during the 2009-10 school year.

NASP is a program that has significant potential for hunter recruitment. It reaches a sizable number of students of whom many are interested in pursuing bowhunting and other shooting sports. This program would be a logical feeder to the TOMO, Hunter Education and Youth Hunting programs.

NASP is a joint venture between state departments of Education and Wildlife. Several archery equipment manufacturers and organizations are also partners. The program promotes student education, physical education and participation in the life-long sport of Archery. The program’s focus is to provide International Style target Archery training in physical education classes grades 4-12. The South Carolina program has, however, been modified in some schools to accommodate agricultural classes, in-school outdoors clubs and special education classes.

In South Carolina, the Archery program has grown from 10 pilot schools to 105 schools at the end of 2008. More than 200 teachers across the state have become certified to teach the program. As a culminating event of the schools that participate in the program we have, the DNR sponsors a State tournament. Schools in the upper, middle and lower part of the State compete at this tournament. The 1st place teams and individuals are eligible to represent South Carolina at the National level.