Manitoba Wildlife Federation to expand the National Archery in the Schools Program

The Manitoba Wildlife Federation is excited to announce it has received funding to expand the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) throughout the province. Founded in the U.S. in 2002, NASP is an in-school archery program for students in Grades 4 to 12. Along with archery skills, it aims to improve the academic performance of students, teaching them the focus, self-control, discipline and patience needed to be successful in the classroom and in life.

According to the MWF’s recreational angling coordinator, Chase Dreilich, the federation received a two-year grant for the program from the province’s Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund. To deliver the program, Dreilich will work alongside NASP’s Manitoba volunteer coordinator, Honesto Navarro.

There are already approximately 25 schools in Manitoba with NASP programming, but the MWF wants to bring in at least 25 more over the next two years, Dreilich says. To help make that happen, the MWF is offering $1,000 to the first 25 schools that sign up. The money would then be used to help pay for the $5,000 NASP gear package, which includes 12 Bows (10 right-handed, two left), 120 arrows, five targets, one arrow curtain, one bow rack and a repair kit.

In all, the gear package can outfit 10 archers at a time, Dreilich says. As well, the NASP fee includes training for the educators who will be administering the program. The MWF is reaching out to schools this spring to invite them to sign up, but any school that’s interested can also call or email the federation office.

Dreilich notes there are numerous benefits to implementing the NASP program, with 60 per cent of student participants saying they feel more connected to their school, and 40 per cent saying they’re more engaged in their classes. Plus, archery is an ideal entry point into outdoor sports because it’s so inclusive, he adds. It’s also a great way to get more young people interested in hunting. Says Dreilich: “Ninety-one per cent of the students who are involved in the NASP program go on to do other outdoor activities as well.”

Learn more about the MWF’s programs and positions at

www.mwf.mb.ca.