Hitting the mark: Macon R-1 schools begin archery program

MACON, Mo. — Macon R-1 students in grades 4–12 will be taking aim at a new course offering during the 2012–2013 school year. The school district recently picked up the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP), which teaches safe archery practices.

The Long Branch Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited, located in Macon, donated $3,800 to help pay for the necessary equipment to be used. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Conservation Federation of Missouri provided another $1,500 through reimbursable grants.

“Nearly everyone—regardless of age, size or physical ability—can succeed at archery,” said MDC Outdoor Skills Specialist Rob Garver. “School archery programs appeal to all students and help get kids outdoors. Plus the kids love it.”

MoNASP is coordinated through MDC in partnership with schools and supporting organizations throughout the state. More than 25,000 Missouri students from 148 schools participate in MoNASP.

Statistics show school archery programs improve school attendance, increase self-esteem, increase physical activity and can also become an after school activity. Other local schools that participate in MoNASP include Tri-County Christian, Kirksville, South Shelby, Monroe City, Knox County, Moberly, Cairo and Bucklin.

MoNASP is an affiliate of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), which began with a simple idea; teach kids the basics of archery as a part of school curriculum. Since NASP's beginnings in 2002, more than seven million students have participated in the program through 7,350 schools in 47 states and five countries.

To learn more about MoNASP visit mdc.mo.gov/education.