NWTF Helps Purchase NewArchery Equipment for California School
ARCATA, Calif.— Students at Arcata High school in northern California, no longer have to use worn out archery equipment during physical education classes thanks to the 
National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and the National Wild Turkey Federation.
“At some point the school lost funding and couldn’t afford to buy new archery equipment,” said Pat McNeil, NWTF regional director. “So, when they got the money to receive the new equipment through NASP it was a real blessing.”
The high school received 12 new bows, five targets, three bow stands, arrows and safety curtain, totaling $5,000 worth of brand new equipment. The California Department of Fish and Game and the National Wild Turkey Federation donated funding for this project.
“North California has a lot of outdoor opportunities,” says McNeil. “Archery is a gateway to a number of outdoor activities, including target shooting and hunting.”
The National Wild Turkey Federation has donated $50,000 this year to the NASP and has donated a total of $466,500 since 2004.
“This donation and involvement really shows the local community that the NWTF cares about our youth and our shooting sports,” says Ryan Mathis, NWTF Western regional biologist.
The program’s core curriculum covers archery history, safety, technique, equipment, mental concentration and self-improvement. Students shoot at bull’s-eye targets placed in front of an arrow resistant net in their gymnasium. The equipment used is state-of-the-art and is designed to fit every student.
PE instructors from the school volunteered to attend a daylong training course where they learned the basic shooting stance, shooting techniques, safety and proper care of equipment.
NASP was designed to partner with a state’s Department of Education and its Fish and Wildlife agency to offer an Olympic-style target archery program to physical education students from fourth to 12th grades.
To learn more about the NWTF assisting NASP in Arcata High school, contact Ryan Mathis at (707) 443-1646 or ryannwtf@yahoo.com. To learn more about NASP, visit http://www.nasparchery.com/activea.asp.
