May 31, 2011

Peebles Schools Receive Funding for Archery Program
Avid hunter and Local Conservation Club Make Generous Contribution

PEEBLES, OH –Schools in Peebles are a step closer to implementing the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Principal Ann Charles along with physical education teacher Brock Caldwell were presented with funding to purchase archery equipment on Wednesday June 1, 2011.  The funding came from two separate sources, the Kenton Crawford Memorial Archery Fund and the Adams County Longbeards Conservation Club. Each donated $1000.00 toward the equipment purchase. 

An avid hunter and outdoorsmen; Kenton Crawford passed away on September 2, 2010. His family chose to honor Kenton’s memory by setting up the Memorial Archery Fund and the moneys will be used to help fund the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) in Adams County.  Adams County Wildlife Officer Chris Gilkey made the donation for the Crawford family. 

Similarly the Adams County Longbeards Conservation Club donated the money they raised over the last several years toward NASP. The club places strong emphasis on conservation and archery is an extension of sound wildlife management in Ohio. They are dedicated to supplying the youth of Adams County with outdoor recreational opportunities and have hosted many youth fishing and outdoor programs over the last 10 years. Members on hand for the donation were Kenneth Grooms and Larry Stricklett.

The funding represented a multiyear effort to provide money to allow Adams Counties School Districts to get started in NASP.  The initial donation to kick off the program several years ago was made by the Shawnee Sportsmen.  All Adams County Ohio Valley Schools and Manchester Local Schools have now received seed money and training to provide students with the equipment to get on target with archery in their gym classes.   

The NASP is used to teach target archery right in the school gym. The curriculum covers archery, safety, equipment, technique, concentration skills and self-improvement.  Schools may form teams and compete at the state tournament held in Columbus each March. Last years tournament saw a total of nearly 1,300 student archers from more than 45 teams competed. Each competitor could score a maximum of 300 points by shooting arrows as close to the center of a target as possible.

Adams County Wildlife Officer Chris Gilkey and Kathy Garza-Behr Wildlife Communications Specialist for the Division of Wildlife would like to personally thank the schools in Adams County.  Both have received continual support from the Superintendents, Principals and staff.  “I come from a rural county like Adams and I know how important this program has been in regards to attendance, behavior and overall GPA for the students”, stated Gilkey.

If you would like to be certified to teach NASP in your school or want more information on the program, visit www.ohionasp.com.