Introductory Archery and Bowhunting Programs

A number of organizations have created introductory archery and bowhunting programs for those interested in learning and getting involved in the sports. In addition to those programs listed below, archery activities are often offered through community education or recreation programs like those provided by the YMCA, Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA.

After School Archery Program (ASAP)

ASAP, a youth after school archery program, combines proven teaching techniques with lesson plans, instructor training and easy equipment access. ASAP programs continue where the "first shot" leaves off!  Learn new skills, earn awards and experience the wealth of archery styles and equipment used in tournaments and leagues.  Sanctioned by USA Archery, National Field Archery Association, Archery Shooters Association, and facilitated by the National Alliance for the Development of Archery (NADA).There's nothing like archery for getting a kid excited about recreation.

Explore Bowhunting

Explore Bowhunting is an educational program designed to help instructors, program leaders and educators teach students ages 11-17 the basic skills of bowhunting. The Archery Trade Association (ATA) has created this program to spark an interest and passion for bowhunting in today’s youth. Through these hands-on experiences, students gain confidence interacting with the natural environment and strengthen their appreciation for wildlife and the woods.

Junior Olympic Archery Developement (JOAD)

JOAD is open to any youth archer aged 8 to 18. Both recurve and compound bows are used in club activities and in tournaments. JOAD archers who use a compound bow can train to compete in local and regional tournaments, and can earn a seat on a youth world team to compete in other countries representing the United States on behalf of USA Archery. Recurve archers can compete likewise, with the added benefit of using their recurve to try out for a spot on the US Olympic Archery team. The team is selected and managed by USA Archery.

National Archery in the Schools (NASP)

NASP brings the sport of archery to millions of students in schools across the United States. Designed to teach International style target archery in physical education class 4th-12th grades, core content covers archery history, safety, technique, equipment, mental concentration, core strengthening, physical fitness and self-improvement. Before presenting the 2-week archery course, teachers undergo an 8-hour NASP Basic Archery Instructor Training Program.

Bowhunter Education

The National Bowhunter Education Foundation chose to target retention of existing bowhunters by developing new programs through high interest, advanced classes or mentoring type curriculum.The student manual called “Today’s Bowhunter” is an example of improving materials.

National 4-H Shooting Sports

The focus of all 4-H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens. The National 4-H Shooting Sports Program stands out as an example. Youth learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of hunting and archery, and much more. The activities of the program and the support of caring adult leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth, and conservation ethics.