Warriors - Summer 2011

Education
National Archery Program a Positive ChalleNGe
Story and photo by Major Guy Hayes,
DMVA Public Affairs
CAMP DENALI, Alaska … Research
shows that children who are encouraged to
pursue their interests in positive activities
are more likely to stay out of trouble. Instead
of spending time alone, or unsupervised
with friends, they are learning and focused
on an activity that builds self confidence in
a safe environment.
The National Archery in the Schools
Program is a perfect example of a positive
activity for Alaska’s youth and an activity
that has benefited the cadets at the Alaska
Military Youth Academy.
The NASP, which provides internationalstyle
target archery training in more than
7,300 schools nationwide, including seven
pilot programs for the National Guard
Youth ChalleNGe program, “promotes
student education, physical education and
participation in the lifelong sport of archery,”
according to its website.
As one of the pilot programs, the
instructors at AMYA also see the benefits
of NASP in assisting them achieve their
mission “to motivate young men and women
to become successful citizens, with the
values, skills, education and self-discipline
to succeed as adults.”
“The National Archery in Schools
Program allows cadets to participate in
something bigger than them,” said Nathan
McCarthy, AMYA team leader and certified
Focus and
Determination.
Recent graduates from
the Alaska Military
Youth Academy shoot in
the state archery tournament
for the National
Archery in the Schools
Program in March. The
program provides youth
another positive activity
in school, while promoting
the sport of archery.
NASP instructor. “It provides another outlet
or opportunity that can lead to a lifelong
interest, which requires self-discipline.”
NASP, which according to AMYA Team
Leader Dave Litteral, is also the second
safest program in schools, has 10 certified
instructors at the Alaska Military Youth
Academy, and it hopes to have more
members of its staff trained soon. ■
Summer 2011 • WARRIORS Securing the State, Defending the Nation
25