The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) welcomed state and provincial coordinators, partners, and sponsors from across North America to Helena, Montana, for the 2026 NASP® Coordinator Conference, held July 16–17.
Representatives from 33 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces gathered for two days of collaboration, professional development, and strategic planning as they prepared for the upcoming 2026–2027 school year.
Hosted by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the conference provided coordinators with valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, share successful program initiatives, and strengthen relationships with fellow NASP® leaders. Special recognition was given to Ryan Schmalz and the Montana team for their outstanding hospitality, engaging conservation activities, and exceptional support throughout the event.
Conference sessions focused on expanding student participation, supporting Basic Archery Instructors (BAIs), enhancing educational resources, improving tournament experiences, and sharing proven strategies from across North America. The collaborative environment reflected the shared commitment of coordinators to provide students with meaningful opportunities through archery while promoting leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.
Tommy Floyd, President of the National Archery in the Schools Program, emphasized the importance of the coordinator network.
“The strength of NASP® has always been the people behind the program. Our coordinators and BAIs are the true MVPs of NASP®. When our coordinators come together to share ideas, celebrate successes, and solve challenges as a team, every student benefits. The passion and dedication displayed in Helena make us incredibly optimistic about the year ahead.”
NASP® Training Director Stephanie Evans highlighted that while the educational sessions are invaluable, the greatest impact often comes from the relationships built outside the classroom.
“The conversations during meals, breaks, and informal discussions create lasting relationships and spark new ideas. Those connections begin during a coordinator’s first conference and often continue throughout their entire career, creating a network of support that helps make growth in every state and province possible.”
The conference also showcased the continued commitment of NASP® sponsors and conservation partners, whose investment in youth archery, education, and outdoor recreation plays a vital role in the program’s continued success.
Jeff Rawlinson, Vice President of NASP®, reflected on the lasting value of the annual gathering.
“A conference lasts just two days, but its impact extends far beyond the event itself. Every idea shared, every connection made, and every challenge solved together creates new opportunities for our coordinators to grow their programs, strengthen their communities, and introduce more students to the sport of archery and the outdoors. When our coordinators leave inspired, approximately 1.3 million students stand to benefit during the coming school year.”
As planning begins for the new school year, coordinators departed Helena energized with fresh ideas, stronger partnerships, and a renewed commitment to serving students, educators, and communities through in-school archery programs.
Looking Ahead to a Historic Milestone
The upcoming year will also mark an important chapter in NASP® history. In 2027, the program will celebrate its 25th Anniversary, commemorating a quarter-century of introducing millions of students to the lifelong sport of archery while promoting academic achievement, character development, and conservation education.
The Virgin Islands Field Archery Federation (VIFAF) congratulates the National Archery in the Schools Program on another successful Coordinator Conference and looks forward to implementing many of the ideas and best practices shared during the event as we continue to grow the VI NASP® program throughout the British Virgin Islands.
To learn more about the National Archery in the Schools Program, visit www.naspschools.org.