Archery to be taught in schools

Idaho is becoming the 26th state to provide basic Olympic-style archery instruction as part of the physical education curriculum in grades 7-12.

Two dozen teachers, volunteers and Idaho Fish and Game staff from around the state came to Nampa in June to receive training and certification from Roy Grimes, coordinator for the National Archery in the Schools (NASP) Program. World champion archer Jahna Davis, Montana NASP coordinator, assisted with the training.

The program started three years ago in Kentucky and is expected to be implemented in 44 states by the end of this year, Idaho Fish and Game officials said.

The program is popular with students of all physical abilities, they said, noting that the emphasis is on a lifetime sport of target shooting and that bow hunting is not addressed.

Lakeland High School in Rathdrum, Boundary County Junior High in Bonners Ferry, Woodland Middle School in Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint High School are among 11 “pilot schools” to conduct the program this fall.