The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) recently hosted a dynamic week of collaboration, innovation, and inspiration in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, July 22-25, 2025, at the beautiful Park Vista, a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Gatlinburg. NASP® leaders, sponsors, educators, and coaches gathered to strengthen the mission of bringing safe and inclusive archery education to students across the nation, and beyond.
The week kicked off with the NASP® Coordinator Conference, a two-day gathering co-sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Natural Resources. State and provincial coordinators, NASP® staff, and valued sponsors came together to discuss strategies, share best practices, and explore new opportunities to improve and expand the 23-year-old program. With representation open to all 50 states and several international jurisdictions, the conference provided an essential platform for deep discussion, deepened relationships, and meaningful connections.
In addition to the formal presentations and breakout sessions, one of the most powerful elements of the summit remained the camaraderie and networking between attendees. From hallway conversations to conservation activities, the relationships built here continue to be the foundation for NASP®’s sustained success in schools across the globe.
Immediately following the Coordinator Conference, NASP® hosted its fourth Educator and Coaches Conference. More than 33 states were represented as passionate educators, coaches, and archery supporters gathered for two full days of learning, collaboration, and encouragement.
Experienced NASP® presenters offered 15 practical topics geared toward increasing success for NASP® archers. The conference opened with a warm Tennessee welcome from Don Crawford of the Tennessee DNR, followed by an inspiring update and exciting announcements from NASP® President Tommy Floyd. Throughout the remainder of Thursday and Friday, participants attended hour-long concurrent sessions on the following titles:
- Effective Practice Techniques
- Easton 1820 Arrow Maintenance & Tuning
- Dealing with Target Panic, Mental Management
- Genesis Bow Maintenance & Tuning
- Team Building Tips
- Coaching the Beginning Archer
- Coaching the Advanced Archer
- Coaching Mixed Groups of Archers
- Managing Large Archery Teams
- From Educator to Coach
- Running an Effective Local Tournament
- Introducing 3D Archery
- Adaptive Archery Techniques
- Conditioning/Health/Fitness
The atmosphere throughout the week was energized by a shared commitment to student success. Attendees left with fresh ideas, renewed purpose, and a deeper connection to the NASP® community.
NASP® President Tommy Floyd said, “This event continues to illustrate the value of bringing like-minded individuals together to improve their potential to bring success to their students in grades 4-12 via in-school archery. These large events are well worth the investment we make…Students across the country benefit when these attending educators and coaches get home and employ strategies that they learned here. It is very powerful indeed! Since its inception in 2002, NASP® has introduced more than 24.7 million students to the safety, discipline, and joy of archery—making it one of the most impactful youth programs in the country. As NASP® continues to grow, events like this remind us that the strength of the program lies in the people who believe in it and make a difference for student archers in their schools. They are truly Changing lives one arrow at a time!”
For more information about NASP® or to get involved, visit www.naspschools.org
Related posts:
The National Archery in the Schools Program celebrates the addition of Delaware to NASP®. NASP® now actively educating in all 50 states!
NASP® Educator and Coaches Conference July 29-30
NASP® announces its next Educator and Coaches Conference
NASP® is a proud sponsor of the annual Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) conference
