Helena, MT – The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) welcomed coordinators, partners, and sponsors from across North America to Helena, Montana, for the 2026 NASP® Coordinator Conference held July 16–17. The annual meeting brought together representatives from 33 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces for two days dedicated to collaboration, innovation, and strengthening the future of NASP®.
Hosted with outstanding support from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the conference provided an opportunity for coordinators to exchange ideas, share successful strategies, and learn from one another as they prepare for the upcoming year. Special appreciation goes to Ryan Schmalz and the Montana team for their exceptional hospitality, leading a memorable conservation activity, and helping make the conference a tremendous success.
Throughout the conference, attendees participated in discussions focused on expanding student participation, supporting Basic Archery Instructors, enhancing educational resources, improving tournament experiences, and sharing proven practices from their states and provinces. The atmosphere was one of enthusiasm, teamwork, and a shared commitment to ensuring students continue to benefit from the life-changing opportunities provided through NASP®.
"The strength of NASP® has always been the people behind the program. Our coordinators and BAIs are the true MVPs of NASP®" said Tommy Floyd, President of the National Archery in the Schools Program. "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 added, "The educational sessions are designed to provide coordinators with the latest program updates, tools, and strategies they need to be successful, and every presentation is an important part of that learning experience. However, the real magic happens in the moments between the sessions. It's the conversations around the tables, during meals, on breaks, and while sharing challenges and successes with fellow coordinators that create lasting relationships and spark new ideas. Those connections begin during a coordinator's very 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 welcomed strong participation from NASP® sponsors and conservation partners, whose continued investment in youth archery, education, and outdoor recreation helps make the program's success possible. Their support, combined with the leadership of state and provincial coordinators, continues to drive the growth of NASP® across North America.
Jeff Rawlinson, Vice President of NASP®, whose vision helped shape this year's conference into an engaging and interactive experience, added, "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 2026–2027 school year, coordinators left Helena energized with new ideas, stronger connections, and a renewed commitment to serving students, educators, and communities through in-school archery.
The coming year will also mark a significant milestone 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.
To learn more about The National Archery in the Schools Program, please visit www.naspschools.org