SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund is proud to award a $100,000 grant to the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®). The program supports more than 1 million students across North America, and the grant funds will continue to expand that reach by covering equipment costs for schools that join the program.
NASP® embodies the efforts of noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder, Johnny Morris, to introduce new audiences to the outdoors. Historically, when a school begins the program, more than 100 students annually are introduced to the sport, with two-thirds of them being first-time archers.
Educators love what NASP® does, with 58 percent of participants saying they feel more connected to their school, and 40 percent attributing the program as a motivational factor to perform better in the classroom. (Data obtained from the 2017 NASP® Student Survey Link)
With an unblemished 20-year safety record, NASP® is carrying out its goal of growing the sport of archery, assisting with the mission of educators, and promoting and helping the growth of shooting sports. This landmark Outdoor Fund grant, made possible by the generosity of Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s customers rounding up purchases at the register and online, is the sixth annual $100,000 contribution to NASP® since 2016. The collective $600,000 grant total has provided outdoor gear for NASP® programming that directly impacts thousands of students nationwide.
NASP® President Tommy Floyd said, “We are delighted with our ongoing partnership with Johnny Morris and the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s family. Like past awards, we will utilize 100 percent of these award dollars for equipment kits in schools. We know the kind of positive impact that these funds have on schools and students. Our ability to help grow the sport of archery is greatly enhanced through this partnership!”
“NASP® is a proven program introducing youth of all backgrounds to the exciting sport of archery,” said Bob Ziehmer, Senior Director of Conservation for Bass Pro Shops. “Archery teaches many positive benefits of self-discipline, dedication, teamwork and persistence to set and accomplish goals. We are proud to partner with the National Archery in the Schools Program.”
Guided by the visionary leadership of Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, the Outdoor Fund empowers Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s 200 million annual customers to support conservation efforts by rounding up their purchases. By rallying passionate customers alongside dedicated team members, industry partners and leading conservation organizations like the National Archery in the Schools Program, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s is creating North America’s largest conservation movement to collectively shape the future of the outdoors and all who love it for generations to come.
About Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry- leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Forbes as “one of America’s Best Employers.”