Educators Archives • Arkansas Game & Fish Commission https://www.agfc.com/category/education/group/educators/ Mon, 18 Aug 2025 20:31:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 AGFC seeking schools to break new ground in outdoor education  https://www.agfc.com/news/agfc-seeking-schools-to-break-new-ground-in-outdoor-education/ Mon, 16 Jun 2025 18:14:48 +0000 https://www.agfc.com/?p=17919 The post AGFC seeking schools to break new ground in outdoor education  appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

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LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is accepting applications from school administrators to join in a pilot program developed with Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ office and the Natural State Initiative Advisory Council that will offer outdoor education opportunities within curriculum that can be seamlessly incorporated into lesson plans throughout the school day.

The pilot project, announced at a press conference held by Gov. Sanders at the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center June 4, will be a partnership between the Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and will help equip students for a future career in outdoor recreation.

Thirty schools will be chosen from across the state to participate in the program during its first year. If successful, the partnering agencies will prepare for a statewide launch. School administrators and teachers interested in elevating outdoor education opportunities on their campuses can apply through the AGFC’s School of Conservation Leadership program and complete a letter of intent to AGFC Chief of Education Mary Beth Hatch at marybeth.hatch@agfc.ar.gov.

Natural resource agencies have worked for years to develop additional curricula and lesson plans for educators to bring the outdoors into the classroom, but Hatch says this new program takes an entirely fresh approach, working with teachers to develop pathways into regular coursework instead of proposing additional workloads for teachers and students.

“As a teacher with 13 years of experience in the classroom, I know how educators are constantly asked to add this ‘one more thing’ into their curriculum, and that those additions add up to an overwhelming and unachievable task,” Hatch said. “What we’ve designed is a playbook to truly incorporate outdoor education in your school, not just as one more thing a teacher has to add to their already taxed workload, but as something that integrates seamlessly into science, social studies, math, language arts, art, PE and a variety of elective courses. It’s not one more thing; it’s a new way to present what’s already being taught that’s been developed with the help of professionals in the outdoor recreation and conservation industry.”

Sanders said the program will help students develop skills and knowledge that can be applied to career tracks in outdoor recreation and conservation, which is one of the largest driving factors in Arkansas’s economy.

In 2022, the most recent year for which data is available, Arkansas welcomed more than 50 million visitors who spent nearly $10 billion, much of it on outdoor recreation opportunities.

 “A student’s education should not be fully reliant on technology and smart devices,” Sanders said. “This program emphasizes another reason why my husband, Bryan, and I started the Natural State Initiative: to get kids off screens and outside. Thank you to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for investing in our kids’ future and promoting outdoor education.”

“Getting kids outside is one of the best things we can do for them, improving their education, health and quality of life,” said first gentleman and Natural State Initiative Advisory Council Chair Bryan Sanders. “This program will inspire our kids to develop a greater appreciation for The Natural State and help Arkansas build a pipeline of future workers and entrepreneurs to support our growing tourism industry and outdoor economy.”

Email marybeth.hatch@agfc.ar.gov for more information.

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CUTLINES

PLANTING GARDEN
Students at L.M. Goza planted a pollinator garden as part of their curriculum last year to get outdoors and complete their certification in the AGFC’s School of Conservation Leadership program. Photo courtesy Michael Ankton.

MONARCH PRESENTATION
In-class curriculum will be similar to this presentation at Sherwood Elementary, where educators presented the role pollinators like the monarch butterfly play in agriculture and conservation. Photo courtesy Melody Carson.

FISHING SAMPLE
Students at Lincoln High School were able to take part in a supervised electrofishing session to learn how fisheries biologists estimate characteristics of fish populations in different waterbodes. Photo courtesy Hailey Robinson.

WATER QUALITY
Lincoln High School students estimated water quality through investigations of macroinvertebrates found in the water during one class session last year. Photo courtesy Hailey Robinson.

TREE
Students in the new education initiative will be able to make a difference on their campuses and in their communities through conservation enhancements. Photo courtesy Michael Ankton.

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Generation Conservation

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Attend a free PD session for local teachers and administrators about the Generation Conservation Summit August 22 at 9 a.m. at North AR Community College!

Click here to register.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Generation Conservation initiative aims to provide an authentic learning environment for teachers and K-12 students in Arkansas to engage and compete in AGFC programming and offerings.

This educational summit brings awareness to the role that AGFC plays in the state, creating spaces for students and educators to learn directly from conservation professionals.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will hold its inaugural Generation Conservation summit on Nov. 5-6, 2025. Student groups from around the state (only 24 students per school can compete) will face off in conservation-related competitions for bragging rights, prizes and possible additional funding for their school.

  • The deadline for regional and pre-competition sign-up is Aug. 29, 2025. 
  • The deadline for the on-site competition (Summit) sign-up is Oct. 1, 2025

Join us at the summit!

Educators interested in reserving their spot for the 2025 Generation Conservation Summit held Nov. 5-6 at the Hot Springs Convention Center are invited to fill out the form below.

Sign up now

Regional Competition Locations

ASU Newport at Jonesboro
5504 Krueger Dr, Jonesboro, AR 72401

North Arkansas College
1515 Pioneer Dr, Harrison, AR 72601

Henderson State University
1100 Henderson St, Arkadelphia, AR 71999

Competition Subjects

The competitions beforehand and on-site will cover a variety of subjects pertaining to the divisions that keep AGFC going, including:

Environmental Coordination

Operations

Education

Communications

Geographic Information Systems

Fiscal

Private Lands Habitat

Research

Recreational Shooting Sports

Fisheries

Wildlife Management

Information Technology

Enforcement

Legal

Contacts

JJ Gladden

Assistant Chief of Education

Phone 501-286-0017
Email JJ.Gladden@agfc.ar.gov
Address
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR

Mary Beth Hatch

Chief of Education

Phone 501-940-3083
Email marybeth.hatch@agfc.ar.gov
Address
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR

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Teacher Leader Council
School of Conservation Leadership
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LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is looking for a new group of teachers to shepherd its latest effort to bring the outdoors into classrooms throughout The Natural State.

The Teacher Leader Council was formed last year to provide a better method of two-way communication between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the many teachers who enjoy delivering some of the ready-made education programs and curriculum developed through the AGFC’s Education Division.

Nathan Windel, a science teacher at Deer High School, was one of nine teachers chosen last year to coordinate with the AGFC’s education leadership team, bringing real-world experiences into the planning stages of future school-based outreach efforts.

“The Teacher Leader Council has been one of the most impactful experiences of my professional career,” Windel said. “Learning from and sharing with my colleagues about conservation education has been inspiring, and the hands-on approach allowed me to experience learning from the student perspective. Arkansas outdoors education is the glue we can use to cement learning.”

As this school year comes to a close, the AGFC is looking for a new group of teachers to take the reins and offer additional perspectives on AGFC programs.

“We are being very intentional about the programs and the experiences that we offer to engage with educators as an agency,” AGFC Education Division Chief Mary Beth Hatch said. “Being a part of the Teacher Leader Council will help educators bring a deeper understanding of conservation back to their classrooms and will help us fine-tune our efforts to overcome common roadblocks the teachers face implementing the lessons we are teaching.”

Full-time educators from public, private, and charter schools working with students from early childhood through grade 12 are eligible to become a part of the council. Nominees must be able to attend virtual meetings as well as in-person meetings.

“We do a lot of hands-on workshops with the council, and collaboration is always best in person; having the drive and time to attend these meetings is essential to the success of the program,” Hatch said. “We want people who are willing to speak up and provide their insight and knowledge so all teachers can benefit from improved outreach efforts.”

Jennifer Jackson, a computer science teacher at Bentonville’s Ruth Barker Middle School, was part of last year’s council and has not only gained more enthusiasm to bring the lessons back to her class, she’s gained a group of colleagues to share ideas and communicate successes and solutions to any roadblocks she’s encountered.

“Being part of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Teacher Leader Council has enriched my teaching and inspired my students,” Jackson said. “It has provided me with professional growth, innovative teaching strategies, and a strong network of like-minded educators. This experience has fostered a passion for environmental stewardship, empowering the next generation to appreciate and protect Arkansas’s natural resources.”

Applications may be submitted through May 2 at www.agfc.com/teacherleadercouncil.

 

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CUTLINES:

STREAMSIDE TABLE
Participants in last year’s Teacher Leader Council received in-depth training on stream ecology to take back and replicate with their students. AGFC photo. 

GROUP DISCUSSION
A major benefit of the Teacher Leader Council is two-way communication to build support for programs and remove obstacles to incorporating their curricula. AGFC photo.

COOKING CLASS
Cleaning and cooking fish and wild game is a component of the outdoor education teachers in the Leadership Council immerse themselves in. AGFC photo.

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Stream Team

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Sept. 26 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Benton Event Center

You’re invited to enjoy a fun-filled day with AGFC and our partners! Celebrate landowner successes, participate in several breakout sessions to explore ways to improve your land for wildlife and check out new and innovative equipment to help you manage your property. The keynote presentation and catfish fry are included in admission.

Register now!

Are you a landowner and want to learn more about the Stream Habitat Program? Learn about the resources available on our Stream Habitat Program page.

Educating and Empowering Arkansans for Aquatic Conservation

More than 90,000 miles of streams lace The Natural State, from the mighty Arkansas River to small creeks you can jump across. These rivers, streams, bayous, creeks and springs provide millions of hours of recreational activity, millions of gallons of drinking water, water for irrigation and industry, and millions of dollars of income to the state and its citizens.

Unfortunately, we’ve hurt the quality of many waterways. We’ve lost thousands of miles of free-flowing, natural streams to damming, industrial and agricultural pollution and other activities. Support your local waterway by sponsoring a Stream Team.

How to Get Involved

The Stream Team program is a resource to help educators and community leaders take initiative in conservation of our local waterways. Those interested can register to sponsor a Stream Team and adopt a waterway of their choice. Sponsors are required to participate in Stream Team training and conduct at least three monitoring sessions each year. This training is eligible as Professional Development hours for educators. In order to support consistent monitoring, sponsors will receive a Stream Team Kit including macroinvertebrate sampling nets, waders, basic water quality monitoring set, reusable mesh waste bags, and other support materials.

Apply Here
Professional Development Calendar

Looking to Dive Deeper?

Stream Team Sponsors looking to enhance or supplement their monitoring tools are also eligible to apply for a Wildlife Education Grant. Grant funds can be used by educators to purchase any additional equipment or supplies to help expand their Stream Team capabilities.

Data Recording & Stream Team Mapper

Stream Team Data Submission

Submit Stream Team monitoring data for Macroinvertebrate Sampling, Water Quality Testing, or other activities.

Stream Team Mapper

This Mapper will provide you basic data visualization tools to look at your data as it was submitted in the survey.

View Map

Need More?

For any additional information regarding Stream Team offerings or data reporting please contact the Stream Team Coordinator.

John Burden

Stream Team Program Coordinator

Phone 501-621-5693
Email John.Burden@agfc.ar.gov
Address
23 Joe Hogan Lane
Lonoke, AR

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Teacher Leader Council

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Conservation
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Applications for the 2025-26 year are closed.

The AGFC Teacher Leader Council is an opportunity for engaging, collaborative and conservation-focused educators to work directly with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Education Division.

Selected educators from around the state of Arkansas will work alongside AGFC Education staff and gain access to exciting learning experiences.

Participation of selected educators in the AGFC Teacher Leader Council will run from July 2025 – June 2026.

Criteria for Nomination

  • The nominee should be a formal educator at any public, private, charter school or early childhood education center. 
  • The nominee must be a full-time educator working with students at any grade or age from early childhood through twelfth grade.
  • The nominee must have a drive for teaching and incorporating conservation education, environmental education, outdoor recreation skills and concepts into their instruction on a regular basis. 
  • The nominee should be able to attend in-person meetings around the state of Arkansas every other month.
  • The nominee must be able to attend virtual meetings. 
  • The nominee should possess strong collaboration skills and willingness to provide insight, knowledge and production on projects designed by AGFC Education leadership staff.
  • Nominees can be nominated by another individual or nominate themselves.
  • Applications are due May 2, 2025. Selected educators will be announced by May 14, 2025.

The Goals of the AGFC Teacher Leader Council

  • To create a collaborative working opportunity for Arkansas Educators and the AGFC’s Education Division to engage in conservation, environmental and outdoor recreation learning opportunities to serve the students of Arkansas.
  • To develop resources that meet the needs of Arkansas educators to assist in teaching conservation education skills and concepts in their classrooms.
  • To update and modify existing curriculum and resources to align with Arkansas standards and expectations for instruction. 
  • To create an opportunity for teacher leaders to mentor novice teachers, to learn from and with AGFC education staff and to provide feedback on concepts to engage students in conservation education.

Raven Harris

Assistant Chief of Education

Phone 501-382-3621
Email Raven.Harris@agfc.ar.gov
Address
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR

Mary Beth Hatch

Chief of Education

Phone 501-940-3083
Email marybeth.hatch@agfc.ar.gov
Address
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR

Search Education

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Youth Shooting Sports (YSS)

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]]> School of Conservation Leadership https://www.agfc.com/education/school-of-conservation-leadership/ Mon, 20 May 2024 18:03:57 +0000 https://www.agfc.com/?page_id=14828 The post School of Conservation Leadership appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

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School of Conservation Leadership

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CATEGORY
Conservation
Educators
Programs

Submit your Letter of Commitment for the School of Conservation Leadership designation by August 15!

Looking For Conservation In Your Curriculum?

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is committed to inspiring a love of the outdoors and conservation in young Arkansans and is working with schools to foster responsible stewardship of natural resources in the next generation. 

Through our School of Conservation Leadership Program, AGFC is working to increase conservation education, outdoor learning and outdoor recreation opportunities for students in Arkansas and to increase awareness of conservation careers and inspire the next generation of conservation professionals. The Commission has created a designation that recognizes the public, private, charter and early childhood schools that are doing this well. If you’d like your school to be a School of Conservation Leadership, please work with your school’s administration to review the requirements below and complete the Letter of Commitment and return to marybeth.hatch@agfc.ar.gov if your school wants to participate.

Are you ready to earn the AGFC School of Conservation Leadership designation?

Fill out your letter of commitment now! Applications due Aug. 15

Increasing participation in all Arkansas Game and Fish Commission programming at the campus level

Increase conservation education, outdoor learning, and outdoor recreation opportunities for students in Arkansas

Bring awareness to the role AGFC plays in the Outreach and Commitment to Arkansans through conservation education

Increase awareness of AGFC careers through the development of the next generation of conservation professionals

Utilize our current foundations in Conservation Education

Recognize schools that are doing this well, create model/mentor schools/programs within the state; create new opportunities and continue current programming offered by Nature Center staff to support education outreach

Application: Phase 1

Fishing in the Natural State

Involvement: At least one classroom/teacher 

Teacher PD: 6 hrs provided by AGFC 

Lessons: 5 must be taught from curriculum 

Derby: 1 must be held by the school 

Conservation Project: Must be completed 

Award: fishing and sampling equipment valued around $1,800

 

Conservation Art Project

2 separate projects 

Involvement: School decision 

1 – AGFC focus 

1 – Recycling/repurpose focus

 

Conservation Education Grant

Proof of application for the AGFC Conservation Education Grant 

Involvement: At least 1 application 

*You do not have to receive, but must apply during the current school year

 

GIS Project

1 project 

Involvement: School decision 

Create a GIS project related to outdoor recreation, conservation, or environmental science 

* See examples below

 

Archery in the Schools (AIS)

Involvement: Archery must be offered to students during the school day by at least 1 teacher/class 

Teacher PD: 6 hrs provided by AGFC

BAI Training Schedule June 1-September 30, 2025

 

Teacher Professional Development

Involvement: At least 1 teacher per grade level has attended a conservation focused PD 

* Artifact included in application as evidence

 

Hunter Ed or Boater Ed

Must offer at least one of the following to students: 

Hunter Education (10 hrs) OR Boater Education (6 hrs) 

Involvement: School decision 

* Can be taught by certified staff or AGFC staff

 

Guest Lectures from Conservation Professionals and Community/Industry Partners

3 experiences on your campus and one must work with at least one community or industry partner on a project related to conservation or outdoor recreation

Involvement: At least 3 different classes or grade levels are involved

*See examples below

 

Stream Team

Team of students and teacher participate in citizen science data collection of water way near school location or community

  • Water quality monitoring 
  • Macroinvertebrate analysis 
  • Habitat improvements and restoration

 

Arkansas Outdoor Education Resource

Utilize the curriculum and participate in outdoor education experiences

  • each grade level will teach 2 lessons per year
  • each grade level will offer an average of 50 hours of outdoor education experiences during the school year

Nature Center or Hatchery Visit

Engage in programming offered by AGFC staff that aligns with other conservation projects 

* Must go beyond a basic tour of the center or hatchery

 

Competitive Shooting Sports Team

AIS or YSS 

  • AIS: offered 10 hours of in class instruction, each team minimum of 5 practices 
  • YSS: all team members have hunter education, participate in minimum of 5 team practices

 

Open enrollment for community members (public event)

Showcase of entire application process and projects involved to share with family and the community 

  • Can include a public fishing derby 
  • Can include involvement in STEM night 
  • Cannot be a fundraiser or fish fry

 

Attend AGFC Generation Conservation Summit

Examples of Conservation Project: 

  • Storm water drainage on campus 
  • Stream bank restoration 
  • Native tree planting 

 

Examples of GIS Project: 

  • Places to fish 
  • Pollinator habitats 
  • Wildlife observation 

 

Examples of Art Project: 

  • Reusing recyclable or non-recyclable materials 
  • Objects creating the AGFC logo 
  • Species in our region

 

Application: Phase 2

  • The application process is the actual application itself
  • Schools will upload their artifacts, evidence and rationale for each section
  • Schools will also upload any relevant artifacts such as photos, video links, news articles, etc. to help support their claim to earn the designation

Application: Phase 3

AGFC Education Leadership Staff will be on-site to view the showcase and complete final evaluations. 

  • 1-2 hours in total 
  • Could be: student presentation, panel, school tour, video showcase, project displays and presentations, or any way that your campus can showcase that you are an AGFC School of Conservation

Learn More About Conservation Education:

Mary Beth Hatch

Chief of Education

Phone 501-940-3083
Email marybeth.hatch@agfc.ar.gov
Address
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR

Raven Harris

Assistant Chief of Education

Phone 501-382-3621
Email Raven.Harris@agfc.ar.gov
Address
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR

Search Education

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Generation Conservation
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School of Conservation Leadership
Youth Shooting Sports (YSS)

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Youth Shooting Sports (YSS)

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Hunters
Youth

About

Youth Shooting Sports aims to bring the joy of the outdoors and the rewards of safely learning to shoot to young Arkansans. Have you ever considered competing in the Olympics or a national shooting championship? This program from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission could be a start.

Youth Shooting Sports has two divisions: junior and senior. The junior division is for grades 5-8 and the senior division is for grades 9-12. Home-schooled students compete in the division they would be in if they were in public school. Home-schooled students 15 or older must compete in the senior division. Trap shooting is the sanctioned sport of Youth Shooting Sports. The season begins February 1.

Any type of shotgun action is allowed, as long as the bore is 12 or 20 gauge. Release triggers and exposed hammers are not allowed. Trap machines that throw targets at unknown angles are used. The state coordinator may specify models of trap machines for Youth Shooting Sports events. All shooters and coaches must wear appropriate eye and ear protection.

2025 Regional and State Tournament Info

All teams must be on the field and ready to compete 45 minutes prior to their scheduled time to compete. No ammunition is allowed on the AGFF shooting sports complex range grounds during YSS tournaments. Anyone caught having any ammunition on their person or vehicle will be grounds for disqualification of the team. Youth Shooting Sports will provide all competitors their needed ammunition once they take the competition line.

2025 State Tournament Dates

  • May 30, 2025 for Juniors
  • May 31, 2025 for Seniors

2025 Tournament Results

Click here to view the 2025 Tournament Results. 

 

2025 Youth Shooting Sports Regional Map

2025 Tournament Dates:

  • April 25, 2025 for Juniors
  • April 26, 2025 for Seniors

2025 Tournament Dates:

  • May 2, 2025 for Juniors
  • May 3, 2025 for Seniors

2025 Tournament Dates:

  • May 9, 2025 for Juniors
  • May 10, 2025 for Seniors

2025 Tournament Dates:

  • May 16, 2025 for Juniors
  • May 17, 2025 for Seniors

Team Terms

Each participant must be on a team. Teams commonly represent schools, 4-H Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, church youth groups and other organizations, although anyone may form a group. Each team must have a coach and must meet these requirements:

  • A team must have at least five members.
  • Teams shoot in squads of five members.
  • A team may field as many squads as it can fill.
  • Participants must take part in at least five team practices.
  • Practices must be held on different days.
  • Regional and state competitions do not count as practice.
  • Each participant must shoot at least 25 targets at each practice.
  • Each team must register with the Youth Shooting Sports state coordinator.

A shoot is a competition between at least two teams. A regional meet is a competition among shooting squads from a geographic area that are trying to qualify for the state championship.

Only registered Youth Shooting Sports participants are allowed to compete and practice. All teams must be registered by March 1. Only coaches may register teams. Click on the link below to register.

Registration is available online. First time users will enter their AGFC Coach ID Number and Last Name. Returning users will enter their Username and Password.

Team Support Packages

A shooting team may apply for an Youth Shooting Sports grant. A team must have at least five members and must practice at least five times. A grant will provide a basic team support package which includes:

  • Targets
  • Ammunition
  • Protective glasses
  • Ear protection

Coach Info and Team Registration

Coaches must be 21 to apply and must be certified by AGFC to participate in the program. Contact the YSS program coordinator to learn more. Program forms including Practice Log, Shotgun Checkout, Tournament Score Sheet, Trap Machine Checkout and Trap Machine Grant Application can be found under the Documents tab.

New Coach Training

Active Coaches

Documents

Please fill out the AGFC Volunteer Application to be a Youth Shooting Sports volunteer.

Contact

Steven Johnson

Youth Shooting Sports Coordinator

Phone 501-425-6315
Email Steven.Johnson@agfc.ar.gov
Address
2800 Graham Road
Jacksonville, AR

Search Education

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Educational Programming

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In the Classroom
CATEGORY
Classes
Educators
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Youth
Visit A Nature Center Near You

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission offers educational programming for people of all ages and skills across the state.

Find and explore your passion for the outdoors at a nature center, local fishing derby, school or more! With dozens of programs specializing in skills such as fishing, archery or birding, there are exciting classes waiting for you to discover.

Bring the Outdoors Into Your Community

Click here to request AGFC support for community events, education outreach in your school and more.

Coordinate an AGFC Visit

Education Programs

Engage your students of any age with standards-based activities and support for conservation education in the field through these programs:

Conservation Scholarships

Learn More

Internship Opportunities

Learn More

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Free Publications

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Free Publications for Kids
CATEGORY
Educators
Families
Youth

The following documents are free downloadable documents in PDF format for your use. If you have a problem printing a document, call 833-356-0834.

My First Certificates

My First Deer | Certificate
My First Deer | Certificate and Photo Placeholder
My First Dove | Certificate
My First Dove | Certificate and Photo Placeholder
My First Duck | Certificate
My First Duck | Certificate and Photo Placeholder
My First Fish | Certificate
My First Fish | Certificate and Photo Placeholder
My First Rabbit | Certificate
My First Rabbit | Certificate and Photo Placeholder
My First Squirrel | Certificate
My First Squirrel | Certificate and Photo Placeholder
My First Turkey | Certificate
My First Turkey | Certificate and Photo Placeholder

Coloring Books

Arkansas Mammals Coloring Book
Arkansas Birds Coloring Book
Arkansas Fish Coloring Book
Mud Bugs All About Arkansas Crayfish Activity Book
Enforcement Coloring Book

Birds and Waterfowl

Arkansas Backyard Birds Pocket Guide
Arkansas Waterfowl Pocket Guide
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Brochure
Northern Bobwhite Quail Brochure

Mammals

Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) Brochure
Bats of Arkansas Booklet (Provided courtesy of and with permission of the ISU Bat Center)

Fish and Reptiles

A Beginner’s Guide to Fishing
Guía para Principiante de Pesca
American Alligator Brochure
Arkansas Sport Fish Pocket Guide
Arkansas Fish Pocket Guide
Arkansas Snake Pocket Guide
Marine Fuel Tax Program Brochure
Arkansas State Fish Record Information and Application Brochure

Misc. Publications

A Celebration of Conservation – 100 AGFC Recipes Cookbook
Native Gardening for Arkansas Pollinators Brochure
Protect Your Investment: A Landowner’s Guide To Riparian Areas Brochure
Dutch Oven Cooking Booklet

AGFC Careers

AGFC Careers Brochure
AGFC Internships Brochure

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Archery in the Schools (AIS)

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About Us

Archery is a great way to sharpen skills, build self-esteem and create a stronger atmosphere for success in the classroom.

The Archery in the Schools Program (AIS) – part of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) – targets students as young as fourth grade and as old as high school seniors. They learn archery skills, as well as an outdoor hobby they may enjoy for the rest of their lives.

Benefits of Archery

Kids of many physical skill levels can enjoy archery. A little concentration and hand-to-eye coordination is all it takes. Not only will students enjoy archery in the classroom, they’ll get the chance to display their skills at a state archery tournament sponsored by the AGFC.

Arkansas students will join thousands of others across the U.S. and Canada who have enjoyed and learned from NASP.

Beginning is Easy

Archery is fun and beneficial in many ways, but it’s also relatively inexpensive and simple. Archery in the Schools requires a Genesis bow with a universal draw length and a wide range of draw weights. It works for just about everyone, right- or left-handed. Young archers love this bow, which comes in a variety of colors.

A National Archery in the Schools Program kit, which costs about $3,000, includes:

  • 12 Genesis Bows
  • 5 Targets
  • 1 Backstop
  • 60 Regulation Aluminum Arrows
  • 1 Repair Kit

Money for Archery in the Schools Program may come from many sources, including Act 799 of 2003, which sends fine money collected from violators of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations to all 75 counties. The money is earmarked for conservation education in schools.

The AGFC may offer grants for archery equipment. Contact the AGFC for more information at 833-345-0325. Conservation groups also may be interested in helping support the Archery in the Schools Program.

Download any of the following forms found on the NASP website.

Order Forms | Public Schools and Government Agencies

  • Public School/Government Order Form
  • Federal Excise Tax (FET) Form
  • Arrow Parts Order Form
  • Bow Parts Order Form
  • Mini, Parts, Scorecard, Paper Face Order Form
  • Target Replacement/3D/Paper Face Order Form
  • Bowcase/Banner/Stringbow/Armguard Order Form
  • Academic Archer Patch/Decal Order Form
  • BAI/Scorecard Order Form

 

Order Forms | Private Schools and Non-Profit Organizations

  • Private School/Non-Profit Order Form
  • Arrow Parts Order Form
  • Bow Parts Order Form
  • Mini, Parts, Scorecard, Paper Face Order Form
  • Target Replacement/3D/Paper Face Order Form
  • Bowcase/Banner/Stringbow/Armguard Order Form
  • Academic Archer Patch/Decal Order Form
  • BAI/Scorecard Order Form

 

Other Forms

  • Federal Excise Tax (FET) | Public Schools/Government Only
  • NASP W-9 | Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification

Grant Applications

The AIS State Qualifier Equipment Grant aims to support schools in hosting AIS State Qualifier Tournaments events. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission provides this grant to help schools become self-sufficient in running state qualifying tournaments, showcasing their facilities and archery programs while generating revenue for their archery programs and student organizations.

The AIS 3D Equipment Grant aims to support schools in hosting AIS tournaments and events. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission provides this grant to help schools become self-sufficient in running state qualifying tournaments, showcasing their facilities and archery programs while generating revenue for their archery programs and student organizations.

For any questions, please contact:

Aimee Swaim

Archery in the Schools Program Coordinator

Phone 501-246-1495
Email aimee.swaim@agfc.ar.gov
Address
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR

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