Retired Oxford Central School archery instructor, teacher honored by the National Archery in the Schools Program and NJDEP Fish & Wildlife

OXFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ (Warren County) – One of New Jersey’s first National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) instructors was honored last week for his 18 years of service to both the NASP and NJDEP Fish & Wildlife.

Robert Causton, better known as Mr. C, a newly retired physical education teacher from Oxford Central School, was first certified in NASP through NJDEP Fish & Wildlife in 2006 to teach target archery to his students.

Mr. C’s middle school archery team has won 1st place at the annual NJ NASP State Bullseye Tournament for almost all his 18 years of participation in the program, and the team has participated at the NASP National Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky a majority of those years.

He has also coached archers who received national titles for their division: Elementary School Division 1st place female (2007), Middle School Division 3rd place female (2007), Middle School Division 1st place female (2008), Middle School Division 3rd place female (2012).

For 18 years, Mr. C has been fundamental in introducing target archery to over 1,000 students, benefitting conservation efforts in New Jersey and making an impact in the lives of others through the shooting sports. He has continuously supported NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s NASP efforts, offering the use of the school gymnasium for trainings and tournaments. He was also certified as a Basic Archery Instructor Trainer Specialist (BAITS), allowing him to train new instructors and assist NJDEP Fish & Wildlife in implementing NASP at new schools.

The National Archery in the Schools Program brings the sport of international-style target archery to students in 4th – 12th grade. Teachers obtain free Basic Archery Instructor training and certification through NJDEP Fish & Wildlife to be eligible to teach NASP to their students.

Archery is a lifelong sport that engages students of all genders, physical abilities and backgrounds, even aiding participation in students with disabilities, and puts traditional athletes and non-athletes on a level playing field. Archery’s safety record is better than that of any ball sport taught in schools except table tennis, and each year in New Jersey, approximately 20,000 students participate in NASP.

If you are interested in starting a NASP program at your school, contact Craig Decker, the NJ NASP State Coordinator, at Craig.Decker@dep.nj.gov.