Guns the Right Way: Introducing Kids to Firearm Safety and Shooting (2015)
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Additional Resources, Information and Links
THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION
The following is from the NRA website:
Dismayed by the lack of marksmanship shown by their troops, Union veterans Col. William C. Church and Gen. George Wingate formed the National Rifle Association in 1871. The primary goal of the association would be to “promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis,” according to a magazine editorial written by Church.
After being granted a charter by the state of New York on November 17, 1871, the NRA was founded. Civil War Gen. Ambrose Burnside, who was also the former governor of Rhode Island and a U.S. senator, became the fledgling NRA’s first president.
An important facet of the NRA’s creation was the development of a practice ground. In 1872, with financial help from New York State, a site on Long Island, the Creed Farm, was purchased for the purpose of building a rifle range. Named Creedmoor, the range opened a year later, and it was there that the first annual matches were held.
Political opposition to the promotion of marksmanship in New York forced the NRA to find a new home for its range. In 1892, Creedmoor was deeded back to the state and NRA’s matches moved to Sea Girt, New Jersey.
The NRA’s interest in promoting the shooting sports among America’s youth began in 1903 when NRA Secretary Albert S. Jones urged the establishment of rifle clubs at all major colleges, universities and military academies. By 1906, NRA’s youth program was in full swing with more than 200 boys competing in matches at Sea Girt that summer. Today, youth programs are still a cornerstone of the NRA, with more than one million youth participating in NRA shooting sports events and affiliated programs with groups such as 4-H, the Boy Scouts of America, the American Legion, Royal Rangers, National High School Rodeo Association and others.
Due to the overwhelming growth of NRA’s shooting programs, a new range was needed. Gen. Ammon B. Crichfield, adjutant general of Ohio, had begun construction of a new shooting facility on the shores of Lake Erie, 45 miles east of Toledo, Ohio. Camp Perry became the home of the annual National Matches, which have been the benchmark for excellence in marksmanship ever since. With nearly 6,000 people competing annually in pistol, smallbore and high-power events, the National Matches are one of the biggest sporting events held in the country today.
The NRA is the largest and most extensive organization when it comes to firearms and shooting, and most all other programs have at least an “indirect” link via support, materials and material development, and firearm safety rules/tips developed over 150 years.
The NRA is the sanctioning body for hundreds of competitions every year for people of all ages, and is an organization that I urge you to explore it if you wish to be a responsible gun owner and citizen.
I have been a life member since 1988 and believe, along with millions of others, that the “first civil rights organization, ever” deserves its place atop the shooting and firearm world.
Key programs available through the NRA:
Training department: From the NRA Website: “From beginner to developing competitor, the NRA Training Department develops safe, ethical, responsible shooters through a network of more than 97,000 instructors and range safety officers, more than 5,700 coaches, and more than 1,800 training counselors. NRA Training Counselors recruit and train instructors to teach NRA’s basic firearm courses. NRA Coaches, in turn, develop competitors at the club, high school, collegiate and national levels”
Eddie Eagle Program: The Eddie Eagle Program is a Non-shooting youth education and safety program that teaches pre-K through third grade children that is you find a firearm you should:
1. STOP!
2. DON’T TOUCH!
3. LEAVE THE AREA!
4. TELL A GROWNUP!
Over 26 million children have completed the program.
Various youth-oriented courses, competitions and resources can be found by visiting www.youth.nra.org.
Hundreds of books, pamphlets, courses, manuals, etc. on everything firearm and firearm-related can be found by visiting https://materials.nrahq.org.
THE NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION
www.nssf.org
NSSF’S PROJECT CHILDSAFE
A fantastic and FREE resource for firearm owners, Project ChildSafe is a nationwide program that has been developed and implemented by the National Shooting Sports Foundation that promotes safe firearms handling and storage practices among all firearm owners through the distribution of safety education messages and free firearm Safety Kits.
These kits include a cable-style gun-locking device and a brochure (also available in Spanish) that discusses safe handling and storage. Since 2003, the project has partnered with local law enforcement agencies to distribute more than 36 million safety kits to gun owners in all 50 states and five U.S. territories.
Project ChildSafe’s success is attributable to law enforcement, elected officials, community leaders, state agencies, businesses, the firearms industry and individuals who have worked to help raise awareness about the importance of securely storing firearms in the home.
NSSF’S WWW.WHERETOSHOOT.ORG
One of the most challenging aspects of introducing new shooters to both firearms and the shooting sports is finding a place to do it. The NSSF has compiled the most comprehensive, state-by-state list of places to shoot anywhere. In addition, you can find links to the NSSF’s YouTube channel, where you can find hundreds of videos on everything from how to sight in a rifle to techniques on becoming a better shooter.
NSSF FIRSTSHOTS PROGRAM
If you don’t have a great deal of experience with firearms, or maybe you know a lot about .22 rifles, but, say, nothing about shotguns, you may benefit from taking part in one of NSSF’s “First Shots” programs. From the First Shots website: “First Shots has helped ranges across the country introduce thousands of individuals to shooting and firearm safety. Developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and hosted by independent shooting facilities, the program provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to shooting by qualified range operators and instructors that includes firearm safety, local ownership requirements, shooting fundamentals, hands-on instruction and how and where to continue.”
Visit www.nssf.org/FirstShots to find out more information about these and other new shooter program.
THE SCHOLASTIC SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION
www.sssfonline.org
If your child is of elementary through high school age and wants to learn shotgun or handgun shooting, or maybe they are just curious about something that some of their friends have talked about - shooting guns - then the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation deserves your attention! The Scholastic Clay Target Program and Scholastic Pistol Programs provide a safe, supervised environment to participate in trap shooting, skeet shooting and pistol shooting directly with their peers.
Through a variety of fun, team-based shooting practice and tournaments in both the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Pistol Program (SPP), the SSSF provides student athletes aged elementary through college with a supportive environment where shooting sports serve as catalysts for teaching life lessons and skills that emphasize positive character traits and citizenship values. Throughout all training, practice and competitions, they instill in all participants a commitment to safe firearm handling, teamwork and leadership.
The Scholastic Clay Target Program was originated by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the shooting, hunting and firearms industry, and adheres to their industry standards for safety and education. In 2007, NSSF spun off SCTP and the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc. was formed. As the parent organization, NSSF provides ongoing support of the SSSF mission. Whether youth target shooting, pistol target shooting or skeet and trap shooting, each of the team-based sports are coordinated by full-time national program directors, regional directors of development, volunteer state advisors, coaches and national staff ensuring that all students involved learn and grow safely.
THE UNITED SPORTSMEN’S YOUTH FOUNDATION
www.usyf.org
The United Sportsmen’s Youth Foundation is a 501c(3) non-profit organization created to address a “disconnect” of children from the outdoors and agriculture through the increased urbanization of society. Unlike other agricultural-centered programs, the USYF works extensively with youth from urban and suburban, rather than rural environments. The mission of the USYF is:
· To teach children about conservation.
· To further work to unite sportsmen, agriculture and communities.
· To preserve land for youth education, particularly in areas of rapid development.
· To provide and preserve precious multi-use habitat for children.
· To provide outdoor learning center near schools.
· To teach children personal involvement can positively impact wildlife and habitat.
· To offer all youth an opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the great outdoors thru safe, responsible use.
A large portion of the USYF’s curriculum involves the safe handling and shooting of firearms.
With 15 US-based chapters and five international chapters, this is an organization rapidly making a name for themselves in youth conservation and firearm education.
The USYF also acts as a catalyst for the youth programs of other organizations by assisting with facility acquirement, land use, event planning and youth event marketing.
Each year the United Sportsmen’s Youth Foundation holds several “Youthfest” events across the country where youth and new shooters can experience an “all in one” location try-out of air rifles, .22 rifles, slingshots, archery and shotguns in the same day and absolutely FREE OF CHARGE thanks to their fundraising and the donations of sponsors such as Benelli USA, Truglo, ThermaCell, Limbsaver, Cabela’s, Federal Ammunition, ShockEater, the NRA and numerous others.
From September through April, the USYF also sponsors several “Hunting Encounter” programs that include upland and waterfowl hunts in Illinois, Wisconsin and North Dakota that are free or exceptionally low cost.
CAMP COMPASS ACADEMY
Camp Compass Academy (CCA) is a non-profit, year round, after school program dedicated to enhancing the lives of urban youth. It is a mentoring system developed and driven by educators. Its success is due to the fact that no one understands the needs of children better than teachers. It is CCA’s mission to provide a unified effort to introduce urban, middle and high school students to various outdoor activities. During these sessions students will be introduced and networked to community businesses and working role models. The consequence will be an educated and influenced population understanding conservation, sportsmen’s philosophies and their activities.
A large portion of Camp Compass’s curriculum involves the handling and firing of firearms in both target shooting and hunting situations with safe, adult supervision.
CCA provides students with opportunities not readily available to inner-city children. Students enrolled within CCA are provided with a multitude of resources and services to help them succeed in their daily lives. The educational framework for the CCA is based on a multi-layered system developed by the founder of the program, John Annoni. Students are exposed to each phase of the system throughout their career at CCA, which may span over six years. The system includes five levels: exposure, exploration, extension, effective application and example mentoring. With each level of the program, there are increasing amounts of support and services provided to the students. There are many individualized services provided by the CCA, which include the following: one-on-one tutoring, homework assistance, mentor assistance and encouragement, individual goals, healthy peer relations, self-esteem and test-taking skills. Students are rewarded based on improvements and successes in their academic careers. Students are exposed to outdoor excursions and trips as well as educational meetings designed to reflect the mission of the CCA organization. Voluntary teachers, family members, college interns, peer mentors, community advocates and students participants alike have worked hand-in-hand to help better the lives of the economically disadvantaged children.
Camp Compass Academy is a program which:
· Allows interaction between students and teachers beyond the classroom.
· Integrates adaptive Science, Math, Social Studies and English curriculum.
· Develops character and self esteem through student centered learning.
· Takes a proactive stance towards firearm education..
· Builds bridges between cultures, ages and socioeconomic status.
· Demonstrates conservation practices and environmental respect.
· Promotes a positive connection with the community.
· Offers community job links and student references.
CCA is dedicated to enriching the lives of the youth it serves. Students within the program attend weekly after school tutoring sessions as well as summer and winter break educational opportunities. It is at these locales that students receive tutoring and academic mentoring from trained volunteers and are also exposed to various community presentations and speakers about current events and interests.
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION JAKES “TAKE AIM” PROGRAM
From the NWTF Website:
The NWTF’s JAKES Take Aim program was made possible by a generous donation from Larry and Brenda Potterfield, founders of MidwayUSA. The goal of the JAKES Take Aim program is to present opportunities for youth age 17 and younger to try target shooting, clay target shooting and shotgunning in a safe, fun environment.
This goal will be achieved through two programs.
Airgun Program
Each NWTF state chapter in the lower 48 states will receive a fully equipped airgun trailer to use during local JAKES and youth events. The trailer contains everything needed to set up an indoor or outdoor airgun range.
Shotgun Program
NWTF chapters, in partnership with local shooting ranges and gun clubs, can host sporting clay shooting events. The program will provide clay targets and ammunition for registered and approved events.
Each year NWTF chapters across the United States and Canada host JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) events to help pass on the traditions of responsible hunting, teach the principles of habitat management, hunting ethics and safety. Many JAKES events will incorporate the JAKES Take Aim airgun trailers.
DUCKS UNLIMITED GREENWING PROGRAM
The DU Greenwing program is specifically designed for younger children to learn about waterfowl, conservation and habitat preservation. With thousands of chapters across the country, many local Ducks Unlimited chapters hold special Greenwing educational events, many of which include safe handling and shooting of firearms.
PHEASANTS FOREVER
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s “Forever Shooting Sports” program is the organization’s comprehensive shooting sports program. With the support of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever chapters, as well as corporate partners, the Forever Shooting Sports program is an opportunity for youngsters to be safely introduced into the world of shooting and upland hunting…and a gateway into the world of upland conservation. The organization also offers sponsorship of youth shooting sports teams, endowment and sponsorship opportunities, and grants to offset the cost of ammunition, one of the highest costs in participation in the shooting sports.
www.pheasantsforever.org/Youth/Forever-Shooting-Sports
YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES/CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT
Each state has its own department of natural resources (sometimes referred to as the state conservation department) that has responsibility and authority for a multitude of different areas and divisions.
The state DNR is usually the main authority over a state’s waterways, second only to the Coast Guard. They typically also acquire, develop maintain, protect and enforce state and, to an extent, federal laws on all state-owned, federal-owned, and even private land. The department of natural resources is also responsible for determining season lengths, bag limits and general hunting rules for the state.
Each department tends to have different divisions with multiple responsibilities that can become complex when trying to explain. In its most simple form, the state DNR is what protects, preserves, maintains and is the main enforcement body for laws regarding the lands of each state in this country. They also are responsible for the oversight and, quite often, the implementation of the hunter safety program in their respective states.
The easiest way to find your respective department of natural resources is to type “(your state) department of natural resources” into the search engine of your choice online.
OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION AND LINKS
www.americanfirearms.org/manufacturers/ -Excellent resource list of firearm manufacturers that sell firearms in the United States
www.shootata.com - The Amateur Trapshooting Association serves as the governing body for the sport of American style trapshooting
State government websites: http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/State-and-Territories.shtml
POPULAR OUTDOOR AND SPORTING GOODS RETAILERS THAT SELL FIREARMS AND ACCESSORIES
Bass Pro Shops |
www.Basspro.com |
Cabela’s |
www.Cabelas.com |
Gander Mountain |
www.GanderMountain.com |
Academy Sports and Outdoors |
www.academy.com |
Dicks Sporting Goods |
www.dickssportinggoods.com |
Dunham’s Sports |
www.dunhamssports.com |
WalMart |
www.WalMart.com |
Scheels |
www.Scheels.com |
Sportsman’s Warehouse |
www.Sportsmanswarehouse.com |
RECOMMENDED AND POPULAR HUNTING AND SHOOTING PERIODICALS
Gun Digest |
www.gundigest.com |
Outdoor Life Magazine |
www.outdoorlife.com |
Field and Stream |
www.field andstream.com |
Outdoor News |
www.outdoornews.com |
Petersens Hunting |
www.petersenshunting.com |
Wildfowl |
www.wildfowl.com |
Guns and Ammo |
www.gunsandammo.com |
POPULAR FIREARM AUCTION AND INFORMATION WEBSITES
www.gundigest.com
www.Guns.com
www.Gunbroker.com
www.Ammoland.com
www.Cheaperthandirt.com
www.MidwayUSA.com
www.GunsAmerica.com
www.armslist.com
www.gunauction.com
www.gunsinternational.com