I think we have to take them one kid at the time. The young man I took to the Southern was not a side x side shooter. He is now.

John is right! The real challenge here is to keep the fire burning! If we get 10-12 shooters next year and I really believe we will, we stand a chance at making this something young folks will want to do. It made me feel really good to see them shooting this year and see the smiles on their faces when a target was broken, and a shaking of the head when one was missed, this can work! we must stay the course! gary

Gary is right and we will keep the fire burning

John is right. I watched his young cousin transform into a double gunner right before my eyes. Only one of the six shooters in the competition had much experience shooting a ScS. I thought about the April time factor as well and it really isn’t a deterrent. We go to karate tournaments all over the country. Hundreds, of school age kids from everywhere show up and frequently they only get 2 minutes or less of competition time. And it’s a WHOLE lot more expensive than going to the Southern. Bottom line is if the kids want to go and the parents see value they go and miss a day or two of school. Go to Disney World any day of the week and see how many kids are playing hookie. Our challenge to make this event more successful boils down to one thing - Effective Marketing.

As a fledgling youth trap coach,I believe exposure is the key. Get them there and let them try it and you will draw some in.
This last week some of our youth worked at the local sporting clays tournament. Guess what they are already talking about trying it.
I plan on shooting some of the side events at the MEC great northern and if I can i will have some youth in tow doing the same.I believe by time we are done working there and doing a little shooting they will be begging for more.
Lee

Thank you guys for arranging this event and for all the sponsors. It is disappointing to see such a small turnout. But, it is a good start to something that i am sure will grow.

I have the latest issue of the NRA's American Hunter that addresses this topic and they have designated May the Mentor Initiative month. They have offered anyone interested help on getting started as a mentor information at a download of a free copy of the NRA's Guide For New Shooters that can be found at nramentorsweepstakes.com

This is all good. If we can get just a few new shooters into the fold, and all the others clubs do to, maybe our sport will survive the PC movement against us. One can only try, but the PC movement has the force of the propaganda machine that controls the airwaves and access to our children's minds in school. It's all up hill for us but I am encouraged to see the NRA asking its' million(s) of members to expose new shooters to the shooting sports.

For years, I have told friends that have a fear of guns that they should come with me to a range and shoot a gun (few do). I use the analogy that you may not like to swim but if you know how the fear of water goes away - the same with guns; if they learn to shoot a little, and understand how a gun functions, the fear will go away too. Learning true facts is always good for both sides of any issue.

Thanks Robin - that's Great news and I like the way you have presented it.





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