The latest session of CMP’s Junior Rifle Club, a youth club focused on introducing the shooting sports (three-position sporter air rifle) to juniors ages 10 and above, began Tuesday, January 30, and will last for 10 weeks.
Each training session will be held at the 80-point electronic target indoor air gun range at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center—located on the grounds of the Camp Perry National Guard Training Base, just west of Port Clinton, Ohio.
“We welcome everyone to come and experience the exciting world of competitive shooting,” Ryan Hinson, CMP’s junior rifle camp coordinator and training center manager said. He is also an instructor for the Junior Club. “Whether you have competed previously or are just a kid who enjoys plinking in your backyard, our Junior Club offers first-class marksmanship instruction. No sign-up necessary, and you only need to pay for the pellets you use.”
Hinson was a NCAA Division I rifle athlete at Morehead State University. Along with CMP program coordinator Alana Kelly, a former member of the University of Mississippi rifle team, he works one-on-one with juniors in the club—tailoring training to everyone’s needs. The Junior Rifle Club is entering its second year after a successful run in 2023, and Kelly and Hinson are eager to present air rifle competition to more young people this year.
“It has been an absolute joy watching juniors fall in love with our sport and improve every single week,” Hinson said. “Come see for yourself the world of competitive shooting and learn the fundamentals of marksmanship in a safe and encouraging environment. We hope you’ll give our sport a try and see why thousands of juniors compete every single year.”
Air rifle is open to a wide range of individuals. With no recoil, air rifles are a perfect introductory firearm to new marksmen and women, a safe activity for those with disabilities and a fun way for older adults to stay active. Dedicated youth athletes are even eligible for college scholarships (with many schools hosting NCAA rifle programs) or trips to international competitions held around the world—including the Olympic Games.
Those involved in the Junior Rifle Club will experience 10 weeks of instruction, covering:
- Firearm safety
- Basics of the sport
- Strategies to compete successfully
- Tips on becoming a well-rounded athlete
- More information on how to take air rifle skills and apply them toward college scholarships, travel or even the Olympics
At the conclusion of the 10-week semester, Junior Rifle Club attendees will participate in a real air rifle competition against other youth athletes from across the country. Participants will also receive a special shirt designed just for Junior Rifle Club members.
All equipment is provided—Junior Rifle Club participants are only responsible for the cost of rifle pellets available at the range.
If you’d like to become involved in the Junior Rifle Club or if you have questions, contact Ryan Hinson at [email protected] or call 419-635-2141 ext. 707.
Learn more at thecmp.org.
