CAMP PERRY, Ohio – Dedicated to marksmanship training, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) created a group at Camp Perry designed to introduce young people to the sport of the air rifle: the Junior Rifle Club.
Focused on fundamentals and competition preparation, the club began in September 2022 eventually reaching a total of 12 youth who attended weekly sessions inside the Gary Anderson CMP Competency Center airgun range. Now the CMP is ready to welcome new athletes to the club in 2023, hoping to introduce more people to the fun of marksmanship.
“Last year was great and we loved getting to know everyone who came and tried the sport!” said Ryan Hinson, CMP summer camp coordinator who helps facilitate the Junior Rifle Club. “While not everyone stuck around and made it to a competition, we like to think the youth enjoyed their time trying something new and different.”
Each training session is led by former NCAA Division I rifle athletes, including Hinson, who was an athlete at Morehead State University, along with CMP Program Coordinator Alana Kelly, who was previously a member of the rifle team. the University of Mississippi. Those involved in the Junior Rifle Club will learn firearm safety and the basics of the sport, strategies for competing successfully, and tips for becoming a well-rounded athlete.
There is no initial cost to join, with equipment provided by the CMP in the introductory weeks.
The current group is now working on positioning, preparing for a real matchup when the CMP competition season kicks off in February. Team practices have also started on Tuesday nights, allowing members to work on the same fundamentals at the same time, learn from each other, and enjoy each other’s company.
“In 2023, we hope to continue to present the sport as a unique, fun and safe way to compete with your friends,” he continued. “If they decide to stick with it and choose this as their sport, that’s the icing on the cake!”
The Junior Rifle Club at Camp Perry is held every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 5 to 8 pm at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center’s 80-point indoor electronic shooting range. Designed for ages eight and up, the club’s purpose is to introduce shooting sports (specifically the three-position air rifle) to local youth, with an emphasis on safety and education.
If you would like to become involved with the Junior Rifle Club or have any questions, please contact CMP’s Ryan Hinson at [email protected] or 419-635-2141 ext. 751. Or you can simply stop by the range during public open hours, which are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-8 pm, to learn more.
Additional open aim times. The Gary Anderson CMP Competence Center is also open by appointment only, Monday through Thursday (9 am to 3 pm). The CMP Competition Center is also available for local groups to hold meetings or conferences. For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call Catherine at (419) 635-2141, ext. 704.
Outside the shooting range gates, the facility features authentic Olympic and other memorabilia from the career of America’s celebrated shooter, Gary Anderson, and includes a retail center for equipment and memorabilia needs. Learn more about CMP’s Airgun Competition Centers at https://thecmp.org/ranges/cmp-competition-centers/.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearms safety and marksmanship training and the promotion of marksmanship competition for United States citizens. To learn more about the CMP and its programs, log on to www.TheCMP.org.