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 NRA
Day at Salem County Sportsmen’s Club
More than 200 men, women and children of
all ages enjoyed a relaxed and family-friendly outing at the NRA Day at
the Salem County Sportsmen’s Club on August 9. Greeters at the
visitor’s pavilion welcomed and registered the guests, then directed
them to a range safety briefing given by NRA Field Representative Frank
Ingrassia, and NRA-certified instructors from the Sportsmen’s Club.
NRA Day at Salem County Sportsmen’s Club was the first in a pilot
program to test the concept of NRA Day and see if it would spark
interest. Many people have no idea who the NRA is and what it has to
offer. NRA Day was designed to provide positive press and offer the
shooting sports to families that have never had the opportunity to
participate.
Once the briefing was finished, the groups were free to begin making the
rounds of the ranges where they could try trap, skeet, .22 handgun, .22
rifle, black powder rifle and air rifle. The South Jersey Arms
Collectors displayed a collection of firearms of American History, from
Brown Bess to the AR 15. Members also explained the use of firearms in
defending our freedom.
At every range, friendly
NRA-certified instructors were on hand to reinforce the safety rules
while making sure the participants had fun. Among the instructors who
gave up their Saturdays to work with new shooters was NRA Second Vice
President John C. Sigler (pictured at right), who took youngsters
through the fundamentals of shotgun shooting. Also on hand were ANJRPC
President Bob Esch, Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association President
John J. Thompson, NRA Field Representative Steve Miller, NRA Director
and ANJRPC Regional Vice President Robert L. Viden, ANJRPC Regional Vice
President George Shivery and more than 50 volunteers.
Venture Crew 357
Staffs Air Rifle Range
The air rifle range proved to be one of the highlights for the youngest
shooters. Run by Venture Crew 357 from Williamstown, the range was set
up with balloons as targets so the youngsters could have the immediate
satisfaction of seeing them pop when their shots were on the mark.
Venturing is a youth development program of the Boy Scouts of America
for young men and women ages 14 through 20. Its purpose is to help young
people become responsible and caring adults. Venture Crew 357 has
developed a program especially for the shooting sports.
It was evident from the visitors’
faces that everyone was having a good time, in spite of the intermittent
showers. Most were first-time shooters who had come along with friends
and family members who enjoyed the sport. They liked having the chance
to stroll the beautiful grounds at the Salem County Sportsmen’s Club
and shoot in relaxed atmosphere. Many families sent cards and letters
thanking the NRA and the Salem County Sportsmen’s Club for affording
them the opportunity to try a new sport.
Some thought the NRA’s pilot program should be run in a state that is
politically friendly to gun owners. Bob Viden said it should be tried in
a state like New Jersey. The families of South Jersey proved him right.
If the program works here, is should work everywhere.
Complementing NRA Day, an
educational exhibit by the Barnet Bay Friends of NRA at Tuckerton
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