More than 175 Boy Scouts and 85 leaders and parents from 15 troops across New Jersey exemplified the Scout motto “Be Prepared” on April 5th at the Cherry Ridge Range. They came prepared for the cold and rainy weather, they came prepared to make the most of the opportunity to learn safe firearms handling, and they came prepared to have FUN!

Once again the Association and its hardy volunteers delivered on their promise of a great day at the range. They extended a warm welcome to our guests, helping to make up for the cold rain, fog and ice-coated trees. Everyone was treated to morning refreshments; then Special Events Co-Chair Mike Bodner kicked off the day’s activities with the pledge of allegiance and a brief introduction. He told the crowd how happy he was to see such a responsible group of young people eager to carry on an American tradition.

Even though they could hardly wait to get out to the range, the Scouts listened intently to the briefing on safe firearms handling and observation of the range rules. Once they got to the range, it was obvious that they had taken the safety instructions to heart.

The cold and wet did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of our young shooters! Under the guidance of our experienced instructors, they were soon developing the skills needed for breaking clay birds and hitting bullseyes. In between shooting activities, our guests were entertained by our reenactors dressed in authentic clothing and accompanied by firearms displays from each era. Peter Hefferan was our 1840’s Mountain Man; Dave Johnson and Joe Accordino were our 1940s soldier and marine. Because of our re-enactors’ knowledge and passion for our heritage, the Scouts were able to understand the important role firearms have played in our history. THANK YOU, gentlemen, for encouraging the Scouts to continue the shooting sports tradition and to cherish the right of firearms ownership.

Thanks to Andy Massimilian for passing on that “extra” bit of shotgun shooting knowledge with his live demonstration. All of the Scouts had a great time and conducted themselves with great maturity. We were proud to have them as our guests.

After two rotations of shooting, it was time for lunch. The cold rain meant that the hot-dogs-and-heroes picnic had to be moved into clubhouse, where it was warm and dry. Our volunteers rose to the challenge of getting 300 people fed in a limited space. The Scouts helped, too, by making room for others and cleaning up after they had finished. Thanks to the “clubhouse crew” for setting up, cleaning up and serving everyone in record time:

And thanks to Scout leaders Jack Quigley and Joseph Skillfinder of Troop 516-Jersey City for jumping in and showing us how to handle a crowd of hungry Scouts—obviously they knew what they were talking about!

After lunch, there was one more chance to shoot. Then it was back to the clubhouse for one of the day’s most exciting highlights. Through the generous donation of Daisy Outdoor Products and Susan Gardner, Daisy’s Public Relations Manager, TWO Scout troops would get to go home with a Daisy Red Rider BB Gun for their troop to use. Cheers went up as the two troops were chosen: Scout Leader Bob Hickey and the 20 Scouts in Troop 20 from Bayonne; and Scout Leader Glenn Ryan and the 35 Scouts in Troop 22 from Bloomfield. Mike Bodner presented the Daisy Red Riders to the lucky winners.

But no one went home empty handed. Every Scout received a handsome patch with a rifleman in profile and the words “Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs: Good Kids and Safe Shooting.” Those words just about summed up the day. We were privileged to host such a great group of youngsters and to pass the love of shooting on to them. They represent the future of our great sport and the continuance of our precious tradition of freedom.

The Association would especially like to thank Jim Bresett and John Paterson for helping me set up the clubhouse and carry supplies on Friday night and Chris Petersen, one of our biathlon champions, for taking the time out to help Friday night and Saturday also!

Our instructors, once again, made us proud! They taught all day in the rain and cold without complaint to share the ANJRPC message of safe shooting for our Scouts. THANKS for always “being prepared!”

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