Youth Day 2005 at Central Jersey Rifle & Pistol Club introduced 112 young people, and over 100 parents to the shooting sports through gun safety. We accepted registrants throughout the day and grouped them in 24 to 28 kids per group. Each group received a 30 to 45 minute briefing and demonstration on proper gun handling and firearm respect. Groups were then divided into four small teams and matched with an instructor to shoot pistol, .22 rifle, high power rifle (M1 and AR 15 types) and finally 20 gauge shotgun.

Once a group had finished with the basic shooting disciplines, they were free to participate in additional events that gave them a further appreciation of the fun of shooting. We had a small Cowboy Action stage where they fired SAA and lever action guns; a Steel Plate Match set up where they fired rapid action on plates, and a Civil War black powder musket stage which rounded out the entire spectrum of shooting sports.

We also had on hand a Civil War reenactment group which demonstrated military history with field medical kits, musket loading and other Civil War basics.

The response from the kids and parents was very gratifying with praise and expressions of appreciation for what we did. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped make a great day possible.

Don Toenshoff

President, Central Jersey Rifle & Pistol Club