Last Instruction Session of the summer

[dave951]

We've been working in muzzleloading instruction at two Scout camps this summer. Due to a lack of qualified muzzleloading instructors across youth shooting sports programs, these two camps would NOT have been shooting this summer WITHOUT volunteers. So here's where I hurl the gauntlet, what are you doing to get kids into the shooting sports?

So to what went on yesterday, we start out the sessions with a quick history lesson and a safety brief. Shooting starts out with patch round ball on an easy target to get a baseline on how the kids shoot. We instructors are watching from the first shots to help the kids improve throughout the day. We move to Civil War muskets next and the targets get progressively more challenging till at the end of the day, every one of the kids is capable of hitting a mustard pack offhand at 25yd with an iron sighted Civil War musket and minie balls. I'll say it again, without support from these folks, Schutzen Powder, Lodgewood, S&S, and supporting individuals, this would not happen.

Here's Pathfinder doing his lesson on flintlocks. The kids are always fascinated by these.


A few of the guns being used. Some of these are for the history lesson only but the muskets, oh yeah.


And the popular volley fire finale. Accuracy isn't on the agenda here, just lots and lots of holes, smoke and noise. Kids love it.

Front Rank Ready!


AIM!!



FIRE!!!



And a group shot of the kids with the volley fire target. They had a great time just poking lots of 58cal holes.

 

[doubleh]

Here is a big thumb's up to you and the rest of your group for doing this.

 

[Tommygunn]

Waaaay cool!!! Next time invite me!!!

 

[bassjam]

Those pictures brought back memories of my scouting days. And yes, a big thanks to those volunteers, I was never able to do muzzleloading but my first experience shooting a shotgun at clays was at BSA summer camp. Older scouts were able to teach some of the badges but those involving firearms always needed a volunteer adult.

 

[rust collector]

Our first in-person huntsafe class in 2 years starts in 2 weeks. It will be good to get back in the saddle after 38 years without a break.

 

[DustyGmt]

Awesome!!!

 

[bannockburn]

Kudos to all those involved in making this happen! Can't think of a better way to introduce a younger generation to the shooting sports! It's always cool, and a lot of fun, to enjoy something like that and to be treated like a responsible adult, especially at that age! To me that would sure beat playing any sort of video game out there!