Starting new Jr air rifle group

[alpineboard]

Good news today is, permission granted to start a youth (maybe seniors as well) air rifle group at my local church. Pretty much carte blanche for any /all situations involving target air guns.
I am reading the CMP website, and calling tomorrow.
A very good floor area of 50 foot x 50 foot with high ceilings, with an elevated stage 24 foot x 12 foot depth off one side, possibly to shoot standing into.
Already have 2 full length separate wheeled accordion style walls for barriers, backstop via ballistic cloth, etc.
And what seems to be a very enthusiastic large group of ready to shoot Jrs. 12 to 20 yr olds.

Any and all advice, is much appreciated, although I know I need to read everything available here at this site.
Thank you, R

[m1963]

Perhaps also look into potential affiliation with an American Legion post, so you will not have to reinvent the wheel...

Here is the overview pamphlet-
https://www.legion.org/sites/legion.org ... 0Guide.pdf

Here are other resources..
https://www.legion.org/shooting/resources

[B.p.M]

Rob, That's fantastic! Kudos on starting a program.

[alpineboard]

The opportunity to make this happen still exists, however, am coming up with zero candidates to even look at the equipment.
What seemed to be positive interest was all just talk , no action.
I may set up at the location, for myself, and my son to go to during mid winter close to home place to go , for a change of pace.
And see if it gathers any attention, exposure, hands on, look, see , here it is, happening right now.
Kind of a change of plans, if words can not make it happen in a planned scheduled show up, I will be there situation, just start it on my own , and see what happens.

[alpineboard]

Perhaps also look into potential affiliation with an American Legion post, so you will not have to reinvent the wheel...

Here is the overview pamphlet-
https://www.legion.org/sites/legion.org ... 0Guide.pdf

Here are other resources..
https://www.legion.org/shooting/resources

I do attend the American Legion for republican monthly meetings, and did an equipment demo there at onetime recently, resulting in zero interest for Jrs and/or Srs, even showed them the American Legion rifle program on the website.
Imo, thinking the biggest issue is actually getting a program started, and once it is in some way up and running, then there may be more of an interest for new folks to join. But for my situation, to get it started with words, and I will do all the work to make it happen, is an uphill battle.
Also, imo, believe that folks do not have any idea what the standing or 3p air rifle or smallbore is. So it is very hard to describe it to someone who does not have the ability to understand what it is that you are talking about.
Keep it simple, quick and to the point, in the description, people have a 2 second attention span, when it come to something they are not familiar with.

[alpineboard]

Another opportunity at the same location, the cellar is not being used for anything, there is a completely open section 28 feet wide by 60 feet in length.

[Richard144]

I have been following your thread. It sounds as if you have found a very nice space to work with and I wish you the very best. just be aware of reality (not sour grapes, just experience). Even among established shooters it is hard to get them interested in airguns but airguns have many advantages like limited space required, low noise, and down range safety. Also accept that you will be doing almost all of the work, although you can make it part of your own fun and enjoyment.
Most important; if you don't do it nobody else will. Good luck.
Rick Bassett

[alpineboard]

Hi RB, Thank you, and I completely agree with and understand your points. Long history of Standing of air rifle for myself, dating back to FWB 601 in 1988. And I too once did not shoot air rifle, thinking if I am driving to a range, I am shooting the 22 smallbore.
But air rifle is a whole different life style, enabling range time at your home, and train every evening.

That 28 x 60 cellar is 100 % off limits, found this out yesterday, as the building is sick/contaminated.
I quickly reshuffled the cards and found this gem, just as close, and very new buildings that the owners are very proud to state.
I still need to make initial contact, but one door closes , and another one opens up. All in one day.

gym001 - Copy.jpg (45.29 KiB) Viewed 5544 times

[rgibson]

I have some experience with kids and shooting programs and have learned a few things. PM me if you want some ideas on stirring up interest.
Bob

[Shooter1234]

If only we had more of these programs in Canada...