CMP Offers Junior Air Rifle Training to Youth, Taught By Former NCAA Athletes

January 25, 2024

Civilian Marksmanship Program▸The First Shot▸CMP Offers Junior Air Rifle Training to Youth, Taught By Former NCAA Athletes

By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is set to host the next session of its Junior Rifle Club, a youth club focused on introducing the shooting sports (three-position sporter air rifle) to local juniors. The session will begin Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. and is intended for ages 10 and above.

Each training will be held within the 80-point electronic target indoor air gun range at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center – located on the grounds of the Camp Perry National Guard Training Base, just west of Port Clinton.

“We welcome everyone to come and experience the exciting world of competition shooting!” said Ryan Hinson, CMP’s junior rifle camp coordinator and training center manager as well as instructor for the Junior Club. “Whether you have competed previously or are just a kid who enjoys plinking in your backyard, our Junior Club offers first-class marksmanship instruction. No sign-up necessary, and you only need to pay for the pellets you use!”

Before arriving at the CMP, Hinson was a NCAA Division I rifle athlete at Morehead State University. He and CMP program coordinator Alana Kelly, a former member of the University of Mississippi rifle team, work one-on-one with juniors in the club – tailoring training to each individual’s needs. The Junior Club is entering its second full year after a successful run in 2023, and Kelly and Hinson are eager to present air rifle to even more area youth in 2024.

“It has been an absolute joy watching juniors fall in love with our sport and improve every single week,” he said. “Come see for yourself the world of competitive shooting and learn the fundamentals of marksmanship in a safe and encouraging environment. We hope you’ll give our sport a try and see why thousands of juniors compete every single year.”

Air rifle is open to a wide range of individuals. With no recoil, air rifles are a perfect introductory firearm to new marksmen and women, a safe activity for those with disabilities and a fun way for older adults to stay active. Dedicated youth athletes are even eligible for college scholarships (with many schools hosting NCAA rifle programs) or trips to international competitions held around the world – including the Olympic Games.

Don’t own an air rifle? No problem. The CMP will provide all equipment, with participants only responsible for the cost of rifle pellets available at the range.

If you’d like to become involved in the Junior Rifle Club or if you have questions, contact Ryan Hinson at rhinson@thecmp.org or call 419-635-2141 ext. 707. Newcomers may also arrive at the start of the open public range session held on Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 5 p.m. at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center, for a more in-depth meeting with current club members.

Additional Open Marksmanship Times. For all ages and experience levels, the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center is open by appointment only Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., along with open periods every Tuesday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. (no appointment necessary). The CMP Competition Center is also available for local groups to hold meetings or conferences.

While at the range, be sure to check out CMP’s Laser Shot simulators – another safe, fun and easy avenue to get started in marksmanship!

For questions or to make an appointment at the Camp Perry location, please call Catherine Green at (419) 635-2141, ext. 704.

Outside of the range, guests to the facility may also browse the filled displays of authentic Olympic and other memorabilia from the career of celebrated American marksman, Gary Anderson, or shop the retail center for equipment and memorabilia needs. Learn more about the CMP’s air gun competition centers at https://thecmp.org/ranges/cmp-competition-centers/.