Dillon Sportsman Center Hosts Another Great Youth Shoot

It was another great turn out at Dillon Sportsman Center, in Nashport, Ohio for the 8th Annual Buckeye Youth Shoot. This event, open to all youth with a passion for shooting sports, is held each year on the second weekend in September with registration opening in June of the same year.

Thanks to the generous support of the Buckeye Firearms Foundation, a $500.00 grant from Step Outside Ohio and some donations from local businesses, this event offered each participant an opportunity to acquire classroom instruction, earn NRA marksmanship rockers in multiple disciplines including rifle, handgun, both trap and skeet for shotgun and archery as well. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of Aaron Kirkingburg and his staff, the Archery program has become a permanent addition for future events.

Over the weekend, youth were able to work closely with Certified Range Instructors, shooting coaches and Boy Scout merit badge counselors to become safe shooters and more proficient in their skills. Youth also had an opportunity to mingle with the members of BSA Venture Crew 45, which is a shooting sports focused co-ed group for ages 14-21.

As an added bonus, youth shoot participants were once again entertained by the Blackhand Raiders, whose members have a passion for Old West-style gun slingin’ and every year select several youth to participate in their Cowboy Action steel match. For some, the opportunity to “shoot with the cowboys” proves to be the highlight of their weekend and is entertaining to watch!

The purpose of the youth shoot is to meet youth wherever their skill and comfort level are and provide them with the chance to embrace challenges and realize success in those challenges. While for some, the youth shoot may be a simple weekend of relaxation with those who appreciate the freedom to express their Second Amendment Rights, for others, it has the ability to overcome fears, build confidence and provide a stepping stone toward self-reliance.

Whatever their reason, the youth who came for the weekend went home with a story to tell...and a few of them even took home a trophy!

Andrea Jolly is a long time scouter and volunteer for the annual Youth Shoot. Over the years she has provided photography of the event, collaborated on previous articles, and conducted Sunday morning services for the attendees.