photos courtesy NRA competitive shooting division Level Up!

By Kerrin Brinkman, Writer, NRA Media Relations

Accepting their awards after the matches (left to right): Carl Busse, Beth Lutz, Jacob Howard, Colin Moyer, Wolfgang Zober, Eric Toler

Are you shooting for the top, but feel like you're stuck in demonstration mode? Time to move to the next level with the NRA National Junior Pistol Camp!

As a young competitive pistol shooter, finding the resources to improve your skills and advance through the ranks of competitive shooting can be more challenging than actually competing in a match. Many questions can keep you guessing at how to reach your goals: Where can I find quality training? Are these coaches experienced? Is it too expensive? Will I be able to compare my skills to other shooters?
The NRA National Junior Pistol Camp can answer all of these questions and more, providing young shooters ages 10 to 18 with the opportunity to hone their competitive shooting abilities. During this five-day camp, attendees will focus on NRA Conventional Bullseye Competition, while also learning about International Pistol Programs. Held July 13-17 at historic Camp Perry, Ohio, young shooters will train and compete on the same grounds where world-champion shooters have competed in the National Matches for more than 100 years.

Electronic target systems allow you to review your shots on monitors at individual shooting stations.

"Being at Camp Perry during the National Pistol Matches, you're in a unique atmosphere. You're surrounded by the best shooters in the country, and you get to be part of a historic event," said Head Coach Richard Pearson.

Whether you're just a beginner looking to learn the ropes, or an advanced competitor hoping to refine your skills, the NRA National Junior Pistol Camp provides comprehensive training for shooters of all skill levels. A team of experienced NRA Certified Coaches, including Pearson, Charles Moyer and Don Weber, will guide you through the history of marksmanship, the development of the sport, equipment selection, rules, fundamentals of pistol shooting, position development, mental training and tournament operations. A balance between classroom and live-fire exercises with .22-caliber and air pistols allows camp participants to focus on various aspects of shooting to become a well-rounded competitor.

"You're going to learn how to practice and give yourself an advantage later on," said Pearson. "The coaches are there to analyze each part of your shooting and help you realize your full potential."

The ability to learn while you compete is an important aspect of the NRA National Junior Pistol Camp, helping you to understand how the skills you learn apply to competition. You'll be able to shoot shoulder-to-shoulder with other young shooters at your skill level during practice competitions, as well as during an NRA-sanctioned match on the final day of camp.

"I really enjoyed being able to take what I was taught and use it on the range right away," said former participant James Poole. "My shooting really improved in just a few days and [it] gave me skills to use on my own."

Another great aspect of the NRA National Junior Pistol Camp is the low cost and opportunity for reimbursement. The cost of the camp is just $175 for all of your training, and a limited number of first-time campers can receive reimbursement of up to $500. Thanks to the Ohio Gun Collectors Association's sponsorship, up to $500 in travel expenses is available for reimbursement, or $175 toward camp fees and $325 toward travel expenses. Equipment expenses and anything unrelated to travel are not eligible for reimbursement.

If you're interested in learning more about the NRA National Junior Pistol Camp or you'd like to attend this summer, call the NRA's Education & Training Division at (703) 267-1411. To download the camp application and view other information, such as the equipment list, visit www.nrahq.org/education/training/coaching/jr_shooting_camps.asp (with your parents' permission).

Space is limited, so don't delay!

This could be the summer when you take your shooting skills to the next level at the NRA National Junior Pistol Camp.

Sample Camp Schedule Day 1: • Equipment Check-in • Safety and Camp Procedures • .22 Pistol Camp Match/Air Pistol Match • Air Pistol Match (supported or unsupported)	Day 2-5: • Classroom Exercises • Range Exercises • Introduction to Conventional and International Pistol Matches • Journal Exercises	Day 6: • Classroom Exercises • Timed Range Exercises • Matches • Awards Ceremony