The USAMU Jr. Shooting Camp, supported with the administrative assistance of MGM Targets (www.mgmtargets.com), held at the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit's Action Shooting Range at Fort Benning, GA was again an incredible success. The junior shooters were trained for three days by some of the highest ranked shooters in the world, and all came away better for it. Beyond the emphasis on shooting, gun handling, moving, etc., the USAMU team always seems to emphasize the finest in personal traits and integrity in the young people, which delighted the parents. Grand Master shooter Phil Strader was on hand to give the parents some great shooting pointers with a lecture for the juniors later Saturday evening.

The parents were able to benefit from a tour of Fort Benning and the National Infantry museum while Phil shared his tips and pointers with their children. All appreciated the fact that much of what Phil addressed covered personal responsibility, accountability, integrity, goal setting, continuing education and other life skills that will help them all become more responsible citizens, and productive contributors to society, regardless of their chosen future profession.

The camp is open to all junior pistol shooters who have competed in an action pistol sport and have safe gun handling skills. While the camp focuses on USPSA style shooting, shooters with experience in IDPA, Steel Challenge or Cowboy Action are eligible to attend.

The camp had MANY generous sponsors who donated cash primarily used for scholarships for the campers. Others gave with their time and labor while still others were able to award prizes to the campers that were given out by random drawings. This year 59 kids from 25 states attended. Mike Gibson, President of MGM Targets, stated, "This is always such a fun event for us, the parents and obviously the kids. We hope this event recruits more and more of our young people into the shooting sports while at the same time teaching them good techniques and safe shooting practices."

The camp website is www.juniorshootercamp.org and will be updated with pictures and other information as soon as the Camp administrator, Rhonda Gibson, returns home. If you have a Junior Shooter who might want to attend next year's camp be sure to sign up early. The 2011 camp is tentatively scheduled for October again.