Getting Down to Business: In fitting with the theme of the Leadership Conference of improving the delivery of junior programs, CMP Director Gary Anderson outlines new opportunities for juniors in the CMP National Matches.

Building on Youth

In October, the CMP hosted the National Youth Shooting Sports Leadership Conference at Camp Perry. With a theme of "improving the delivery of junior shooting programs," the event was organized in cooperation with USA Shooting and the NRA. It attracted 100 CMP State Junior Directors, coaches and junior leaders from across the country.

Judy Legerski, Vice Chair of the CMP Board of Directors, opened the conference. It was her words at the end, however, that best described this gathering of mostly volunteer supporters of junior marksmanship. "This is the single most important activity we've undertaken this year. We leave here energized to make things happen."

CMP Director Gary Anderson emphasized "the development of leaders" as a key to the weekend's sessions. "To make junior shooting happen, you can't do it without leaders. If there is a common denominator to successful programs, that common denominator is the leader."

The conference also reflected a gradual shift in philosophy that has occurred over the past few years. As stated by H.Q. Moody, who oversees the NRA's coach program, "Prior to 1994, basically what we did was sit behind a desk and we shipped out materials to the field to coach schools. We don't do that anymore. We're actually involved in the programs. We're out in the field."

Saturday afternoon was particularly popular with conference participants as the CMP staged a Springfield and Garand Match. The CMP even furnished the M1903 Springfield or M1 Garand "as-issued" rifles and 40 rounds of ammunition for each person who fired the match. Furthermore, several CMP staff members fired the match (although it was mutually agreed that The First Shot wouldn't publish the results).

Sunday evening of the conference included a visit to Gary and Ruth Ann Anderson's house, which is stocked with shooting memorabilia. For Sophie McDonald, 13, who attended the conference with her parents and her coach, it was a particularly memorable evening. Sophie, who started shooting 4 years ago and dreams of competing in the Olympics, looks up to "my dad and Gary Anderson," and took a lot of pictures.

Conference participants also received a CD ROM copy of the CMP's "A Course of Basic Instruction on Rifle Safety and Marksmanship," a 12 to 15 week training curriculum being developed for junior programs (click here for more details).

Judy Legerski, Vice Chair of the CMP Board, opens the conference.

Conference attendees included (l. to r.) Les Wood, USMC Training and Education Command; Teresa Casey, Navy Education and Training Command; BG Richard Capps, CMP consultant and Capt. Brian Bulger, Canadian Cadet Corps.

H.Q. Moody, NRA, manages the National Coach Development Program

A Sunday evening visit to Gary Anderson's house, and a tour of some interesting shooting memorabilia
(click here for more).

Everyone who attended the 2002 National Youth Shooting Sports Leadership Conference had an opportunity to fire in a special Garand Match that was held on Saturday afternoon. The photos below show some of the conference attendees while they were firing this match.

Mickey Brondum, LA State Junior Director, and Owen Peters, VSRA State Junior Director

Major Rick Fredieu, Bogalusa, Louisiana made a a conference presentation on their very successful high school rifle team progrm.

Several CMP staff members also were able to fire in the Garand Match, including Communications Production Coordinator Christine Elder (l.) and Sheri Judd, the Administrative Assistant to the DCM. Dick Whiting, WV State Director is coaching Ms. Elder. Judy Legerski, Vice Chair of the CMP Board (shown in second photo from top) also competed in the Garand Match.