Youth Programs

Welcome to our Junior Rifle & Pistol programs, open to all U.S. citizens and legal residents. Membership in the North Olmsted Sportsman’s Club is not required to participate. We invite any young person who is mature enough to follow rules and instructions, and physically capable of safely handling an air rifle, .22 rifle, air pistol, or .22 pistol. Our current participants range in age from 10 to 18 years old. Written parental permission is required, and forms are available below. Parents must be present during shooting sessions. No prior experience with firearms is necessary, as we start with a comprehensive introduction to safe firearm handling, allowing each participant to develop their skills at their own pace.

The NOSC Junior Rifle & Pistol programs are offered free of charge. We provide all necessary equipment, including rifles, pistols, ammunition, shooting mats, and targets. Please note that eye and ear protection is mandatory during live fire on the range. Participants are encouraged to bring their own protective gear and any additional equipment they may have.

The NOSC Junior Rifle program is seasonal, with dates available on the club calendar. This program, affiliated with the NRA, aims to introduce young people to the sport of rifle shooting in a safe environment. We focus on helping our young shooters acquire the physical and mental skills necessary to accurately shoot a .177 caliber air rifle and/or a .22 caliber rifle, while emphasizing safe and responsible firearm handling. All instructors are NRA certified, and our club is affiliated with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). Participants are welcome to bring their own target rifles, provided they are bolt-action, single fire (no semi-automatics), and preferably equipped with aperture (peep) sights. Rimfire rifles must be .22 caliber, and air rifles can be either .177 or .22 caliber.