Taking aim:
Youth take advantage of Clay Target Center

By Tina Ray
Paraglide

	Photo by Tina Ray/Paraglide Jacob Greiner, 12, target shoots outside Clay Target Center June 18 as Frank McFall observes. Greiner was taking part in the Experience, Develop, Grow and Excel program’s weekly trip to the center, which took place each Friday in June. “I like every thing about this place,“ Greiner said during the event. McFall serves as lead recreation assistant at the center.

Matt Murphy is the son of a Soldier who is serving down range, so the opportunity to spend time with his father does not always avail itself.

The 13-year old, instead, often relies on his mother, Sandy Murphy, to engage him in activities he would otherwise share with his dad.

As such, mother and son found themselves at Clay Target Center, June 18. Matt participated in the Experience, Develop, Grow and Excel Program’s skeet and trap shooting activity held each Friday in June at the center.

“(Frequenting the center) gives (children) exposure that mom’s don’t often have the opportunity to give them,” said Sandy.
Matt seemed to appreciate being able to take part in the program, offered free to children in grades 5 to 12.

“I think this is a great program. It’s just really cool to come out hereand do this for free,” he said.

But, before anyone aims at a target, Frank McFall, lead recreation assistant, gave
Murphy and seven other children a safety briefing.

McFall told the children about trigger safety and instructed them to always wear safety goggles and earplugs.

Though children’s skills may vary, exposure to the range seems important.

“They learn a little bit about shotguns and hand-eye coordination,” McFall said. “Some of them shoot pretty good and some of them don’t,” he said.

Jacob Greiner, 12, thought he fared better on a previous trip to Clay Target Center than he did June 18.

“This time, I did pretty terrible, but last week I got 29 out of 35,” he said.

His mates disagreed and told him he was shooting well.

Greiner remained undeterred by his poor performance.

“I like every thing about this place. It’s fun shooting,” he said. “The teachers are real nice and they give you pointers and stuff.”

For pointers, McFall told Greiner how to aim for the target, how to follow up a shot and how to hold a gun.

Visiting the center is an experience that seems to appeal to the children.

“This is my first time and I don’t really know what to do, but I will come back because it’s fun,” said 11-year-old Jeremy Abacan, as he inserted earplugs to shoot a second round of targets.
In a Web review of the Clay Target Center, one poster who traveled from South Carolina to visit the center wrote, “Excellent facility and great targets. The staff are very helpful and friendly and the grounds are well kept. Great place for large shoots or a day of shooting. The Army really has a gem in this facility.”

Another reviewer from Bunnlevel, N.C. wrote, “It’s a really wonderful way to spend an afternoon with your kids. Thanks for all you do. Only one bad thing, I just don’t get there enough.”
The center also offers free instruction for members, which is $10 per session for non-members.

This includes 25 targets Gun rental & instruction.

For more information about Clay Target Center, visit the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation website at www.fortbraggmwr.com/claytargets.php or call 436-9489.

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