Running Successful Camps & Clinics

1. Running Successful Camps & Clinics Michele Makucevich Rhode Island CMP Junior Director

2. Shooting Camps & Clinics The foundation for a life-long love of the sport

3. Why have a camp or clinic? • Education (basic and advanced techniques) • Build enthusiasm • Promotion • Networking

4. What kind of camp? Competitive/Basic? Adults/Juniors/Open? Day/Overnight? Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun?

5. Facilities • Local Clubs • National Guard Bases • Large Gymnasiums • Boy Scout Camps • College Campuses • Community Centers • Local YMCA

6. To Host or Sponsor? • How involved do you want to be? Host = invite a dynamic leader Sponsor = put everything together yourself Combination

7. Affiliations • State Association -adds validity to your program -possible financial assistance -promotion/advertising • National Rifle Association -locate certified coaches -support material • Civilian Marksmanship Program -pairs clinics • Schools and Clubs

8. Liability • Insurance nearly impossible to get as individual • NRA– piggyback with club that has it • Riders and Supplements • Parent Organizations

9. Planning Stage 16 months – 1 year • Secure Facilities • Seek Funding ($) • Coach Inquiries • Advertise • Seek Donations (stuff that would cost $) • Invite Speakers

10. Planning Stage 23 months • Distribute fliers • Send Applications • Secure Coaches

11. Planning Stage 31 month • Catering Deposit • Order Shirts and Awards • Recon Facilities • Make Repairs (target frames, etc)

12. Planning Stage 42 Weeks Plan Curriculum Prepare Packets (shooter goody bags) Final Headcount Collate Binder with Medical Releases, Camp Applications, etc.

13. Planning Stage 5Day Before • Transfer Stuff to Facility • Set Up Range • Confirm Catering • Post Directional Markers (if needed) • Establish a Check-In area and set up • Grab a Cold One (last chance)

14. Key to Success Surround Yourself with Competent People

15. Coach Staff • Certified Coaches • Collegiate Coaches • Club Leaders • US Team Members • Collegiate Athletes • Competitive Shooters • AMU

16. Keeping a Small Ratio of Student to Coach Creates a Quality Experience

17. Staffing • Coaches • Range Personnel -range officers -set up/maintenance crew -gopher • Food Servers -preparation/clean-up • Chaperones -monitor athletes in off time -maintain order in dorms

18. Duty Distribution • Assign specific tasks to INDIVIDUALS • If possible, post a list -peer pressure assures quality control • Assess the strengths of your volunteers -assign tasks to suit that person

19. Expenses • The Big Three • Site/Housing • Food • Coach Travel/Accommodations

20. Newport Juniors volunteer at the Rhode Island Friends of NRA Dinner Name recognition and personal contact leads to increased sponsorship Grant Money

21. Format for Instruction • Work in more than one learning modality (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) • Lecture (with visuals) • Demonstrate • Apply (on line with feedback) • Review/Report/Evaluate

22. Sample Schedule Training Schedule - 2003 Rhode Island Camp Saturday 0800-0930 Athlete arrival and Sign-In 0930-1015 Introduction/Orientation/Portfolio 1015-1030 Position Acquisition Process 1030-1045 Position Design Principles 1045-1200 Prone Position Class and Exercise 1200-1300 Lunch 1300-1400 Shot Plan Class and Exercise 1400-1445 Sighting In Class and Exercise 1445-1545 Shot Calling Class and Exercise 1545-1645 Wind Reading Class and Exercise 1645-1730 40 Shots Prone 1730-1800 Range Clean Up 1800-1900 Dinner 1900-2200 Free Time / Quiet Time 2200- Lights Out Sunday 0700-0800 Breakfast 0800-0830 Range Set Up and Camp Photo (Wear Camp T-Shirt) 0830-0945 Standing Position Class and Exercise 0945-1100 Fundamentals of Firing the Shot Class and Exercise 1100-1200 40 Shots Standing and Shot Plan 1200-1300 Lunch 1300-1330 Physical Training and Nutrition Class 1330-1445 Kneeling Position Class and Exercise 1445-1545 Technique of Firing the Shot Class and Exercise 1545-1600 Range Clean Up 1600-1800 Miniature Golf 1800-1900 Dinner 1900-2100 Free Time / Quiet Time 2200- Lights Out Sherri Gallagher – US Development Team Member

23. Lectures • Limit to 30 minutes at a clip • Supplement with visuals • Involve students with discussion questions • Insist on active note taking • Vary presenters (community professionals)

24. Suggested Topics Fundamentals of each position Shot Plan Sighting and Calling Shots External Conditions Physical Training Pre-competition Nutrition Mental Training Finals Opportunities in the Sport Vision Training Shooting Diary Stress Management Rules Etiquette

25. Individual Feedback

26. PRO Competitive experience Fill out entry cards Deal with time limits Provide award opportunities CON Students ditch new techniques - overemphasizing score Culminating Match

27. Recognition • Everyone wants to feel appreciated -prepare certificates for each volunteer -trophies/plaques appropriate for sponsors -participation certificates for each athlete -follow up with postcards and notes

28. Follow Up1 week – 1 month Thank You Notes/Letters Budget Assessment Feedback Assessment

29. Extras that Mean So Much • Stickers • T-shirts • Camp photos • Non-shooting activity to mingle • Awards

30. From Camp to College • Stephanie Chrostowski, Rensselaer • Paul Charbonneau, West Point • Rich Gauvin, Xavier University • Laura Gavin, University of Mississippi • Brendan Ledsworth, Massachusettes Maritime Academy • Sherri Gallagher, University of Nebraska • Chris Dautel, Murray State Univesity • Kevin Simon, Jackson State University • Mara Polonsky, University of Mississippi 2001 – NRA Collegiate Club National Air Rifle Champion, Stephanie Chrostowski

31. Building the Future of the Sport The longevity of our sport is dependant upon our ability to interest our youth and provide them with the fundamentals that lead to a feeling of success Keep it Safe! Keep it Fun!