Message for Parents

Thank you for looking into Project Appleseed, a quality marksmanship program appropriate for students of all skill levels. We teach new shooters to be good and existing shooters to be better. Responsible youth are absolutely welcome on our lines.

We have an impeccable safety record and are very family friendly. Our goal for your children is to provide an environment of exceptional safety and quality marksmanship instruction. We offer a number of different clinics. The most common class for youth is our 25m Rifle clinic – best known as an “Appleseed.” During these classes, we teach proper firearms handling and safety, shooting in 3 positions, and putting rounds on target with accuracy. In addition, our program is more than just another day at the range. We are “Marksmanship with a Message™”. During every event, we share stories about the earliest days of the American Revolution and the events of April 19, 1775.

As a parent (or legal guardian), you’re probably asking if your youth is ready to attend. We do not have a minimum age for attendance, as we believe that parents know their children best. However, things we suggest you consider:

1. Parents or legal guardians must accompany their minor children. (There are special provisions for groups like Scouts, Trail Life, AHG, 4H, etc.) It isn’t necessary that the parent be a student at the event, but we encourage it. Either way, it’s fun to cheer on your child! If you do attend as a student, be assured that the Shoot Boss and Instructors will ensure your child gets sufficient help and supervision.
2. Is your child mature enough to safely handle a rifle? For most children, maturity follows age. Our experience has shown that a good beginning age might be around 10 years old. That’s not an absolute (unless it’s a range rule). Remember, these are real rifles, and not BB guns – maturity is an important part of Firearm Safety! We want all our students to have a great time at the range, but only if they are safe.
3. Can your child handle the size/weight of a rifle? Depending on the range, we can adapt using a bag or other rest to shoot from. But a rifle that doesn’t fit or is too heavy can dampen the spirit. Sometimes waiting a bit for your child to grow into a youth rifle is time well spent and can certainly make learning the course of fire easier.
4. Can your child follow directions? This is incredibly important as it applies directly to safety. Some directions on the range are shouted loud and proud – “Cease Fire!” being the most heard. Our line commands are clear, simple, and MUST be followed. Inability to follow directions will result in a short day on the range.

Project Appleseed events are safe and fun! Our Shoot Bosses and Instructors are second-to-none, and all of them know how to work with children on the line. If your child is mature enough to be safe with a rifle, able to handle the rifle, and can follow directions – you’re going to have a great time at your event! Thank you for taking the time to read this. We hope to see you and your family at an Appleseed event soon.

In Liberty,

Jim Delahanty

Master Instructor, Texas