For generations, young Americans have learned responsibility, self-discipline, and a love of the outdoors through the NRA’s youth programs and camps. From first-time shooters to advanced competitors, these programs are designed to teach safety first, develop marksmanship skills, and instill lifelong values of leadership and responsibility.
One of the best examples is the Whittington Adventure Camp in New Mexico, which I attended in 2024. It was a life-changing experience. Teenagers receive real, hands-on training with rifles, shotguns, and pistols. I also participated in archery and learned valuable survival and team-building skills. I went in thinking it was about shooting, but I left with so much more; confidence, friendships, and lessons that will last a lifetime. Many campers even return as counselors, which speaks volumes about the profound impact the experience has on its participants.
Another wonderful program supported by the NRA is the Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.). This week-long experience brings together ambitious, bright, and patriotic youth to explore our nation’s capital each summer. Students meet with political leaders, visit historical monuments, and participate in political debates—all designed to inspire the next generation of American leaders. Participants return to their communities with the knowledge and tools to become responsible citizens who actively engage in the democratic process and advocate for the Second Amendment. I am fortunate to share what I learned during this incredible educational experience, including the Eddie Eagle GunSafe program, with my local community.
There are also junior rifle camps and programs where high school students get coached by college athletes or certified instructors. That kind of training pushes you to improve and demonstrates the power of focus and determination. Programs like the Marksmanship Qualification Program and the Youth Hunter Education Challenge also set clear goals, giving young shooters something to strive for. Every badge earned and every challenge overcome builds confidence and pride, reinforcing the idea that real progress comes from consistent effort and hard work.
But it’s not just about what happens on the range. The NRA also invests in leadership. The Youth Education Summit gives high schoolers the chance to spend a week in Washington, D.C., learning about our government and competing for scholarships. And the Youth Ambassador Program, which I’m honored to be part of, teaches young people how to represent the shooting sports and stand proud for what we believe in.
The Friends of the NRA also supports youth programs by donating ammunition and supplies to local organizations, including my home range, Tri-City Gun Club, as well as 4-H, where I am an active member, and FFA across the state. Each year, the FNRA holds a banquet to raise funds through dinner tickets, raffles, and auctions. I volunteer at this event to show my appreciation and to give back to an organization that has given so much to young shooters like me.
The truth is, these camps and programs go way beyond shooting. They teach patience, focus, and accountability. They give young people confidence that can’t be faked, and they connect us to traditions that families have passed down for generations. They’ve even opened doors to scholarships and opportunities I never thought I’d have.
Today, too many kids spend their time behind screens. Programs, like those supported by the NRA, get us back outside, back to learning real skills, and back to taking pride in ourselves. They’ve challenged me to be safer, stronger, and more responsible, and they’ve prepared me to step up as a leader in my community. That’s why I will always stand behind the NRA’s youth programs. It’s not just because they build better shooters, but because they build better people.
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