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Youth Interests

Youth Interests

The NRA has been actively involved in promoting the shooting sports to youth since 1903. We wish to ensure the future of the shooting sports by providing proper tools and resources to America's young people. There are a wide variety of youth programs including competitions, awards and contests, training and safety courses, scholarships, and more.  Help instill firearm safety and introduce shooting sports to the next generation of gun owners.

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Since 1988

The Eddie Eagle GunSafe® program has taught children what to do if they ever come across a gun saving countless lives

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88% Of Children Have Family Connection To Shooting Sports

According to the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation, 88% of children who participate in shooting sports have family members active in shooting sports too

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142% Increase In Participation

According to the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation, participation in youth shooting sport events has increased by 142% over the past 6 years

Eddie Eagle Treehouse

The Eddie Eagle GunSafe® program teaches children in pre-K through third grade four important steps to take if they find a gun. These steps are presented by the program's mascot, Eddie Eagle, in an easy-to-remember format consisting of the following simple rules: STOP! Don’t touch. Run Away. Tell a Grown-up. At this kid-friendly website, children can watch the Eddie Eagle video, read through storybooks, join in sing-alongs, download coloring sheets and enjoy plenty of other fun activities reinforcing the gun safety message.

Scholarships, Awards & Contests

The NRA is proud to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of members, young shooters, women, law enforcement and clubs with scholarships, awards and contests.

NRA Day

NRA Day events provide community members the opportunity to come together to learn, experience, share, and grow in appreciation of the shooting sports. Participants will be able to learn about the many different activities available in shooting sports and explore them in a safe environment.

NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program

From a young shooter's first BB gun to sophisticated air rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, pistols, and rifles, the NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program offers family fun and enjoyment that can last a lifetime.

Youth Education Summit

Are you an outstanding high school sophomore or junior actively engaged in academics, leadership and community service? Every year the National Rifle Association invites rising juniors and seniors across the United States to apply for the National NRA Youth Education Summit, an expenses-paid weeklong educational experience in Washington, D.C. held in July.

Adventure Camp

The Adventure Camp at the NRA Whittington Center is perhaps America’s best outdoor youth camp for boys and girls aged 13 to 17. The camp is offered in two consecutive, two-week sessions, beginning in mid-June and ending in mid-July. Under direct supervision of our staff and trained volunteers, our campers learn everything from shooting fundamentals to firearm safety, marksmanship, basic wilderness survival skills, and much, much more.

Youth Hunter Education Challenge

NRA's Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) provides a fun environment for kids to improve their hunting marksmanship, and safety skills. Through its simulated hunting situations, live fire exercises, educational and responsibility events, YHEC helps build upon skills learned in basic hunter education courses and encourages safer, lifelong hunting habits. From rifle, bow, and muzzleloader shooting at life-sized targets, to wildlife identification, map and compass orienteering, and more, YHEC participants can get hands-on training in eight skill areas, giving them expertise in all methods of take and all types of game.

National Junior Shooting Camps

National Junior Shooting Camps, conducted at ranges around the country, provide a high quality training opportunity to junior shooters in rifle, pistol and shotgun disciplines. Top-level coaches in the appropriate discipline provide top-quality training for the athletes.

Youth Wildlife Art Contest

The George Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest offers young artists interested in hunting and wildlife an outlet to use their creative talent, practice artistic techniques, and refine wildlife identification skills through the creation of original works.

Home Air Gun Program

The NRA's Home Air Gun Program Introduction brings marksmanship activities directly to the community. This guide is to provide parents, teachers, activity and club leaders with information and guidance on BB and air gun shooting sports. It also guides you on how to select a BB or air gun and how to construct permanent ranges and what portable ranges are available.

NRA Junior Membership

Interested in getting involved? Become a junior family member of the NRA today. Junior members receive a membership card and NRA decal, your choice of NRA Magazine, NRA Family Insights Insider e-Newsletter, access to videos on shooting sports, firearm safety, competitive shooting and hunting and free entry to Annual Show.

NRA Family

Find fun for the whole family! Catch up on the latest Second Amendment news for all ages. NRA Family provides ideas for family adventures and tips for hunters and shooters of all skill levels.

Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program

The Eddie Eagle GunSafe® program teaches children in pre-K through fourth grade four important steps to take if they find a gun. These steps are presented by the program's mascot, Eddie Eagle, in an easy-to-remember format consisting of the following simple rules: STOP! Don’t touch. Leave the Area. Tell an Adult.

NRA Gun Safety Rules

Whether you’re a parent in search of information about firearm safety in the home, a first-time gun owner, or an old pro looking to brush up on your firearm handling skills, the NRA is here to keep you and your family safe. Explore NRA’s fundamental rules of gun safety, as well as information how to safely store a gun and good cleaning practices.

Collegiate Shooting Programs

Nearly 300 colleges and universities in the U.S. offer shooting programs. If you are an experienced competition shooter and are looking for a potential college or university to attend, use the Collegiate Shooting Sports Directory as a resource. If you are already enrolled in college, or plan to attend a university that does not have a competitive program and you would like to start one, use the e-book "Developing A Scholastic Shooting Program."

National Youth Shooting Sports Cooperative Program

NRA has resources, programs and training to assist youth organizations, such as Boy Scout troops, Royal Ranger outposts, American Legion posts, JROTC units, 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, commercial summer camps and U.S. Jaycee chapters. If your organization or club offers gun safety or shooting sports programs, NRA can help!

Request for Eagle Scout Certificate

The Scouting Program has long been one of the major youth activities supported and sponsored by the National Rifle Association of America. One program provided by the National Rifle Association is a recognition of advancement to the rank of Eagle Scout.

NRAExplore is the resource for all programs of the National Rifle Association. Select an interest to browse programs and find information about firearm safety, a variety of events, educational courses and more!

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