MONTICELLO – The Sullivan County Conservation Club held its annual Summer Youth Shooting Sports Program again this year. 

Approximately 30 area kids were able to take part in the program this summer, meeting every Monday evening in July and August to learn important firearm safety rules and have supervised instruction on the club’s range. 

Participants got to experience .22 rifle target shooting, archery, and trap shooting, and more importantly, have learned safety, discipline, respect, and an enjoyment of the shooting sports. 

Instructor Jay Mendels noted that much of the equipment, ammunition, and supplies have come from NRA grants over the years. 

“The NRA is the largest proponent of youth firearm safety and education in the world, and their support with supplies and training makes programs like ours possible,” added Mendels, who - along with the help of a few dedicated club volunteers - has run this program at the Conservation Club for the past 14 years.