Southern Chester County Youth Shooting League
Post Office Box .22, Kelton, PA 19346, E-mail: SCCYSL22@Hotmail.com

The Southern Chester County Youth Shooting League (SCCYSL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating youths between the ages of 8 and 18 in the safe and responsible use of firearms. The SCCYSL is affiliated with the Pennsylvania Rifle and Pistol Association, The National Rifle Association and the Civilian Marksmanship Program. Shooting and instructional sessions are held on Monday evenings between 6:30 and 8:00 PM indoors at the clubhouse of the Atglen Sportsmen's Club, Inc. in Atglen, PA (except some Federal Holidays). Please select from the choices below for further information.

SCCYSL ANNOUNCEMENTS & LINKS RELATED EXTERNAL LINKS (Leaving SCCYSL Homepage)
The SCCYSL has just received
a grant from the NRA Foundation
to develop an educational
program for the safe and responsible
use of firearms. We thank the NRAF
for their support.

Fund Raiser: Pistol Brass
Membership Information
Facilities & Equipment
Staff
Marksmanship Program
Safety Instruction
Competitions
Shooting Schedule
Sponsors
Directions
How Can I Become Involved?

(last updated 5-6-08)


Number of youngsters trained to date in the
safe and responsible use of firearms: 229
National Rifle Association
Pennsylvania Rifle & Pistol Association
Civilian Marksmanship Program
Atglen Sportsmen's Club, Atglen, PA
Americans for Gun Safety Foundation (a must read for parents)
Pennsylvania Antique Gun Collectors Association
Information About Smallbore Rifle Competition
Quest for Rimfire Accuracy
Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs
Bulls Eye Pistol Shooting Techniques
NCAA Rifle Shooting
List of NCAA College Shooting Programs
NRA Collegiate Shooting Program
New Jersey Smallbore Rifle Shooting
United States Practical Shooting Association
4-H Clubs Shooting Sports Program
NRA Whittington Center for Firearms Instruction
State and Federal Gun Laws
Rimfire Central Forum



MEMBERSHIP

Membership is open to all youngsters between 8 and 18 years of age. The youngster must register with the League by having a legally responsible guardian fill out the SCCYSL Registration Forms. Annual membership dues are $55.00 per year and are due by the end of January of each year or at the time of membership. Family discounts are available. We will turn no child away for inability to pay the annual dues. Membership allows the youngster to participate in all shooting sessions, attend an NRA Firearms Safety course, participate in the NRA Smallbore Rifle Qualification Shooting Program and receive periodic newsletters. The SCCYSL is a fully volunteer organization. Dues monies are used to defray the actual costs of the shooting sessions and to purchase required shooting and safety equipment. A registration form can be obtained by e-mailing your request to: SCCYSL22@hotmail.com or by simply coming to a Monday evening session.


FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

Shooting sessions are carried out on Monday evenings at the indoor shooting range in the Clubhouse of the Atglen Sportsmen's Club in Atglen, PA. This is a heated, air conditioned, illuminated and ventilated facility that supports nine firing stations plus a bench rest for new shooters. There is a fifty foot shooting range with a metal/sand backstop. The shooting area is enclosed and separated from the rest of the clubhouse. Shooting lines and positions are well marked for safety purposes. A parent waiting area, telephones and bathroom facilities are available in the Atglen Clubhouse.

The SCCYSL provides all equipment necessary to make the shooting experience meaningful and safe. Currently, the League has thirty-five .22 caliber rifles in various configurations. These range from true, 12 pound target rifles with sophisticated aperture sights to miniature "Cricket" and Henry rifles for the 8 to 10 year old group. The League has 10 youth sized competition target rifles. These light rifles, imported by EAA, are CM-2 Youth rifles that are made by the same facility that makes the rifles used by the Russian Olympic Rifle Team. They have sophisticated aperture sighting systems, adjustable butt plates, chrome bores, thumb slot stocks and accessory rails. These rifles allow our shooters to experience high grade competition equipment.



Both right handed and left handed rifles are available. Sporter air rifles have been added to the equipment list and several youngsters are involved in the NRA Air Rifle program. Youngsters may bring their own rifles to shoot as long as the rifle can be easily and safely loaded "single shot".

The SCCYSL has recently received a grant from the NRA Foundation/Friends of the NRA to start a high power rifle team. We have purchased five Rock River Arms National Match A2 rifles in .223 caliber. In addition, we are purchasing five Celestron spotting scopes and stands. The five person team is expected to enter its first high power competition this spring.



In addition to firearms, the SCCYSL provides shooting mats, eye and ear protection, targets, all .22 caliber rimfire ammunition, spotting scopes, slings, shooting jackets, kneeling rolls, cleaning equipment and appropriate safety literature.


STAFF

The staff of the SCCYSL forms a two tiered supervisory system. An Executive Council is comprised of a President, Treasurer, Secretary, Program Director and Chief Safety Officer. Included among these officers are range safety officers who have attended appropriate NRA certification courses for rifle instructor and/or USAS/NRA Appointed Shooting Coach school. These executive volunteers are responsible for all business, educational and safety matters of the League. In addition to the Executive Council and NRA certified range officers, a second level of volunteers, comprised mainly of interested parents, aids the range safety officers in the conduct of each shooting session. The ratio of students to supervisors is usually about 4 to 1 on the shooting line. Any adult in good standing is welcomed to join the League as an executive volunteer after passing a State of Pennsylvania background check and attending an appropriate NRA certified instructors or coaches school when required. A Parents Auxiliary group functions to raise funds for the organization.


MARKSMANSHIP PROGRAM

The SSCYSL uses the 4 Position NRA Marksmanship Qualification Shooting Program in Small Bore Rifle as set forth in the International Rule Book as a year-round activity for youth between the ages of 8 and 18 years. Currently, we have only a .22 caliber rim fire program but plan to expand to a .223 caliber high power program as some of our youngsters progress to higher qualification levels. In addition, we have started an air rifle program. Qualification shooting is the ideal way to develop and build shooting proficiency by progressing through each skill level, from Pro-Marksman through Distinguished Expert. During each shooting session, youngsters fire at appropriate targets and score those targets toward achievement of the next skill level. Each skill level requires 10 targets of 5 rounds per target that achieve a specific number of points per target depending upon the skill level. Various skill levels require firing from prone, sitting, kneeling and standing positions. Our Program Director keeps an accurate record of each youngster's designation and issues patches, skill rockers, pins, medals and certificates as the student achieves the next level of proficiency. Each youngster's advancement is individually celebrated during a presentation ceremony to reinforce the youngster's enthusiasm for the shooting sports and stimulates others toward greater achievement.

OUR EXPERT SHOOTERS


CHRIS W. ACHIEVES NRA EXPERT IN SMALL BORE RIFLE



Chris W. is shown receiving his NRA Expert Certificate for completing the 4 Position NRA Marksmanship Qualification Shooting Program in Small Bore Rifle. Dave Bechtold, Program Director, made the presentation on April 14, 2008. Chris also received a $100 US Savings Bond, shoulder patch and Expert rocker in appreciation of his efforts. Chris is our ninth youngster to attain the level of Expert in small bore rifle.
BRIAN W. ATTAINS NRA EXPERT IN SMALL BORE RIFLE



Brian W. is shown above receiving his NRA Expert Certificate and shoulder patch for completing the 4 Position NRA Marksmanship Qualification Shooting Program in Small Bore Rifle. Tom Watters, Small Bore Competition Director, made the presentation on December 17, 2007. Brian also received a $100 US Savings Bond in appreciation of his hard work and dedication to his objective. Way to reach your goal!!!!!!!!

OTHER MEMBERS WHO HAVE ATTAINED NRA EXPERT IN SMALL BORE RIFLE



Kristen McC. (left) was our first member to attain Expert on February 2, 2005. She was followed by Chris T. and Nicole T. both of whom received their certificates and Savings Bonds on February 22, 2006 (center). Teddy S. of Avondale, PA is shown on the right receiving his certificate on September 18, 2006.




Zack K. (left) attain Expert on October 23, 2006. He was followed by Ryan McC. who received his certificate and Savings Bond on December 18, 2006 (center). Clinton C., shown on the right, received his certificate on October 1, 2007.


SAFETY INSTRUCTION

Responsible and safe firearms activity is the prime objective of our shooting program. Safety is constantly at the forefront of our efforts. All youngsters are periodically taught and reminded of the prime rules of firearm handling as promulgated by the National Rifle Association:

"1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. This is the primary rule of gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is pointed so that even if it were to go off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed at all times. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.

2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. When holding a gun, rest your finger on the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.

3. Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s) which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does."


The shooting venues of the SCCYSL are clearly marked with firing lines and safety procedures and a low mentor to student ratio assures that each youngster is acting in a responsible and knowledgeable fashion. Over the course of the first year of membership in the League, each youngster is required to attend an NRA Basic Rifle Instruction Course taught by NRA certified instructors. This course is given to our members at no cost by our volunteer staff. The next scheduled class will be held in October of 2008 at the Clubhouse of the Atglen Sportsmen's Club between noon and 5 PM. Preregistration is required and can be accomplished by emailing your intent to SCCYSL22@hotmail.com.


NRA Rifle Instruction Course, October 28, 2007



Ten youngsters participated in the NRA Basic Rifle Instruction Course given on October 28, 2007 by the SCCYSL. Joe Neuman and John Flynn, both NRA certified Rifle Instructors, presented the course. The students were given a five hour set of lectures on the history of the gun, parts of a rifle, types of actions, types of magazines/clips, ammunition, types of sights, reloading, safety, responsibility and types of shooting activities. The youngsters took the official NRA 50 question test and all passed with flying colors. The set of lectures combined with our Monday evening shooting sessions constitutes the full NRA Basic Rifle Instruction Course. All students will receive NRA certificates of completion when they have mastered all shooting positions. The SCCYSL has graduated 219 students from this course over the last six years.


COMPETITIONS

In order to introduce some variation into our instructional and marksmanship program, weekly "competitions" are held among the youngsters. During one of the shooting cycles, a competition round is shot. Various groups of youngsters are invited to participate. One week it may be all youngsters aged 8 to 10, another week all children aged 10 to 12, etc. All children are given a chance to participate over time. These "competition shoots" have varied from best score out of 10 rounds on a standard target to tacking up empty .22 ammunition boxes and scoring the maximal number of hits. We have also used clay pigeons, empty shotgun shells and balloons as targets. At times, all youngsters are invited to compete with better shooters using the offhand position while those of less ability use sitting, kneeling or prone positions. While the staff fosters strict safety procedures and encourages proper marksmanship, the youngsters enjoy the stimulation of the competition and the variety of using unique "non-standard targets". The winner of the weekly competition receives a shooting medal and is acknowledged in the League Newsletter.

In addition to the weekly competitions, the League holds four formal internal competitions per year. Three of these Quarterly Competitions are held during the last week of February, May and August. The fourth, an Annual Marksmanship Competition, is held in November at the Atglen Clubhouse . This is a true marksmanship competition based upon age groups and shooting proficiency. We annually present twelve trophies (see 2007 trophies below) and award over $800 worth of prizes. All participants of the November Competition must complete the NRA Basic Rifle Instruction course in order to be eligible to enter (see Safety Instruction section for details). In addition to our local competitions, our youngsters participate in postal matches and attend regional competitions under the guidance of our Smallbore Program Director.



ANNUAL LEAGUE COMPETITION, NOVEMBER 11, 2007



Twenty-two youngsters participated in the Annual League Competition. Shooters were classified into one of four divisions by shooting preliminary targets two weeks prior to the competition. All shooters fired eight targets from the prone position and eight targets from the position that they use in the NRA Small Bore Rifle Qualification Program. Top shooters in each division received first place trophies and a choice of gifts from the prize table. Second and third place shooters in each division also received trophies and a choice from the prize table. All other shooters received participation prizes. In all, over $800 worth of prizes were awarded. Shown above are the happy participants. Congratulations to all.


2007 FUN SHOOT ON THE PISTOL RANGE

The Southern Chester County Youth Shooting League holds an Annual Fun Shoot in June of each year. The youngsters assemble at Atglen's Pistol Range to fire at balloons, clay pigeons, knock down targets, shotgun shells strung on strings, candy disks, spinner targets, bowling pins and a variety of other interesting targets. A real fun shoot that the youngsters enjoy thoroughly. In addition, the youngsters are allowed to fire other firearms on the 100 yard range under Instructor supervision and with their parents consent. This year it was AR15s, a model 1888 trapdoor Springfield rifle in .45-70 caliber and a .45 caliber flintlock rifle. They also got to witness a .378 Weatherby Magnum being fired which made quite an impression on them.


SHOOTING SCHEDULE

Shooting sessions at the Atglen Sportsmen's Club take place on Monday evenings between 6:30 and 8:00 PM except specified holidays. Holidays for the 2008 year include May 26 (Memorial Day), September 1st (Labor Day) and December 29th (Christmas break). There will be NO sessions at Atglen on these Monday evenings. All other scheduled Monday meetings will take place unless canceled by inclement weather. In addition, no shooting sessions will be conducted during the month of August.

Check the Table of Contents box at the top of the web page for weather-related cancellations.


SPONSORS

The SCCYSL would like to acknowledge the following sponsors who have donated materials, literature and finances to foster the goals of the League. We urge our members and other members of the shooting community to show their appreciation of these benefactors.

Atglen Sportsmen's Club
Atglen, PA		 National Rifle Association Foundation
Fairfax, VA		 National Rifle Association
Fairfax, VA
PA Rifle & Pistol Association
Boalsburg, PA		 Civilian Marksmanship Program
Port Clinton, OH		 National Shooting Sports Fd.
Newton, CT
Dick's Sporting Goods
Depford, NJ		 Pete's Outdoor Store
Kennett Square, PA		 Bob's Gun Shop
West Grove, PA
TLC Embrodery
Atglen, PA		 The Village Arms
Gap, PA		 Hoppe's
Coatesville, PA
Danby Lumber
Kennett Square, PA		 Target Plus II
Middletown, PA		 Pemmco Storage
Kennett Square, PA
Liberty Safes
Bear, DE		 Litho Grafix
Printing Services
Concordville, PA 19331		 Clark Mechanical Services
2445A Old Philadelphia Pike
Lancaster, PA 17602
Clark Service and Parts
306 Airport Drive
Smoketown, PA 17576		 Clark Associates
2209 Old Philadelphia Pike
Lancaster, PA 17602		 Jackson ImmunoResearch Laboratories, Inc.
Baltimore Pike
West Grove, PA
Commercial Video Taping Services
15th & JFK Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19102		 Targetmaster Indoor Range and Firearms Store
Wilmington/West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA		 .
.
.
Rock River Arms
1042 Cleveland Road
Colona, IL 61241		 .
.
.		 .
.
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DIRECTIONS

Atglen Sportsmen's Club:

The club is in Atglen, PA off of Route 41 about 12 miles north of US Route 1. It is about 5 miles south of Route 30. For you GPS oriented people, the street address is 23 Creek Road, Christiana, PA.

From US Route 1 and points south, take Route 41 North, pass through the red light at Route 10, pass through the red light at Highland Road and make a left at the next red light at Route 372. Go one block to the stop sign and make a left onto Main Street. Go 3/10 of a mile to a small narrow bridge. Just over the bridge, turn right onto Steelville Mill Road (a white sign on your right says "AKA Creek Road"). Go about 3/4 of a mile until you cross a cement bridge and come to a stop sign. Turn left onto Creek Road. Go about 5/10 of a mile until you come to a "Y" in the road. Bear to the right onto Creek Road. Less than 1/4 of a mile up the road you will see a small lane bearing off to the right. This lane is the driveway of the Atglen Sportsmen's Club. Signs are posted. The clubhouse and indoor range are located at the top of the hill.

From Route 30 and points north, take Route 41 South and turn right at the stop light at Route 372. Then follow the above directions to the clubhouse.





FUND RAISER: Pistol Brass

The SCCYSL has on ongoing fund raiser to support our League's activities. We collect once fired brass cases of various pistol calibers. We sort the cases, clean them, polish them and package the cases for redistribution. The cases are ready for decapping, sizing and reloading. They are available in bags of 250 cases for a donation plus actual shipping costs to your ZIP code. The SCCYSL is a nonprofit educational group and all proceeds are used for SCCYSL activities.

Caliber Quantity Donation per bag Quantity in Stock
.380 auto 250/bag $ 5.00 3 bags
9 mm 250/bag $ 6.00 60 bags
.357 SIG 250/bag $ 8.00 4 bags
.38 Special 250/bag $ 6.00 40 bags
.40 S&W
.45 GAP		 250/bag
250/bag		 $ 6.00
$10.00		 60 bags
10 bags

Shipping: We can ship via USPS Flat Rate at $8.90 per box. We can get 2,500 .40 S&W cases per box or 3,000 9 mm cases per box. This is the most economical way to ship. However, we would be happy to ship you one bag of 250 cases for actual shipping costs.

Please contact us at our email address: sccysl22@hotmail.com



HOW CAN I BECOME INVOLVED INDIVIDUALLY OR AS A SPONSOR?

The SCCYSL is a nonprofit organization that is run entirely by volunteers. Conducting approximately 48, two hour shooting sessions per year is a daunting task for the four to six staff members who attend. That is approximately 550 man hours per year that have to be covered. Thus, the SCCYSL is constantly in the need of new volunteers. As a nonprofit organization, our volunteers can claim tax deductions for mileage driven to attend our shooting sessions. The League keeps a record of staff attendance and issues a letter each December attesting to the volunteer's effort. If you have an interest in working in our program, please contact the SCCYSL via e-mail at: sccysl22@hotmail.com.

The SCCYSL is also associated with the United Way. Individuals may be able to direct their United Way contributions directly to the Southern Chester County Youth Shooting League by listing us directly using designee number 12794 if you are donating through the Southeastern Pennsylvania United Way or 8415 if you are donating through the Delaware State United Way. We will not be listed in the United Way booklet but you can direct a donation to us using the Donor Specified Donation form available from your employer.

In addition to volunteers, the SCCYSL needs help with funds and materials to run our programs. Although we received startup funds from the National Rifle Association and just received a grant from the NRA Foundation, these types of funds allow us to institute new programs and improve our current operations. We do not rely upon grants to pay the week-to-week costs of running the League. Thus, we are a self-funding organization for routine league operations. Each week alone, the youngsters fire about 1000 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition at a cost of approximately $50.00 per session. That is approximately $2400 per year for ammunition alone. We calculate that it costs about $200 per year per child to keep the League solvent. Since membership dues are $55 per child per year, each youngster requires the equivalent of an additional $145. Any donations of funds, .22 ammunition, cleaning materials, targets, shooting equipment, mats, spotting scopes, shooting clothing, literature, eye and ear protection, tools for repairing firearms, aperture sights, repair parts, targets, staples, safety literature, postage, appropriate educational DVD's etc. would be greatly appreciated. Again, as we are a IRS certified nonprofit organization, any donations are tax deductible and the League will provide you with a receipt. Commercial firms that donate money or materials will have their names added to the Sponsor section of this web page and will also be recognized in our newsletter. Here is a chance for gun shops, etc. to pass on overstocked items or slowly moving products for a good cause.

Another need of the SCCYSL is to develop mutually beneficial relationships with other youth oriented groups, with safety and community minded groups, and with other shooting sports groups. If you are currently involved in one of these activities and think that both our group and yours could benefit from interaction, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Finally, bring your youngsters to one of our Monday evening sessions. The League requires new members in order to grow and bring the message of safe and responsible firearms handling to the youth of our area.


Messages for members: