Author: SSSF Staff

OFFICIAL PARTNERS – SSSF has officially partnered with the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF’s) First Shots program. Through this partnership teams can now start utilizing the program as part of their outreach efforts.

About – First Shots is a turnkey introductory/refresher program offered by hosts throughout the country. These events are designed to kickstart a participants’ journey into the shooting sports. By providing educational experiences that are safe, fun and memorable, hosts are having great success in attracting first timers, further engaging new gun owners and in reactivating lapsed participants

Program Support – NSSF provides hosts with all the support materials including eye/ear protection, handbooks, targets, rimfire ammunition (for intro to handgun/rifle events), monetary support to help offset clay targets and shotgun ammunition expenses. Additionally hosts have access to the First Shots digital portal which includes a variety of digital resources to help with planning and promoting events.

Suggestions For Ways Teams Can Host First Shots Events

Team Recruitment – Grow your membership base through First Shots open house events that attract new prospective members and inspire them to join the team while!

Community Outreach – Gain community support while building awareness around your team and the shooting sports. Share your passion as you promote safe, responsible gun ownership and kickstart peoples shooting sports journey!

Fundraising – Incorporate a First Shots ‘Try-It-Out’ experience into a fundraising event at your home range. This can serve as a precursor to the shooting activities being offered during the day for both newcomers and those who want a quick refresher before heading out. It can also serve as an alternative activity for those who don’t want to participate in the main event.

Get Paid for Hosting Events ($15 participant incentive) – Teams can earn $15 for each participant they put through a First Shots experience – capped at $1,500 per team each year (while support funds last).

$25 Reward Coupons for Participants – participants that complete a post-event survey receive $25 reward coupons to use within the SSSF online store. Coupons can be used towards athlete/coach registration fees or any other products available in the store. NSSF reimburses SSSF for the coupon redemptions quarterly.

HOW TO GET STARTED: 1. Schedule an Event – To host an event, complete this form – please add “SSSF member and your Team Name” in the Additional Information box.

2. Please submit your events with at least 2 weeks’ notice – we want to make sure you receive your materials before the event.

3. Once submitted, Ann Gamauf will follow up to order your First Shots materials and guide you through the reward coupon implementation process.

Important Note (How to Get Paid) – To receive the incentive funds support, hosts must report the total number of participants following their First Shots event. You will receive a survey on the 1st of each month to answer how many participants you had the previous month.

*First Shots attendees that want to use their $25 off code for SSSF Athlete, Coach, or Adult Volunteer fees, may use it in the SSSF online store.  They will then print out the receipt and provide that to the registering team for the $25 discount. Teams just fill out the reimbursement form from the SCTP or SASP website under resources and scan the receipts and form and email them to kleach@sssfonline.com.  On a monthly basis, SSSF will mail checks to teams for the reimbursement forms received.

Learn More / Additional Questions – If you have any questions or would like to further discuss the program contact Ann Gamauf agamauf@nssf.org or Zach Snow zsnow@nssf.org to schedule a follow up call.

Virginia SCTP State Shoot Highlights!

What a great day at the Virginia SCTP State Shoot, held alongside the Virginia Skeet Shooting Association State Shoot. Running the two together had its challenges and its benefits, but overall it brought a lot of good energy to the weekend.

This afternoon we held the first Virginia SCTP coaches meeting, and I left feeling encouraged. The coaches who came were full of ideas—about future shoots, recruiting new athletes, and building up SCTP across the state. It was also exciting for them to know that the SCTP National Office is here, working side by side to support their efforts.

 A fun highlight of the day was the axe throwing challenge right next to the SCTP tent. It had a steady stream of participants, raised funds for St. Jude’s Hospital, and gave everyone plenty of laughs—especially when a few of the top skeet shooters got humbled by a plastic axe!

And of course, the athletes themselves made the day shine. Watching them compete, earn medals, and cheer one another on is what SCTP is all about. Their sportsmanship and excitement show just how strong the future of this program really is.

Virginia SCTP is definitely on the move, and I think we’ll be hearing big things from this state in the months and years ahead.

Following the very popular open house for athletes to try International Trap at the 2025 Nationals, the Scholastic Clay Target Program is adding International events this fall. To provide as much opportunity for athletes across the country to compete in International events, the regionals will cover the Northwest, Southwest, and Southeast regions. Athletes must be current SCTP members and register in SHOT.

11-12 OCT @ Tucson Trap and Skeet Club (I-Trap and I-Skeet)

08-09 NOV @ Burros Bunker in Sutter Creek, CA (I-Trap only)

06-07 DEC @ Palm Beach County Shooting Sports Park (I-Trap and I-Skeet)