Shoot for Success x The Benchmark Program

Thursday July 18th marked the first Shoot for Success x The Benchmark Program collaboration. 10 young men and many volunteers from both programs gathered at Hummelstown Field and Stream Association for a program teaching students to shoot Wildcat.

The program started with JD Hoffman instructing some of the youngest students in gun safety, showing them the ropes and giving them a chance to hold and even shoot the shotguns. These young men gained valuable time in learning the very basics and confidence in stance and shooting.

The Benchmark Program is a non-profit organization supporting youth & young adults through fitness, academics, career coaching and leadership education. The Benchmark Program provides more opportunity for under-served youth. They work with students to create spaces where they feel safe, understood and empowered- providing them with a support network they can rely on for the rest of their lives.

The young men from Benchmark arrived and were eager to get right to it- similarly to the younger students, they received a run-down of gun safety and instructions on how to properly shoot Wildcat.

Each participant was paired with an adult volunteer at their station to support and guide them while they shot. Volunteers boosted confidence and the feeling of success as each student made their shots and gave tips and tricks to increase accuracy.

Big smiles, confidence and comradery had everyone already planning their next Wildcat experience.