NAUGATUCK — The High Rock Shooting Association held its first celebration of National Take Your Daughter to the Range Day last weekend at the club’s site in the Naugatuck State Forest.
HRSA President Ray Hanley, Vice President Ken Heidkamp and Secretary Tony Recchia were all in agreement when event coordinator Karen Anderson brought the proposal to the executive board.
“I originally saw the National Take Your Daughter to the Range Day in an article online back in February,” Anderson said. “I wasn’t sure what to expect at first. But I’m extremely thankful to our membership and our board members as we had over 20 volunteers help to make this the success that it was.”
The event drew 25 girls and parents as close to 50 participants enjoyed a fun-filled, action-packed day at the range. HRSA members, who are National Rifle Association-certified, served as instructors throughout the day.
“I think having the instructors available was the key to the event,” Anderson said. “Not all parents have shooting experience. The safety and proper handling instructions allows both parents and daughters the opportunity to learn together.”
Anderson became involved with the event because of her 9-year-old daughter, Brooke Middlemass.
“She has been shooting for two years now,” Anderson said. “I started taking her to the range to show her that what I was doing wasn’t bad, and it allowed me the time to teach her about gun safety. She was one of my biggest helpers for this event. She helped to put goodie bags together and worked so hard at putting our poster of the event together.”
The free event was made possible through the donations of corporate sponsors.
Although it was the association’s first time celebrating National Take Your Daughter to the Range Day, the day was a big success.
“Everyone had a great time,” Anderson said. “Shooting is a sport that the whole family can take part in. One gentleman brought his granddaughters with him and he said they really enjoyed the experience.”
The HRSA, established in 1989, is a 100-yard outdoor shooting range with covered portals. The association plans on offering this event next year, along with events like Women on Target, First Shots and others to help expose shooting to those interested.
