Pictured L-R, James Debney (S&W), Tom Johnston, Tom Yost, Staci Collins-Moore
Jackson, OH -(Ammoland.com)- Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports made several presentations to commemorate their appreciation for its top sponsors of 2014 at last week’s Shooting, Hunting & Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show) in Las Vegas, NV.
Recognized for their valuable contribution were Smith & Wesson, Federal Cartridge Company, Hodgdon Powder Company, Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation, Michigan Ammunition Company and Student of The Gun. Recognized for personal contribution was former IDPA champion Tom Yost. Sponsored by Smith & Wesson, Yost has attended Ohio’s 4-H Shooting Education Camp 4 of the past 5 years.
Pictured L-R, Tom Johnston, James Debney (S&W President), Staci Collins-Moore
Tom has been instrumental in promoting Ohio’s program throughout the shooting industry and has acted as an adjunct instructor in both Intermediate and Action Pistol as well as the Action Rifle discipline. Additionally recognized was Ed Fitzgerald of Glock, Inc. Ed has made significant contributions to Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports by assisting as an instructor at the annual Shooting Education camp, held each July in Jackson, Ohio. Additionally, Glock provided guns and equipment for fundraising activities.
The SHOT show is the largest trade show in the world featuring more than 1,600 exhibitors showcasing firearms, ammunition and shooting and hunting accessories as well as products specifically designed for the law enforcement and armed forces markets, covering 600,000 square feet of exhibits. The 2015 show attracted more than 64,000 industry professionals from all 50 states and more than 100 countries.
“This format provides the perfect platform for seeing all of our sponsors under one roof,” says Larry Harris, Ohio’s Program Coordinator. “It also gives us a chance to formally recognize their contributions in front of their customer base, industry peers and senior professionals.”
Pictured L-R, Moriah Combs, Tom Johnston, Ryan Bronson (Federal Premium), Staci Collins-Moore
Nationally recognized as one of the largest camps of its kind, Ohio 4-H Shooting Education Camp is a 6-day learning experience that focuses on the safe, responsible and ethical use of firearms and archery equipment. While campers receive some of the best instruction the industry has to offer the main focus is on youth development.
“Our sponsors are key to our success,” said Fred Sherman, Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports Committee President. “Without this level of sponsorship, our program would be in jeopardy. We reach kids from all over the United States. Many of them are seeking a program where they are not judged by how good they shoot or if they have the best and most expensive gear, rather a program where they are judged by who they are and what they stand for.”
“Without the sponsors and individual donations, our program would not exist as we know it. The costs of equipment and ammunition is simply too high for the kids and parents to absorb alone,” says Staci Collins-Moore; Ohio’s Public Relations Coordinator and Rifle Instructor. “I grew up in Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports. My instructors in 4-H provided the foundation that has made me who I am today and I am proud to be able to work with our donors and those who support the program.”
Pictured L-R, Scott Moore (SPP), Tammy Mowry (SPP), Moriah Combs, Staci Collins-Moore, Erik Tarboux (SSSF), Tom Johnston
The camp is held annually and is open to boys and girls ages 12-18. Campers are not required to be residents of Ohio and are not required to be members of 4-H. The Ohio 4-H Shooting Education Camp is sponsored in part by the Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports Committee and hosted by Ohio State University Extension 4-H Youth Development. Financial support and equipment for the camp is provided by grants and donations.
Attending this year’s SHOT show for Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports was Staci Collins-Moore, Instructor and Public Relations Coordinator; Tom Johnston, Public Relations and Pistol Program Coordinator; and Moriah Combs, Teen Ambassador.
About Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports
The mission of the Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports is o teach life skills to 4-H youth through the shooting sports curriculum and activities that will enable boys and girls to reach fullest potential as capable, caring and contributing citizens. For more information on Ohio’s 4-H Shooting Education Camp, call Ohio’s 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator, Larry Harris at 740-286-4058.
For more information on Ohio’s 4-H Shooting Education Camp, visit www.ohio4hshootingsports.org.