The NRA Foundation has awarded the Jackson County 4-H Shooting Sports Club a grant for $4,638.64 to fund personal protection items, rifles, ammunition, clay targets and shotgun shells.

This was the first time for the club to apply for the grant.

“We are excited about revising our shooting sports program in Jackson County and pleased that the NRA is making an investment in our community,” said Jeannie Redicker, shooting sports rifle club leader. “The NRA Foundation and Friends of the NRA are big supporters of youth organizations, and I knew we could count on them to support our 4-H shooting sports program, but we were surprised at the generosity they have shown.”

The Jackson County 4-H Shooting Sports Club has been stagnant for a number of years, but three volunteers recently stepped up to get the program back up and running.

They have spent several months locating and collecting equipment and working with a local range to secure practice space and get it approved.

The volunteers attended a three-day training at Ross Camp to become certified 4-H shooting sports leaders in their specific disciplines.

The shotgun instructor is Tyler Gerometta, and the rifle instructors are Ricky Eggersman and Redicker. Eggersman also is certified as the county coordinator for the 4-H shooting sports program.

Adult volunteers are being sought to help organize and lead the club. Interested adults should contact Heather VonDielingen at 812-358-6101.

The first club meeting will be from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at South Central Gun Club, 4427 N. State Road 135, Freetown.

Youth interested in attending should contact Purdue Extension Jackson County by Thursday at 812-358-6101.