By Jeremy Oliver, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
Chickasaw youth were right on target at the second annual Tanumpo Hosa Apisa, "Shooting clinic," held at the Lighthorse police department in Ada, Okla.
This years clinic had an excellent turnout with over 40 youth, ages 12 to 18, participating in a full day of marksmanship training led by Lighthorse Police officer George Jesse, Aug. 5 through 7.
"This is a very unique camp that allows the kids the opportunity to learn gun safety and responsibility in a controlled environment while learning proper shooting techniques. I think the kids really enjoy this year's camp and competition," said Lighthorse Police Officer George Jesse.
The camp was designed to give participants the opportunity to practice Olympic style shooting using equivalent sized targets and distances while performing with high powered air rifles and pistols.
Lighthorse Officer Jesse focused on breathing exercises, body positioning and posture, safety precautions, and the basics of handling, loading and firing a weapon.
Participants were allowed to practice for several hours throughout the day shooting from a distance of 10 meters. A partner would spot the target through binoculars, helping the shooter adjust their shot for accuracy.
Instructors guided the youth throughout the day giving them helpful tips and demonstrations to allow campers to get a feel for what the proper shot feels like.
The highlight of the day was a marksmanship competition between the campers. Campers competed with rifles and pistols to achieve a combined overall score based on shooting accuracy.
First time camper Sequoyah Lindsey took home the top honors achieving remarkable accuracy for a beginner, scoring 91 points out of a 100 in the rifle division and a 74 out of a 100 with the pistol.
"I have only shot a gun one time before today. The camp was very helpful and I really learned a lot from the instructors on how to breathe and shoot properly. It was a great experience and something I really want to do again," said Lindsey.
This year's shooting clinic was held as three one day camps with different participants attending each day.
The three individual camps allowed for a smaller group size and giving the instructors a chance to offer more personal one on one training for the youth in attendance.
"The camp teaches the kids discipline, concentration and time management that they can translate into other aspects of their life and gives the kids a new hobby that they may not get to normally experience," said Seth Tinsley, Youth and Family services camp instructor.
