Although the weather forecast was rain for the entire weekend, we got lucky and had mostly fair weather for a very successful Appleseed rifle clinic at Fernan Rod & Gun Club in Coeur d'Alene.
The club classroom was not available to us this time, so all instruction was conducted on the line, including lunch breaks, history, and the other stand-up whiteboard presentations. Because we have a covered shooting bay and there were a few open spots on the line, we were able to set up one end of the line for classes while leaving plenty of room for the shooters and their equipment.
With registered participants ranging in age from six to 63, it promised to be a diverse group of shooters. It turned out to be one of the most attentive and responsible groups I have yet instructed. They immediately and scrupulously followed all of our safety protocols and made it much easier for us to clear the line quickly between strings of fire. They also paid attention and asked good questions during instruction, and we saw a great deal of improvement over the weekend.
Two new Riflemen (both of whom were attending their first Appleseed event) helped to make it even more rewarding for the instructors. Retired instructor baldsincebirth, who recently returned to the area, re-qualified as Rifleman and stepped up to reactivate his instructor status. He will be a welcome addition to our local instructor cadre. And finally, our Young Patriot patch went to the most mature, responsible, and focused six-year-old I have ever had the pleasure to meet.
Thanks to mrclean, tomabbkat, eert, Snow Snake, Greg2, and 2x4 for working with me to create another successful Project Appleseed experience for our shooters. And special thanks to Greg2, who came out on Saturday even though he is on the very brink of becoming a first-time father (we're waiting for the news). Huzzah!
Thank you instructors for your patience and allowing my son and I to participate and learn from your experience and instruction. We hope to attend another event in the future. God bless.
Two new Riflemen. Congratulations, Russ and Ian!
And congratulations to our Young Patriot!
Congratulations and welcome back, BSB (baldsincebirth)!