summer camp w/ riflery

[Anonymous]

We are considering Landon Camp for our six-year-old. The camp sounds like a fun outdoor experience, but we feel a little uncomfortable with the riflery (BB) target practice component. I spoke to the director and he said they emphasize gun safety and teach that a gun is not a toy. While he was reassuring, my husband was curious about other people's experiences. Has anyone else struggled with this issue and/or made a decision to go or not to go to a camp with riflery for this age group? TIA.

[Anonymous]

Are you opposed to your son using a gun or concerned about the safety aspect of using a gun? If you are opposed to your son using a gun, did you ask the camp director if it is possible to skip riflery or sit out during that time? I did riflery and archery in camp when I was younger but we got to choose from a lot of activities.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, I think it's great that their emphasis is on safety and that the gun is not a toy. I think it's better to have that kind of exposure, as opposed to having your son stumble across a gun at a friend's house, for example, and "play" with it in an unsafe way. I won't allow real guns in our house, but when we visit my parents we allow the kids to shoot guns (obviously supervised) alongside being taught never to point a gun at a person (unless you intend to kill them). My son is 5.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks. I didn't ask about sitting out, because I wouldn't want my son to have to sit out activities, and I think that could also make guns more alluring. I agree that this might be a way to introduce the idea of not playing with guns if you see them at a friend's house, which is something we could emphasize.

Basically, I think we are uncomfortable with gun use in general, so it feels weird to use a camp where he will be shooting guns. Thus our interest in the thoughts of those who went through this decision process . . . Also, I wonder if this could increase his interest in guns, rather than decreasing it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Basically, I think we are uncomfortable with gun use in general, so it feels weird to use a camp where he will be shooting guns. Thus our interest in the thoughts of those who went through this decision process . . . Also, I wonder if this could increase his interest in guns, rather than decreasing it.

I think that's where the exposure comes in -- it makes it less of a mystery. I'm the PP who let her son shoot at g-parents' house... we subsequently bought my son some toy (cap) guns, and he has zero interest in them. When they feel a real gun, it's heavy and powerful - unlike a plastic toy.

[Anonymous]

I think it's important to note that not all guns are heavy/dark/powerful like what we see on TV and movies.

Real guns can be pink and look and feel kind of like toys, but can kill as well as the more heavy/powerful ones.

[Anonymous]

My DH is a law enforcement agent, so we are forced to deal with the gun issue. I also think safety and demystification are important. I would encourage you to send your son and let him experience it in a safe environment. I doubt it will turn him into a mass murderer or anything (and FWIW, I'm pro gun control, so I'm not what anyone would call a "gun nut.").

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the feedback. We still have misgivings, but are leaning toward applying.

[Anonymous]

you'll take out an eye!

honestly, I LOVED riflery. Increases balance and focus.