Smiles were contagious as labor union volunteers introduced youth to conservation, hunting and the shooting sports Sunday, Sept. 15 during the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) 8th Annual Get Youth Outdoors Day at Wild Marsh Sporting Clays in Clear Lake, Minnesota.
Organized by the USA and supported by a coalition of labor union, industry and conservation partners, the event gave 38 boys and girls ages 9 to 17 a personal introduction to wildlife conservation, dog training, archery, trap shooting, riflery and other outdoor topics through hands-on activities and demonstrations conducted by union volunteers.
The event was also part of the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) First Shots program, which introduces first-time shooters to firearms respect, safety and the shooting sports.
All supplies including eye and hearing protection, firearms and ammunition were provided at no charge. Each youth also received a goody bag containing free Plano Synergy game calls and more. Youth and their families also enjoyed a picnic-style lunch with their mentors.
Roofers International President Kinsey Robinson offered advice on the finer points of shooting form and firearms handling.
The event was part of Work Boots on the Ground—the USA’s flagship conservation program—and sponsored by partners including Roofers International, NSSF, Roofers Local 96, BAC Local 1, Central MN BCTC and other local union groups. Fifteen volunteers from Ironworkers local 512, Roofers Local 96, Roofers International, LELS and IAMAW local 623 donated 90 hours to make the day a success. The NSSF grant and funds raised at the annual Roofers Twin Cities Sporting Clays Shoot allowed the event to be held at no cost to participants.
“These kids are the future of conservation and our outdoor traditions,” said Roofers International President Kinsey Robinson, who attended the event and personally coached dozens of young shooters on the sporting clays range. “Those of us who’ve been blessed to enjoy hunting, fishing and shooting our entire lives owe it to the next generation to give them the same opportunities.
“Plus, events like this build bridges between union workers and their communities, while fostering relationships and solidarity between members of different unions,” he added.
“A lot of kids went home with smiling faces and a much greater appreciation for the outdoors,” said USA CEO and Executive Director Scott Vance, who was also on hand. “Interactive, hands-on events like this are critical to passing along our outdoor heritage to the next generation. We can’t thank our volunteers, charter unions and other supporters enough for making this outreach possible.”
The Clear Lake event was part of a series of free, community-based youth outreach activities supported by USA national conservation partners Plano Synergy, Provost Umphrey Law Firm, Pure Fishing and the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation.
