USA and Provost Umphrey Introduce Youth to the Shooting Sports and Casting
More than 40 youth experienced the excitement of the shooting sports firsthand on Sunday, April 24 during the 2nd Annual Provost Umphrey Get Youth Outdoors Day to benefit the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA).
A cooperative effort between the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) and national partner Provost Umphrey Law Firm, the free community event followed on the heels of the USA’s 2nd Annual Provost Umphrey Texas State Sporting Clays Shoot the day prior.
The purpose of the event is “to teach youth gun safety and responsibility as well as to teach our youth to enjoy the outdoors and all that it offers,” said Joe Fisher, managing partner of Provost Umphrey Law Firm, who describes the event as his favorite day of the year.
Officers from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office provided youth with firearms safety instruction and reminded all participants that it is everyone’s responsibility to be safe when it comes to guns and to speak up if they notice unsafe practices.
Officers from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office provided participants with firearms safety instruction. CLICK to watch video.
Following the safety presentation, volunteers from Provost Umphrey Law Firm, the Roofers International, and the Jefferson County 4H along with USA staff assisted youth on a 5-station sporting clays course, an archery station and a casting station.
“I really believe in youth programs and want to donate my time and effort to them,” said Kinsey Robinson, Roofers International president emeritus, who volunteered at the event along with his wife Mona. “Provost Umphrey is a wonderful company that understands unions, and we wanted to be there to support their event. Mona and I assisted 15-16 youth who had never shot a gun before. Some kids were delighted that they busted a clay and others were just proud of themselves for shooting a gun, but none of them walked away feeling uncomfortable about shooting.”
All supplies were provided at no charge, and each child received a goody bag containing free gifts from the USA. Youths and their families also enjoyed a free lunch, and participants were entered in drawings for a variety of hunting and fishing gear and trips. One young boy won a guided whitetail hunt that will include a ride on Provost Umphrey’s private jet.
One young boy won a guided whitetail hunt that will include a ride on Provost Umphrey’s private jet. Click to Watch.
“Our outdoor heritage and conservation future depends on recruiting new participants. Based on the smiles on the kids’ faces, this event ignited a spark—it’s the beginning of a lifetime interest in the shooting sports and fishing for many of them,” said USA Conservation Coordinator Cody Campbell. “We love to see USA partners and union leaders come together at events like this one to help make a lasting impression on youth and carry out the USA’s mission.
The event was part of a series of free, community-based youth outreach activities organized under Work Boots on the Ground—the USA’s flagship conservation program—and supported by national partners Provost Umphrey Law Firm and Carhartt as well as USA founding partners UIG, ULLICO, Bank of Labor, AFL-CIO Investment Trust Corporation and Buck Knives.
“These types of hands-on, interactive events inspire love, respect and a sense of responsibility for the outdoors, hunting, shooting and angling,” said USA CEO & Executive Director Scott Vance, who was on hand mentoring youth. “We are proud to provide opportunities for young people and their families to experience these rewarding experiences and confidently pursue them in the future.”
