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MidwayUSA Foundation Adds Three New Additions to their Team

Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Written by YAH Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #midwayusafoundation, #youthshootingsports

Columbia, MO – Jan. 28, 2025 –  The MidwayUSA Foundation announced the addition of three new team members to the Foundation. Each of them brings unique skills and experiences that will undoubtedly contribute to our success.

Pete Eisentrager will serve as the Deputy Director, a newly created position based in the home office in Columbia, Missouri.

Dan Darragh is the new Program Manager, providing service to the western region from Boise, Idaho. Dan will assist youth shooting programs in 11 states, including Washington, Oregon, California, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, and his home state of Idaho.

Chance Cover is the new Logistics Coordinator. Chance began with the Foundation in December and manages the Fundraising Product Grant Program from the Columbia, Missouri office. Chance processes orders and ships items that youth shooting programs request to conduct fundraisers in their local community.

About

The MidwayUSA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity working to sustain and grow youth shooting sports by providing long-term funding to youth shooting teams through annual cash grants. Every donation made is tax-deductible and allows the Foundation to assist in expanding and enhancing the leadership skills, confidence, and discipline of today’s youth through shooting sports activities.

To volunteer, mentor or donate, find more information at https://www.midwayusafoundation.org

MidwayUSA Foundation Announces 2024 Annual Rockstar Winners

Friday, January 17, 2025
Written by YAH Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #midwayusafoundation, #youthshootingsports
2024 Annual Rockstar Winners Our Annual Rockstar Program is a year-long incentive offered to every youth shooting team with an endowment. Each team that receives a match-eligible donation throughout the calendar year is entered to win additional endowment funds. Annual Rockstar awards teams that work hard all year long to fundraise and grow their endowment…and work hard they did! Teams generated over $3.7 million in match-eligible donations in 2024, and 1,825 youth shooting teams received a donation.

The top five fundraising teams of the year have been awarded endowment funds, and 15 teams (highlighted in green) were awarded $2,000, each, through a random draw. The top 5  Rockstar teams received $70,000, cumulatively in endowment funds! 1st  Peoria Skeet and Trap Youth – R6131 [IL] – Raised $304,485.73 in 2024 – Winning $25,000 2nd  Mid Carolina Youth Shooting – R62919 [SC] – Winning $15,000 3rd Taunton Marksmanship Unit – R4391 [MA] – Winning $12,500 4th  Rio Salado Target Terminators – R43809 [AZ] – Winning $10,000 5th  Pillager Clay Target Team – R23013 [MN] – Winning $7,500

The total dollars raised by our top fundraising teams is over $580,000! Not only did these teams take advantage of our 1:1 match, which will continue in 2025, but they also conducted a variety of fundraisers in their community. Many teams use our free fundraising products to raise money and the dollars generated from our sponsor-donated products are also matched. If your youth shooting team isn’t using this program, you’re missing an easy way to raise money.  Check out the products we offer. In addition to our incentive, every team that raised over $5,000 in the calendar year will receive adhesive fundraising patches. Teams that raise a minimum of $5,000 earn bronze patches, and those that raise $15,000 will receive silver patches. Teams that raise $25,000, or more, earn gold patches. The post 2024 Annual Rockstar Winners appeared first on MidwayUSA Foundation.

Exciting News for Youth Shooting Sports Enthusiasts!

Monday, January 13, 2025
Written by YAH Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #juniorprogressivepositionairpistolprogram, #scholasticshootingsports, #usashooting, #youthshootingsports
SCTPThe Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is proud to announce its new role as the governing body for the Progressive Position Pistol (PPP) Program! This exciting development marks a new chapter for the PPP program, which continues to thrive through a strong and ongoing partnership with USA Shooting, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), and the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP).

To celebrate the regrowth of this dynamic program, we are thrilled to announce the 2025 Progressive Position Pistol Junior National Event, which will take place August 1–3, 2025, at the Missouri Marksmanship Education Center in Columbia, MO. As part of this program’s mission to support young athletes, the PPP serves as a feeder program for the Intercollegiate Pistol Program, making this event a key recruiting opportunity for collegiate coaches. Graduating seniors and rising stars will have the chance to showcase their talents in front of coaches while taking their first steps toward collegiate competition. Additionally, this program provides aspiring athletes with a pathway to represent Team USA on Junior or National Teams, with sights set on competing in the Olympics.

This event offers youth shooters the opportunity to showcase their skills, compete on a national stage, and experience the camaraderie and sportsmanship that make the shooting sports community so special. 2025 Progressive Position Pistol Rule Book is now available. This document contains the latest guidelines, standards, and competition requirements for athletes, coaches, and event organizers. Be sure to review the rulebook ahead of the Junior National Event. Download the 2025 PPP Rule Book Here Mark your calendars and join us in Columbia, Missouri, for this incredible event that promises to highlight the future of competitive pistol shooting! For more information, please contact James Hall or stay tuned to the official SSSF website and follow us on social media for updates.  
About the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is 501(c)(3) public charity responsible for all aspects of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) across the United States. The SCTP and SASP are youth development programs in which adult coaches and other volunteers use shooting sports to teach and to demonstrate sportsmanship, responsibility, honesty, ethics, integrity, teamwork, and other positive life skills.

Provide and enhance personal growth and development opportunities for student athlete members; become the premier authority in all things pertaining to firearm-related pursuits for youth; pass on to future generations the legacy of lifelong, safe, responsible enjoyment of the shooting sports. This includes serving as the primary feeder/pipeline for organized, sanctioned shooting organizations and teams, like USA SHOOTING, TEAM USA, and the NGBs (NSSA, NSCA, ATA).      YouTube

Faxon Firearms, MidwayUSA Foundation Announce Exclusive ARAK Academy Event

Friday, December 13, 2024
Written by YAH Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #midwayusafoundation

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2024  — Faxon Firearms is proud to partner with MidwayUSA Foundation to present the ARAK® Academy, a one-of-a-kind experience for firearm enthusiasts. This exclusive event will take place from June 20-22, 2025, in the Greater Cincinnati area and offers participants the unique opportunity to build their own ARAK-21® XRS rifle under expert guidance.

This immersive event is limited to just 15 attendees and includes a comprehensive package of premium products, services, and experiences for a $6,250 donation. Proceeds will benefit the MidwayUSA Foundation, an organization dedicated to securing the future of youth shooting sports.

What’s Included:

  • ARAK-21 XRS Rifle: Attendees will personally build their own ARAK-21 XRS rifle on-site with guidance from Faxon’s expert staff.
  • Optic and Accessories: Each rifle will be paired with a high-quality Vortex® optic and accessories from Caldwell® and Wheeler® to ensure readiness for advanced shooting sessions.
  • Ammunition: Federal Premium® ammunition will be provided for use during the event.
  • Lodging and Meals: Enjoy comfortable accommodations at Homewood Suites near the Faxon manufacturing facility, and the Faxon Oak Club, with all meals provided during your stay.
  • Professional Training: Gain hands-on experience during advanced firearm training sessions, including range time and one-on-one coaching with professional staff.
  • Facility Tour: Take an exclusive tour of the Faxon Firearms facility, including a historical overview presented by Founder and President Bob Faxon.
  • Transportation: All local transportation to and from the Faxon Oak Club will be included.

Registration Details:

  • Cost: $6,250 donation per attendee.
  • Eligibility: All participants must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Exclusions: Travel to and from the Greater Cincinnati area, FFL transfer fees, and Federal Tax Stamp fees are not included.

This event would not be possible without the generous support of our partners: Caldwell®, Wheeler®, Vortex® and Federal Premium Ammunition®. Together, we aim to provide an unforgettable experience for firearm enthusiasts while supporting the important work of the MidwayUSA Foundation.

How to Register: Due to limited availability, early registration is highly recommended. Visit MidwayUSA Foundation’s website to secure your spot and learn more about the ARAK Academy.

About Faxon Firearms: Faxon Firearms is a family-owned-and-operated firearms and component manufacturer in the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio region. Known for Quality, Innovation, and Service, Faxon is dedicated to expanding The Fellowship of Firearms® through excellence in manufacturing and quality within the firearms community and beyond.

About MidwayUSA Foundation: The MidwayUSA Foundation is dedicated to sustaining and growing youth shooting sports programs across the United States. By providing long-term funding and support, the foundation ensures the future of shooting sports for generations to come.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Robert Combs

Assistant Director of Sales & Marketing

Faxon Firearms

Email: marketing@faxonfirearms.com

Bettinsoli USA Supports Youth Shooting Sports Through Multiple Programs Offered by MidwayUSA Foundation

Friday, November 15, 2024
Written by YAH Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #bettinsoliusa, #midwayusafoundation, #youthshootingsports, #youthshotguns

Leaders within the outdoor industry continue to step up and support MidwayUSA Foundation and the industry’s future. With a mission to help communities and organizations raise funds for their high school and college youth shooting teams, MidwayUSA Foundation relies on the support of retailers and suppliers in the outdoor space. Bettinsoli USA is a long-time sponsor that has assisted with a variety of programs to ensure youth shooting programs have quality items for their fundraising efforts.

Recently, Bettinsoli USA donated their Omega Steel Lite 20-gauge shotgun to a monthly auction to support MidwayUSA Foundation. Hosted on GunBroker.com, the auction winner’s bid was a donation to the endowment of their choice, which was also matched by MidwayUSA Foundation. Along with matching dollars and a special auction incentive, Bettinsoli’s Omega Steel Lite raised nearly $15,000 for youth shooting sports!

“Bettinsoli USA is excited about our continued partnership with the MidwayUSA Foundation to help sustain and grow the shooting sports industry. We believe in and support the MidwayUSA Foundation’s purpose of expanding and enhancing today’s youth’s leadership skills, confidence, and discipline through team shooting sports activities. We also believe Bettinsoli USA can provide high-quality shotguns that fit the needs of youth shooters,” said Nick Stratman of Bettinsoli USA. In addition to online auctions, Bettinsoli USA offers its quality shotguns to MidwayUSA Foundation’s Product Grant Program. This unique program allows youth shooting teams to apply to receive products, free of charge, raise funds in their community and donate generated funds to their endowment to be matched. Bettinsoli USA shotguns will be offered as product grants in January of 2025, where teams can request them, print tickets, and create a unique community fundraiser that grows their endowment and annual cash grant.

Thousands of youth shooting teams, of all disciplines, are funded through a MidwayUSA Foundation endowment. Each team can grow their respective endowment through donations and fundraisers. Additional businesses that are interested in supporting the future of the industry are encouraged to contact John Linquist, MidwayUSA Foundation Relationship Manager, by email JLinquist@MidwayUSAFoundation.org or phone 573-219-7688.

The MidwayUSA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity working to sustain and grow youth shooting sports by providing long-term funding to youth shooting teams. Every donation made is tax-deductible and allows the Foundation to assist in expanding and enhancing the leadership skills, confidence, and discipline of today’s youth through shooting sports activities. The Foundation supports all shooting disciplines. For more information about how the MidwayUSA Foundation is changing the future of youth shooting sports, please visit MidwayUSAFoundation.org or call 1-877-375-4570.

GAIM, Inc. Partners with MidwayUSA Foundation to Elevate Youth Shooting Sports Training

Thursday, November 14, 2024
Written by YAH Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #midwayusafoundation

MANASSAS, VA (October 29, 2024) – GAIM Immersive Technology, Inc. announces its partnership with the MidwayUSA Foundation, a leading supporter of youth shooting sports through grants and endowments. This collaboration reflects GAIM’s commitment to enhancing training opportunities for young athletes by providing innovative virtual reality shooting simulators. Through the use of GAIM’s advanced technology, young shooters will gain access to realistic, immersive training experiences that build skills, confidence and safety.

As part of this partnership, GAIM participated in the MidwayUSA Foundation’s National Youth Shooting Sports Conference in Missouri, where leadership from various shooting sports organizations had the chance to experience GAIM’s simulators. The initiative aims to expand youth access to high-quality, cutting-edge training tools that help athletes prepare for competition and personal development.

“GAIM is excited to work alongside the MidwayUSA Foundation to invest in the future of youth shooting sports,” said Phillip Jones, US Director of Sales & Marketing. “By offering our simulators, we hope to provide young athletes with safe, effective and engaging ways to hone their skills.”

Added John Linquist, Relationship Manager of the MidwayUSA Foundation. “Partnering with GAIM allows us to introduce new, innovative training tools to the youth we support. This aligns perfectly with our mission of empowering young athletes through shooting sports.”

GAIM offers a range of virtual reality shooting simulators designed for hunters, shooting sport enthusiasts/professionals, and law enforcement. These simulators immerse users in lifelike environments, allowing them to practice and improve skills like marksmanship, safety, and decision-making. Flagship simulators such as GAIM Hunting, GAIM Clay Shooting and GAIM Handgun, all available in the GAIM Complete bundle, offer tailored experiences—whether preparing for the hunting season or sharpening tactical responses for law enforcement teams.

GAIM’s realistic scenarios, included with GAIM Complete, blend real-world training with cutting-edge virtual technology, helping users become more effective, engaged, and accurate in the field or on the range. Individual Sport Shooting and Hunting scenarios are also available separately, allowing shooters to expand their training at their own pace.

To learn more about GAIM Simulators, visit gaim.com.

Scholastic 3-D Archery Hosts National Archery Youth Hunt

Saturday, November 09, 2024
Written by YAH Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #scholastic3darchery, #youtharchery, #youthhunting

Williamsburg, KY – Scholastic 3-D Archery (S3DA) recently held a memorable and educational deer hunt for two youth archers at Victoria Crossroads (a private hunting lodge) in Western Kentucky. This unique event provided the young archers with the opportunity of a lifetime to hunt on 7,000 acres of privately owned land, guided by seasoned hunters. The hunt not only fostered a deeper understanding of conservation among the youth but also provided a platform for them to showcase their knowledge and passion for the outdoors.

In preparation for this event, S3DA members were invited to submit a conservation essay for a chance to win a spot in the National Archery Youth Hunt. Participants chose from a list of prompts which asked archers about their hunting knowledge and experience, and also to detail their knowledge of conservation. This was a very competitive experience and a great number of youth archers applied.

The two archers chosen were Isabella Nelson from West Michigan Archery Center S3DA in Michigan and Jeffrey Burton from Little Belt Archers in Montana.

Isabella Nelson shared her excitement, saying, “I wanted to apply for this hunt because I have been wanting to find a place to hunt this year but haven’t found one. I am very passionate about conservation, so this was a perfect opportunity! The S3DA staff was very welcoming, and the overall experience was amazing. I would definitely do this again. These were memories that will last a lifetime.”

Jeffrey said, “I chose to write an essay for this hunt because my dream is to hunt in every state in America. I was extremely excited when I found out that I had been selected. The hunt was much different than I am typically used to because we don’t have trees like Kentucky. Everyone was super nice and very helpful. Hopefully, I get the opportunity to come back so I can harvest a Kentucky deer.”

Patty Reel, S3DA National Conservation Coordinator, expressed her enthusiasm for the hunt, stating, “Spending the weekend at Victoria Crossroads is an experience in itself. It is such an amazing piece of property that is set up for conservation and healthy habitats for all the wildlife on the farm. We were excited for the kids to arrive to start their hunts. Looking at the map of the property and listening to Fred Pape tell which stands were the best to hunt from was a learning experience for them both. I had the opportunity to teach Jeffrey and Isabella about the American folklore about telling the weather with persimmon seeds. They were both amazed, having never heard of it before. This was an incredible opportunity for these young archers to learn about conservation and experience the thrill of hunting in a safe and educational environment. Though neither successfully harvested a deer during this hunt, they did have ample opportunity to see some magnificent whitetails, just none in bow range. S3DA is the perfect platform to support the next generation of conservationists and hunters.”

For more information about Scholastic 3-D Archery and upcoming events, please visit the Scholastic 3-D Archery Facebook page. Be sure to like and follow us for the most up-to-date news!

About Scholastic 3-D Archery

Scholastic 3-D Archery (S3DA) is a unique, family-oriented youth archery program which has grown exponentially across the United States as a next-step initiative to follow introductory archery programs. The mission of the Scholastic

3-D Archery program is to foster, educate and guide youth in the areas of 3D, indoor target, and outdoor target archery as well as safe, ethical bowhunting practices. The goal of the S3DA program is to provide archery and bowhunting opportunities to youth in after-school settings, as well as with archery-affiliated clubs and businesses in the community. S3DA youth participate in 3D and target archery using compound and traditional archery equipment. Youth members can participate at regional, state and national archery events and earn college scholarships from colleges and universities across the United States. S3DA addresses the need for a program to bridge beginning target archery experience and more advanced activities such as 3D shooting and bowhunting. The program currently operates across the United States with hundreds of certified coaches serving thousands of youth archers.

Contact the Scholastic 3-D Archery National Office at:

www.s3da.net or 410 Sycamore Street, Williamsburg, KY 40769, Ph: 606.524.3685

Media contact Kayla Bolton at kaylas3da@gmail.com, Ph: 423.494.2204

MidwayUSA Foundation Prepares for Giving Tuesday 2024

Wednesday, November 06, 2024
Written by YAH Staff
Categories: Briefs, News
Tags: #midwayusafoundation #skguns #youthshooting, #youthclaysshooting, #youthhunting

November 5, 2024

Categories: Blog, Fundraising, Matching, Other

Save the Date: December 3 | Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday, the foundation’s most significant fundraising day of the year, is right around the corner, and we are excited to raise money for your youth shooting teams and organizations!  After an unbelievable Giving Tuesday in 2023, raising over $513,000, they set a goal to do it again in 2024.  However, they need your help to raise that kind of money!  To reach their goal, they encourage you to ask your community of supporters to donate through our website on December 3.  Every dollar will benefit the youth shooting sports program that the donor chooses.  MidwayUSA Foundation is proud to ensure that 100% of every donation benefits the endowment of their choice because we keep nothing for operations.  Plus, we will match EVERY DONATION!  In addition to matching every donation, theyt also award youth shooting teams that receive the most donation dollars and draw thirty (30) participating teams, at random, to win $1,000 each.

The team incentive will be structured to reward the top 5 teams.
1st Place:  $15,000
2nd Place: $12,500
3rd Place:  $10,000
4th Place:  $7,500
5th Place:  $5,000

Throughout Giving Tuesday, the MidwayUSA Foundation updates you on our progress toward their goal on their website and social media.  Please follow them on Facebook and Instagram.  Share their updates on your social media, too!  They also recommend sharing your own stories and team information on your social media with a direct link to your MidwayUSA Foundation endowment page.  To assist you in talking with your volunteers, parents, donors, and potential donors, they have created material for you to use in your communications.  Visit our Giving Tuesday Toolkit page for logos, email and press release templates, and more tips.

SK GUNS GIVEAWAY

Thanks to SK Guns, the MidwayUSA Foundation also has an exciting incentive for our donors. This SK Guns Sweepstakes is exclusive to our Giving Tuesday donors!  For every $1,000 donation, a donor will receive an entry to win the exclusive SK Guns Gold Series Early Italian Renaissance Collection.  Only 25 complete Gold Series sets have been produced, featuring pistols with consecutive serial numbers and matching edition numbers.  This remarkable set also includes a limited edition engraved knife, etched in 24k gold and numbered to match the set.  The estimated value of this collection is over $15,000!  A random winner will be announced by December 13th.

Donating on Giving Tuesday is easy.  Head to MidwayUSAFoundation.org/donate and choose if you’d like to contribute to a youth shooting team or organization.  From there, you’ll search for the program you’d like to support and make your tax-deductible donation right through our safe and secure website.  We will send you a gift receipt, and your dollars will be matched in the coming weeks.  Growing an endowment means growing that youth shooting program’s annual cash grant, which provides funds to cover the team’s critical expenses to practice and compete.

# # #

Nation’s Top College Athletes To Participate in 2024 National Championship

Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Written by YAH Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #scheels, #usacollegeclaytargetleague

Bunker Hill, IL – Athletes & teams representing 18 colleges and universities from across the nation are scheduled to participate at the 2024 USA College Clay Target League National Championship this week!

The USACCTL National Championship will be held at the Brittany Shooting Park outside of Bunker Hill, Illinois November 1st-3rd. The Championship features 214 college athletes participating in two days of competition to award the top athletes and teams in the country.

The National Championship is proudly presented by SCHEELS. Additional sponsors include: the Bass Pro/Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Walker’s, Mark Zauhar, Friends of NRA, Sportsman’s Guide, GUNS.COM, Spandau Arms, and Winchester.

Make sure to follow the USACCTL Facebook page for daily photos and videos! https://www.facebook.com/USACollegeClayTarget

Friday, November 1st: Team Check-In & Practice

Saturday, November 2nd: Competition Day 1 – All athletes will shoot 100 targets. An “Annie Oakley” contest will take place for coaches and athletes after the day’s competition concludes.

Sunday, November 3rd: Competition Day 2 – All athletes will shoot 100 targets. The title of National Champion will be based on the cumulative totals for the two days of competition.

The following schools have registered to compete in the 2024 College National Championship:

Illinois College (IL)

Lake Land College (IL)

University of Illinois (IL)

McPherson College (KS)

Maine Maritime Academy (ME)

Ferris State University (MI)

Mid Michigan College (MI)

Montcalm Community College (MI)

Western Michigan University (MI)

Bethany Lutheran College (MN)

Lake Superior College (MN)

University of Minnesota Crookston (MN)

Lindenwood University (MO)

Williston State College (ND)

Alfred State College (NY)

Paul Smith’s College (NY)

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (WI)

Western Technical College (WI)

About the USA Clay Target League

With nearly 52,000 participating athletes in the 2023-24 school year, the non-profit USA Clay Target League is America’s largest clay target shooting organization. The League offers trap, skeet, sporting clays, and 5-stand leagues to secondary and postsecondary schools across the country.

A record-breaking 989 student athletes representing 77 college and university teams across the country participated in USA Clay Target League programs this fall.

The League is the only 100% school-approved clay target shooting sport program in America. Every team must have school approval to participate. Most participating schools have lettering programs as well as yearbook inclusion for the teams. In addition, tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships are provided to qualifying seniors by the League and post-secondary institutions each year.

The League’s co-ed and adaptive nature are key attractions to schools nationwide: it’s fully Title IX compliant with both male and female athletes competing on the same team, and it’s an ‘adaptive’ sport, which allows students with physical disabilities to take part.

The League’s priorities are safety, fun, and marksmanship – in that order.

The League is the safest sport in school, with not one reported injury since the inception of the League in 2001. Each athlete must complete firearm safety certification before participation.

Visit https://college.usaclaytarget.com for more information.

World Archery Youth Championships Winnipeg 2025

Sunday, October 20, 2024
Written by YAH Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #archery, #worldarcherychampionship

The 2025 World Archery Youth Championships will take place in Winnipeg, Canada from August 17–24, 2025. The event will feature up to 600 athletes competing in a 10-day archery competition. 

The 2024 Canada Cup, which will take place from June 7–9, is a training opportunity for the 2025 World Archery Youth Championships. Volunteers are needed for the Canada Cup, and can help with setup, field crew positions, administration, and athlete services. To volunteer, email info@archerymanitoba and register your interest by May 13, 2024.