SCTP / SPP* programs involve youths who may never have had an opportunity to learn firearm safety and be involved in being part of a team that promotes teamwork, leadership, responsibility and selfconfidence. It is one of the best programs to develop youths into responsible adults and [support] character development that will serve them a lifetime. It also does away with the myth of generation gap and improves the importance of goal setting.

It has given our local kids a different kind of sports activity to be involved in. It also is great to see the girls shooting right along next to the boys. We have so many kids who are not the very physical type. I also like that we as a club make sure the kids are getting passing grades in order to shoot. We as a team work with the kids on safety at every practice. Most of our kids have never shot before, and this is their first time holding a gun.

 I am writing to you as both a SSSF – SCTP coach and parent of a student athlete.  I would like to extend my gratitude to the staff of the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation for the All-Scholastic Team program.  I realize that the SSSF is the leader in youth development shooting sports programs.  By utilizing a combination of education and athletics, the goal is to enhance the growth and personal development of the student athlete.
     One of my team’s athletes, my son, was selected as a member of the 2020 SSSF All-Scholastic Team so I would like to speak to you firsthand about my experience with the All-Scholastic Team program.  By providing this opportunity of recognition to the student athletes, it allows coaches and parents a catalyst to promote scholastic improvement and classroom motivation that otherwise may not be there for every athlete.  I have challenged my team to step up and provide me with the GPA needed to be able to write each of them a letter of recommendation to the SSSF next year so that they too will be considered and possibly recognized as a 2021 All-Scholastic Team member.  I plan to continue to use this program as a motivational tactic to address and hopefully improve any scholastic issues that may arise throughout the school year.
     I have also been a National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) coach in the past and this program was originally developed as an attempt to accomplish the same goal and the SSSF All-Scholastic Team.  The ultimate goal is to capture the attention and desire of the student’s outdoor passions and utilize them to help the student to stay in school and stay focused on learning and improving scholastically.
     In closing, thank you again to the staff of the SSSF for all you do for our youth, they are the future of the shooting sports and our country.  Just like any precious resource, we must nurture and develop them so they will be able to thrive and be successful.