In rural Pennsylvania, a youth program uses shotguns and sporting clays to instill lifelong lessons in discipline, confidence—and responsibility
MANHEIM, Pa. — On Tuesday afternoons, as the sun slants low over Lancaster County, a small but growing group of kids gather at the Manheim Sportsmen’s Association. Their targets? Bright orange clay discs flying through the air. But the bigger aim isn’t just marksmanship—it’s maturity.
Welcome to Manheim Clay Sports, a youth-oriented clay shooting program that’s turning heads not just for its sharp aim but for its sharp focus on gun safety education. In a time of rising concern around firearms in America, this rural initiative is embracing a different kind of approach: early, structured exposure—with an emphasis on respect, rules, and repetition.
From Curiosity to Confidence: Building Skills and Awareness
The Manheim Clay Sports program, now three months into its weekly schedule, isn’t just about teaching kids to shoot. It’s about creating an experience that combines sport, structure, and self-awareness.
Tod Neifert, president of Manheim Clay Sports, says the program was born out of a desire to give kids—regardless of experience—a new outlet for achievement.
“The practice sessions are about allowing kids to come out and have success in something that, maybe, they don’t normally think about doing,” said Neifert.
Each Tuesday practice welcomes children of all experience levels, from complete beginners to those with prior exposure to firearms. What binds them together is the strict protocol around safety first, fun second—a mantra that Neifert says is deeply ingrained in every session.
How Manheim Trains: A Blend of Discipline and Enjoyment
The typical session at the Manheim Sportsmen’s Association unfolds with methodical structure—starting with gun handling basics before a single clay disc is launched.
Here’s how a typical afternoon plays out:
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Safety briefing: covering muzzle awareness, trigger discipline, and protective gear
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Dry-fire practice: no live ammunition, just repetitions of safe movements
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Controlled live-fire drills: one-on-one supervision with coaches
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Group rotation: kids alternate between stations and skill levels
“Gun safety is paramount,” Neifert stressed. “If taught properly in the beginning of people handling guns, it sticks with you your whole life—it becomes muscle memory.”
Instructors frequently pause to correct technique or reinforce rules. Kids are expected to repeat safety steps before and after each round.
Why Gun Safety Matters More Than Ever
The United States has more guns than people. Yet structured, age-appropriate firearms education is often lacking, especially outside of rural or hunting communities. That’s something Manheim Clay Sports is actively trying to address.
Firearm Stats in Youth Context (U.S. 2024)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Households with firearms | 45% (Pew Research) |
| Gun-related deaths (under 18) | ~2,590 annually (CDC) |
| States requiring gun safety in schools | 4 states |
| States allowing youth clay target teams | 39 states |
Clay shooting, unlike many sports, requires instant accountability. There are no second chances if safety is ignored. This intensity, oddly enough, is part of the draw for many parents and participants.
Not Just Boys: A More Inclusive Range
While shooting sports are traditionally male-dominated, Manheim’s program is intentionally inclusive. Girls are actively encouraged to join, and several are already excelling in the discipline.
“It’s about precision, calmness under pressure, and following procedure. That has no gender,” said volunteer coach Alicia Hartman, a former collegiate shooter.
Participants range from age 10 to 17. All use scaled equipment appropriate for their size and strength. Parents often stay to observe—some even sign up for their own lessons after watching their children.
The Bigger Picture: Rural Sports and Community Connection
For many local families, Manheim Clay Sports is more than a Tuesday event—it’s become a hub for community interaction.
In Lancaster County, where agriculture and tradition run deep, hunting and target shooting are common pastimes. But organized, youth-focused programs like this one are rare.
“There’s this belief that kids will misuse firearms if they’re exposed too early,” said Neifert. “But the opposite is often true—education removes mystery. It replaces fear with respect.”
And for kids who may not excel in team sports or academics, the shooting range offers a level playing field. Success comes from attention to detail, not speed or size.
Parents Weigh In: Praise, Hesitations, and New Perspectives
Not every parent is immediately on board with the idea of firearms. But many report changed minds after attending sessions.
Some common reactions include:
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Initial concern: “I was nervous about guns and kids mixing.”
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Growing trust: “The safety protocols are like nothing I’ve ever seen.”
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Renewed pride: “I’ve seen my son focus in ways school never triggered.”
And some kids—after weeks of hesitant participation—find themselves transformed.
“Before this, my daughter was shy and never tried anything competitive,” said one mother. “Now she asks me to take her to the range early.”
What’s Next: Expanding Reach, One Disc at a Time
Manheim Clay Sports hopes to extend its reach with fall competitions and a junior league format. There are also talks of launching satellite programs in neighboring counties.
The program is volunteer-driven and community-funded, meaning donations and local partnerships are essential to growth. Neifert and his team are working on grants and sponsorships to keep ammunition and range time free for kids.
Their long-term goal? To be a model program for responsible youth firearm education across the state—and perhaps beyond.
