Camp Receives Grant from YSSA

Thanks to the grant-writing efforts of camp volunteers Don Koehler and Larry Davis, the Board of Directors of the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) selected Camp Ondessonk to receive an in-kind grant of equipment and supplies for the 2015 Summer Camp season.

The much-appreciated gifts included 5 cases of .22 target cartridges, 20 shooting glasses, and 3 firearms cleaning kits with a value of more than $1,500, according to Steve Miller, Executive Director of YSSA.

The YSSA donation came on the heels of a decision to initiate construction of a new rifle range shooting and storage shelter. The project has been dreamt about for several years. Construction is being spearheaded by former camp staff member Norb Garvey and several skilled volunteers. The old rifle range pavilion was dismantled in mid-March by members of the Springfield and Tri-State Lodge tribes. New construction will begin by mid-April with an anticipated completion date of mid-May 2015; just in time for summer camp. A portion of our project funding goal is still being sought by Ondessonk’s Board of Directors, who are currently focusing their fundraising activities on this project. If you are interested in giving, please contact a board member or Dan King.

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) was organized to address two important challenges regarding the recruitment and retention of new shooters:

• Identify and support the needs of successful and safe youth programs
• Provide leadership in the development and promotion of family-friendly shooting range facilities to encourage continued participation in the shooting sports

Camp Ondessonk is excited about these developments within our target sports program, and the continued support from volunteers and friends. Come see our new rifle range pavilion and equipment at the 2015 Open House on May 30, 2015!

Camp Receives Grant from YSSA