Camp Woodland Blog

…The Riflery range that is!  It is my favorite place at Camp Woodland by a long shot J and was my #1 favorite activity for at least 6 summers as a camper.  The Riflery program is one of the most competitive and rewarding program at camp, which makes it an incredible fun learning experience – and only gets better with time! There are 14 levels to pass and a hard road to becoming an EXPERT. Yes, but as you work your way up to more points and different shooting positions the excitement and satisfactions becomes uncontrollable!

Be warned: this skill improving and concentration level-improving activity creates an addiction.  The symptoms include:

• Obsessions over safety rules
• Improvement of eye-sight
• Strengthening of arm and back muscles and a general development of good and empowering attitude towards obstacles and life in general!

There are 14 steps to take up the ladder towards expertise and consists of 4 positions:

• Prone (lying down)
• Kneeling
• Sitting
• standing

We start with Prone (lying down) starting at 20pts (out of 50), going up to 25, 30, 35, and 40 points with each level.  From there you go up to sitting, kneeling, and finally standing – an achievement in itself even if you don’t make it all the way to the end.  That moment when you can get off the floor and be confident enough to hold your own rifle is nothing short of magical.  I think it is the measurable improvement of skill, which is quite evident here at the range that makes this one of the most popular and loved activities in Woodland.  That and the Towering Pines Camp exchange (a chance for the boys and girls to interact in spirit of sportsmanship!) Did I mention we beat them this year too? In the spirit of this summer’s theme – All We Can Be – is fun-loving, safe, and strong at the same time.

Ps. On a bit of a personal note, I am in love with this place, and wouldn’t dream of spending my summer’s anywhere but up here! The range is just the place to be in 1-3!