DOYLE, TN – The National Rifle Association awarded the Tennessee Future Farmers of America (FFA) with a grant for supplies and materials to construct twelve shooting benches for the rifle range at Camp Clements FFA Leadership Training Camp. The camp is in Doyle and more than 1,200 high school agricultural education students and advisors attend camp annually. 

The rifle range at Camp Clements was in great need of shooting benches. Prior to the benches, participants were required to lie down while shooting. That position was not conducive to accurate target shooting and limited the student’s ability to practice safe handling of fire arms. The shooting benches allow participants to easily load the guns and take better aim while being more comfortable shooting. They are designed to accommodate a right or left handed shooter. 

The benches were constructed by Dr. Ben Byler, chairman of the Tennessee FFA Foundation, Inc. and the Cookeville FFA Chapter of Cookeville High School. 

The goals and objectives of the rifle range program are: (1) Enhance understanding and respect for firearms and hunter safety. (2) Increase interest in wildlife and natural resources conservation. (3) Introduce the proper use of firearms. The implementation of shooting benches at the rifle range contributes to the overall goals and objectives of the Leadership Training Camp. 

Camp Clements was founded in 1928 and was the first FFA camp in the nation. Students have the opportunity to learn about agriculture and leadership through various classes, leadership workshops, ropes course activities, and athletic competitions. Students are also able to kayak the Caney Fork River, swim in the Olympic size swimming pool and shoot at the rifle range. 

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Nationally, there are 610,240 FFA members, aged 12-21. The Tennessee FFA Association is comprised of more than 13,000 members from 214 high school chapters, seven middle school chapters, and eight collegiate chapters across the state of Tennessee.

Photo caption: Cookeville Future Farmers of America members build shooting benches for the Rifle Range at Tennessee FFA Leadership Training Camp in Doyle.