The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina will be holding a dedication ceremony for its new rifle range, the Van Camp Family Shooting Range, at YMCA Camp Hanes on Saturday, May 25, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. with the ceremony beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Camp Hanes is honored to name the shooting range after the Van Camp family in recognition of their long-lasting financial and programmatic support.
Riflery has been a program at YMCA Camp Hanes since 1927. Camp Hanes’ original riflery area had been used since the 1920s, with a shelter being built in the 1940s. The Van Camp family have made a financial contribution of $225,000 to provide campers with a quality experience and to create an endowment for future support.
Working with partner North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Camp Hanes began construction of a new building and location for the range in 2023, with support from the Van Camp family.
“I was very blessed to be able to attend summer camps as a youth,” said Robert Van Camp. “My father and grandfather were both Marines, and at a young age I was instructed on gun safety and marksmanship. At one summer camp, I was part of the rifle team for five years and achieved my expert qualification.
“I still have all my medals,” he said. “They remind me of that special time in my life. That platform gave me a sense of achievement, belonging, and helped me build relationships with fellow campers and staff — all of which are part of Camp Hanes’ core mission.
“In supporting this new range, my family and I wanted to ensure campers have an educated, memorable and high quality experience that they’ll treasure for years to come as I have.”
Designed with safety as the number one priority, the range meets American Camp Association standards and is accessed by gate that includes pulley system targets and maintains locks on storage. To reduce the risk of rounds leaving the range, shooting tunnels, a roof overhang and back and side berms have been incorporated.
Additionally, in accordance with all other ranges at camp, it will be staffed with a certified Range Safety Officer and heavily supervised.
With a new range comes additional benefits to campers and the community. The rifle program has been updated, and a marksmanship program has been implemented.
Campers will be provided with an opportunity to master safe gun handling and marksmanship skills while learning about the sport of target shooting in a safe and controlled environment. To participate in shooting sports, they are required to have signed documentation.
Campers will have an opportunity to use the range beginning summer 2024.
“We are grateful for the Van Camp family’s continued investment in our camp and the Y mission, they continue to make a positive impact on our community and those that we serve,” said Jen de Ridder, executive director of Camp Hanes. “Having the Van Camp Family Shooting Range enhances our ability to provide programming that develops our campers’ sense of responsibility, respect and focus, helping mold them into the leaders of tomorrow.”
YMCA Camp Hanes will also be able to partner with high school and community shooting teams for competitions and trainings. When summer camp, which runs June-August, is not in session, the range will be open for public use for a fee. Safety policies and procedures will be maintained.
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