As a national conversation rages over the role of guns in school and the age of firearm purchases, one American Legion is doing their part to encourage responsible firearm training for teenagers.

An Arizona American Legion is hosting a Junior Shooting Sports Program to train teenagers between the ages of 10 to 17 how to responsibly use firearms. The kids practice firing competition air rifles inside the American Legion Post on a range in the building.

“It’s a very disciplined sport, a very structured sport,” said Michael Simon, American Legion Post commander told a local CBS affiliate. Simon is one of the American Legion instructors who regularly teaches the teens responsible firearm usage and targeting. Simon says that mastery of the sport can lead to the kids receiving college scholarships and even a shot at the Olympics.

Both the summer and winter Olympics feature some form of competitive shooting.

The American Legion is offing the courses and training to boys and girls at no cost. Simon says there has “never been an accident,” and that “All it takes is your time.”

Arizona’s Family