Shelby, NC - The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office helped area youth of Cross Trail Outfitters Foothills celebrate Veteran's Day in a unique way. With many of the deputies being Veteran's the competitors and spectators were able to thank a vet in person and have a wonderful day on the shooting range. The Foothills Public Shooting Complex of Cleveland County opened for the event on Friday, October 10, 2017 at 9 am to welcome Cross Trail Outfitter's youth and the officers they were paired with to the 2nd Annual Cops and Kids Skeet Shoot.
This event was the idea of, Cleveland County Deputy, Nathan Hester and was designed to help law enforcement engage in the community and build relationships with the kids of Cleveland County. It seemed a natural fit to coordinate with Cross Trail Outfitters Youth Hunting & Fishing Club. Cross Trail Outfitters is a national organization dedicated to providing mentorship, training and assets for kids to experience hunting and fishing, while ensuring a wholesome and fun environment where participants can grow in knowledge and reverence of God. The core mission of Cross Trail Outfitters is "Guiding the next generation to Christ through the outdoors."
"Cross Trail Outfitters is fortunate to have a partner like The NRA Foundation. The assistance that our organization receives through the foundation's grant program provides the means to get more young people outside into God's creation," says Chip Camp, Foothills CTO Outfitter. The National Rifle Association provides shot gun shells for the event, as well as, some of the shotguns that participates are able to borrow for this event.
This year's tournament hosted 19 teams of youth ages 9-18 paired with Cleveland County Law Enforcement. While Cross Trail Outfitters is mostly a boy's organization, girls can join and participate in most events. Two female participants and 1 female deputy competed with the 35 guys in the tournament.
1st: Hunter Lail & John Owens
2nd: Eli Roberts & Travis Glover
3rd: Colby Ferguson & Mark Blanton
4th: Myles Summey & Tracy Curry
If you want to have fun with a great bunch of people while learning new outdoor skills in a Christian setting, everyone is welcome to attend Cross Trail Outfitters Sportsman's Night. This monthly gathering is held on the first Monday of every month at 6:30 PM at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Shelby. Please check the CTO Foothills Facebook page for updates or contact Chip Camp for further information.
Cross Trail Outfitters Foothills would like to thank the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office and Foothills Public Shooting Complex of Cleveland County for their support, the privilege of partnership and for allowing our area youth to have a great day, outdoors in a safe environment.
For more information contact: Chip Camp: ccamp@teamcto.org or 704-473-3833.
Submitted by Jackie Sibley