At Scout camps across the country each year, hundreds of thousands of Scouts and Venturers participate in shooting sports activities — archery, rifle shooting, shotgun shooting, pistol shooting and more. Trained adult volunteers ensure they have safe and rewarding experience.
Shooting sports are one of the many ways Scouting teaches character to young people. And the NRA/BSA Brownell Youth Ambassador program is one of the many ways Scouting strengthens the shooting sports community.
The Boy Scouts of America this month named the 2017-2018 youth ambassadors: James Frasier Jr., a 16-year-old Eagle Scout from Queen Creek, Ariz.; and Kaleb Rulon, a 17-year-old Eagle Scout from Arcadia, Ind.
In January, James and Kaleb will travel to the National Shootings Sports Foundation’s annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas. They’ll attend meetings, visit and thank sponsors, and support the mission of the BSA.
They’ll also attend the NRA’s annual meeting — set for May in Dallas — to discuss ways to strengthen both groups.
During the rest of the year, they’ll offer insight on decisions regarding the BSA’s shooting sports program and write articles and blog posts for the NRA.
Meet James
James Frasier Jr. is a 16-year-old Eagle Scout from Queen Creek, Ariz. He is the vice president of administration for the Grand Canyon Council’s Venturing Officers Association.
He’s still in high school — with a 3.98 GPA, no less — but is already taking college courses.
James is a certified expert in shotgun shooting and competes on his school’s swimming, wrestling and baseball teams. He has participated in high-adventure treks at Philmont, Northern Tier and Sea Base — meaning he has qualified for and received the Triple Crown of High Adventure Award.
James wants to attend the U.S. Naval Academy and become an officer in the Navy.
As an NRA Youth Ambassador, James wants to promote the growth of shooting sports-focused Venturing crews and create a councilwide shooting competition.
“My goal is to help as many youth as possible to put down their phones, computers and videogames and go outside and see and experience the world,” he says.
Meet Kaleb
Kaleb Rulon is a 17-year-old Eagle Scout from Arcadia, Ind.
For his Eagle project, Kaleb raised $7,000 to replace an aging memorial to war veterans.
“I built the monument to last a lifetime, and I hope to be able to take my grandchildren there some day to show them my project and share my love of Scouts, God and country,” he says.
Kaleb is skilled in a range of shooting disciplines, including shotgun, archery, muzzle-loader, pistol, rifle, and long-range rifle. He has won a number of state and national-level honors and competitions and has even given back by serving as an NRA Junior Shotgun Instructor.
In school, Kaleb is a member of the National Honor Society, the Business Professionals of America and is president of the local chapter of the National FFA Organization. After high school, he wants to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.
“I love learning how things work and thinking about how to make them better, which is why engineering is my passion.”
As ambassador, Kaleb wants to help the BSA and the NRA work together to enhance the BSA’s programs for youth.
“I know that I am the best person to bridge the gap between the NRA and the BSA because of my ability to relate to both groups and make connections between them,” he says.
Become a future NRA Youth Ambassador
Find the application, and lots more info about the BSA’s shooting sports programs, at this link.
Learn more about the BSA’s shooting sports programs
Your best bet is the comprehensive, well-written Boy Scouts of America National Shooting Sports Manual.
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