ANDERSON — Boy Scout Troop 361 from Lapel worked on its rifle merit badge recently at Anderson Rifle and Pistol Club, where the instructors are members. The youth were given lessons on rifle history, mechanics and safety, as well as the proper cleaning method. It was stressed several times to treat a gun as if it is loaded and to never point a gun in the direction of any person. The youth were also told if they ever go to a friend’s and the friend wants to show them a gun without adults present to say no, and if the friend does get the gun, to leave the building. After a lengthy safety talk, the youth were allowed to shoot at their targets from a sitting position. The goal was to place three shots in an area that could be covered by a quarter, which most of the youth did several times. The youth were taught how to stop breathing when they pull the trigger and how to use a rest to be more accurate. They also learned what range rules apply and how important it is to have one person in charge of the range. The main goal of the class is to teach youth the proper safe way to shoot a rifle and to respect the distance a bullet can travel and still do damage. The youth might return to the club in the next few months to learn proper handling of pistols, which is more difficult than rifles and will require more safety instructions and demonstrations. The youth earned their Rifle Merit Badge. Pictured above holding their shooting targets (from left, front row) are: McKayla Burgess (guest), Tyler Shinabarger, Dillon Kroening, Brendon Delaplane and Conner Krompack; (back row) Aaron West, Brady Holsinger and Logan Burgess.