The underlying focus of the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is to encourage juniors age 10-20 year of age to participate in organized firearms training programs emphasizing safe handling of small bore rifles while fostering good sportsmanship and improving their overall shooting abilities.
As part of it's affiliation with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) the San Jose Zouaves conducts an active Juniors program on the second Saturday of every month. Juniors aged 10 through 20 are encouraged to come out with their parent(s) or legal guardian and learn SAFETY and marksmanship. Juniors use bolt action .22 caliber rifles on a 50 foot target range. Safety and good sportsmanship are fostered while teaching marksmanship. Parents are encouraged to participate with their juniors.
Group and individual participation is encouraged. We currently have as some of our group participants: 4-H Clubs, Royal Rangers, Boy Scouts, and Jr. R.O.T.C.
While all are welcome at any time, it is recommended that interested parties contact the San Jose Zouaves at least 2 weeks in advance, as we are a strictly volunteer organization, and require some notice in order to mobilize an adequate staff for large groups. Also on occasion we have scheduled a group large enough to occupy our full capacity, and have no further facilities for that month.
We can accommodate the needs of various clubs/organizations which have specific requirements for meritorious awards for marksmanship. In the recent past this has included training and support for individual Juniors who shoot well enough to participate in California State Competition and National Competition at Camp Perry, Ohio.
The San Jose Zouaves also have the capability of training the Junior participant in the cleaning and general maintenance of the rifles. This can be extended include training sessions for the Junior who is newly enlisted in the U. S. Armed Forces, while awaiting their travel orders.
At this time the standard Juniors Program is available at no cost to the Junior participant. While it is our goal to continue that policy, it has to be reevaluated from time to time to assure that it fits within our All Volunteer budget. The Friends of the NRA has been providing grants to help fund the Juniors Program. These Friends of the NRA grants have enabled the club to purchase .22 caliber rifles, mats and spotting scopes in support of the Juniors Program.
All junior's must have a signed Junior Consent Form to participate in the marksmanship program.
In charge of our Juniors Program are:
Dean Thames - Junior Training Co-Ordinator
Jim Hallum - Junior Training Co-Ordinator
For more information regarding the San Jose Zouaves Juniors Program:
Email: events@zouaves.org