Kids get hands-on shooting, archery and fishing lessons in LeRoy

LEROY, Minn (KTTC) -- Dozens of kids in grades kindergarten through eighth grade were able to have a hands-on experience today at the LeRoy Rod and Gun Club Saturday. The club held its First Annual Summer Fun Day. Children learned how to shoot guns, tried out some archery and learned new techniques when it comes to casting fishing lines. Organizers said the event is more about just having fun outdoors, it's also about teaching children about safety when it comes to these activities, especially with handling firearms. "For part of it, it's a safety deal," LeRoy Rod and Gun Club President Nathan Frazer said. "For families that have firearms at home, kids learn to respect them, and when they aren't curious about them so much, then they are used in the appropriate way. I would say that's the probably the biggest thing. The other side of it is getting them outside, getting them away from the video games, especially these days. Give them something else to do." Kendra Groth will will be a 6th grader at LeRoy-Ostrander Public School. She has been hunting and fishing for the past few years. She said it's something she loves to do with her family. Kendra shot her first deer last year. "It's fun to learn it," Kendra said. "It's really fun to do. It makes me happy, and it just gives me something to do that's fun." The younger kids shot BB guns and the older kids shot .22 rifles. Raffle prizes were also given out. The kids received a trap-shoot demonstration from area high school students. Frazer many local businesses and residents donated money and ammo to support the event.