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Original poster

Shooting as an activity on a school residential trip for Year 7s

43 replies

BoboChic · 10/11/2015 11:56

Acceptable? Yes or no?

OP posts:
MsMargaretHale · 10/11/2015 14:52

What exactly is the problem?
Danger? Shooting is less dangerous than skiing, riding, rugby etc. The sessions will presumably be run with safety as paramount.
Ethics? They will (I assume) be shooting targets not people or animals! Biathalon is an olympic sport.
Most children love shooting!

MrsLeighHalfpenny · 10/11/2015 14:17

If you (not you OP) don't like the contents of a trip, don't sign up for it.

Original poster
BoboChic · 10/11/2015 14:17

I can assure you the trip isn't "posh" in any shape or form Grin. The accommodation looks appropriately grim and foreboding Wink

OP posts:
yeOldeTrout · 10/11/2015 14:14

Cor, blimey, biathlon? Snow? Posh school, eh?

It would be fine by me & I would look a bit Hmm at another parent making a big fuss about it. Just send 'em on another trip this yr if you don't like.

Witchend · 10/11/2015 14:13

We did CCF in school. The school had a whole armoury and a range. Adds to my street cred with ds' friends when I mention it Grin

Original poster
BoboChic · 10/11/2015 14:05

I'm not complaining, btw. Some parents are complaining so I thought I'd canvass opinion on here to see what general thoughts came up.

OP posts:
Original poster
BoboChic · 10/11/2015 14:04

They will be ski-ing as well as shooting (biathlon), in the snow, so it's not an opt-out for non-sporty DC.

OP posts:
MrsLeighHalfpenny · 10/11/2015 13:40

And would you also complain about, say, archery?

MrsLeighHalfpenny · 10/11/2015 13:39

What's the problem? If they make shooting optional, they'll have to make all the activities optional, which a) would be a night mare to administer, and b) is not the point of a school trip.

Everyone has to do things they don't like sometimes, if they are doing something as part of a group. You can't please all of the people all of the time.

What exactly is your point? Do you want to be able to opt DS out (and if so, why), or what??

IndridCold · 10/11/2015 13:35

It is very good discipline for encouraging quiet and concentration. A properly run session spends time on the safety briefings, which are a valuable reminder that guns are dangerous and must always be handled correctly.

Finally, as a PP has pointed out, it often happens that the non-sporty DCs shine in this discipline.

So in short, no problem at all.

titchy · 10/11/2015 13:08

What's the problem? They won't be shooting each other I assume.

honeysucklejasmine · 10/11/2015 12:56

I really don't think they can force a gun in to your child's hand and make them shoot.

Have you had a word with the organiser?

randomsabreuse · 10/11/2015 12:50

Fine - so long as fully qualified instructors etc in place. Good to have something skills based!

Original poster
BoboChic · 10/11/2015 12:48

The trip isn't compulsory, but if you go on it (and the DC are expected to) then shooting is part and parcel of it.

OP posts:
honeysucklejasmine · 10/11/2015 12:47

I am not sure it can possibly be compulsory, as you suggest. If you don't want your child doing it, say so. They'll prob have to sit on sidelines and watch unless they are significant numbers also withdrawing.

Shooting is an Olympic sport, after all.

Original poster
BoboChic · 10/11/2015 12:45

Not an option, however.

OP posts:
Seeline · 10/11/2015 12:00

My Ds has done this with Cubs and Scouts (air rifles I think) and has really enjoyed it. Fine as long all the safety measures are in place and Instructors are properly qualified.
I think it's a nice option on an activity holiday as it gives a chance for those that aren't good at climbing/assault courses/daredevils to shine.

AuntieStella · 10/11/2015 11:58

Not a problem to me, assuming proper range standards.

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