Shooting and schools aren’t things that normally go together these days.

Given the history of the last few years, the idea of guns at schools spawns debate among students, administrators and school boards.

Locally, perhaps the latest example of that discussion was in the Lehighton Area School District, where a proposal to establish a clay target shooting club popped up at a recent meeting.

Jason Moser, LASD superintendent, broached the topic on behalf of a local community leader who was interested in adding to the list of extracurricular activities the district offers.

He explained the activity would involve students using a shotgun to hit clay targets at an off-campus site where they could submit scores virtually and compete against other teams nationwide.

It wouldn’t cost the district a penny, he said, and the program would follow any necessary insurance requirements.

The activity is among the fastest growing high school sports. In 2024, more than 13,000 new student athletes joined the USA Clay Target League through school teams.

The movement has been expanding across the state and the nation. Organized student shooting clubs, according to some estimates, now have nearly 50,000 participants.

Though the topic got the nod of approval from a majority of the board members, some expressed concerns a school-sponsored activity should involve firearms, especially in light of the district’s strict stance on prohibiting weapons on campus.

While those concerns are valid, it’s a good bet that given the training potential club members would get, the chances of them bringing a shotgun anywhere on school grounds would be slim.

Many of us can remember school days when students would show up with a shotgun in a rack along the back window of a pickup truck, or sometimes stored in the trunk of their car to take advantage of any time after classes as hunting seasons changed.

Odds of that happening today are relatively slim.

In this case, the program would offer more assets than liabilities.

Should the proposal move forward, Lehighton would join a good-sized group of shooting clubs sponsored by area high schools.

A club presence in Carbon County could encourage participants from adjoining districts, something that’s been occurring with Marian Catholic High School students being part of the Hazleton Area School District’s competitive team.

In fact, at least two Marian students have earned college scholarships for their shooting prowess. It wouldn’t be surprising to see something similar happen if Lehighton’s program gets traction.

In a sense, a shooting club offers opportunities to student athletes who aren’t involved in things like any of the sports involving a ball.

They learn discipline and focus. It takes a good dose of both to manage their emotions, remain calm and develop a sense of self control — all of which are great skills to have in future careers.

Student shooting teams are steeped in safety. Before they can participate, they must pass comprehensive training in how to handle and use a firearm.

They’ll develop a sense of teamwork by working together — whether it be in competition or as just plain friends as they hone their skills.

Though clay target shooters don’t have to meet the demands of a star running back or shortstop, they need to develop stamina and coordination to succeed. In addition, shooting sports are often adaptable and inclusive, which allows students of all abilities to participate.

On the shooting range, everyone — girls or boys — gets the same chance to participate and improve their skills.

Perhaps best of all, the practices and competitions are all done outside, getting participants away from screens and keyboards and cellphones.

Moving forward, the board hopes to have the proposal reviewed by its solicitor to ensure compliance with any legal standards and all safety requirements.

Originally, the club was hoping to begin activities this month.

Though that part may have missed the mark, the rest of the proposal is right on target.

ED SOCHA |tneditor@tnonline

Ed Socha is a retired newspaper editor with more than 40 years’ experience in community journalism.