About Us

Learn more about this nationally recognized and award-winning team

We are deeply committed to fostering the future of youth marksmanship.

At the California Grizzlies, we firmly believe in the transformative power of this sport and recognize the positive impact it can have on the physical, mental, and character development of young individuals. We provide a distinctive learning experience where juniors refine essential life skills—discipline, focus, and resilience—alongside their marksmanship abilities.

Established in 2003, the California Grizzlies, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, proudly stands as California's State junior marksmanship team. Catering to youth aged 13-20, our program is dedicated to cultivating leadership through comprehensive training in firearm safety, precision shooting, and competitive spirit. This fosters personal growth and self-regulation and instills a sense of responsibility and teamwork. With a track record spanning over two decades, the Grizzlies are celebrated as one of the nation's elite junior rifle teams.

Our dedicated programs and initiatives provide a safe and inclusive environment where young individuals can develop their advanced marksmanship skills, build self-confidence, instill core values such as dedication, respect, and sportsmanship, and forge lifelong friendships. Our experienced coaches, mentors, and partners are passionate about guiding and inspiring the next generation of shooters, ensuring that they receive the necessary training, guidance, and support to excel in their marksmanship journey.

We recognize the importance of investing in the youth, as they represent the future of marksmanship. By nurturing their passion for shooting and providing them with the necessary resources, we aim to empower them to reach their full potential and become life-long ambassadors for the sport.

To learn more about how the program, please contact hello@calgrizzlies.org.

THE GRIZZLY GOAL

The Grizzly strives for personal excellence and unwavering team spirit. Embracing victories with humility and accepting defeats with grace, both on and off the range, exemplify our ethos. A Grizzly is a mentor committed to elevating the sport by guiding newcomers of all ages and an active community contributor. The mark of a Grizzly transcends the range, influencing every facet of their future endeavors with distinction and integrity.

A Few Team Accomplishments

In 2009, The California Grizzlies Junior team was the first junior rifle and civilian team to compete and win against the military teams to win the Infantry Trophy (NTIT) in over 79 Years. Linked below is the Congressional recognition.

The California Grizzlies claim three new national records at 2021 National Rifle Matches. Details covered in CMP's Fall 2021 newsletter starting on page 4.

This competitive sporting team was created in 2003 and since then it has had over 135 juniors join, compete and represent this state team.

Learn More

Prior California Grizzlies Junior, Spc. Sagen Maddalena of the Army Marksmanship Unit, from Groveland, CA competed in the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2021. Listen to her CMP Podcast.

Listen to Podcast

Competing at Nationals

Every year, the incredible California Grizzlies team embarks on an exciting journey to Camp Perry, Ohio. This remarkable adventure spans two weeks during the summer, where the team participates in educational training and competes in the prestigious National Matches.

Prior to this grand event, the team undergoes an intensive week of training, expertly led by the highly regarded Jim O'Connell. Mark your calendars because this year's Nationals will take place from July 20, 2024, to August 4, 2024.

LEARN MORE

Grizzlies Learning Experience

Coaching Expertise

The team has access to some of the best skilled precision shooters in the country who have multiple decades worth of individual experience and coaching. Every junior will gain the experience of competing against other juniors and adult shooters. They team the Juniors a sense of healthy competition, progress and sportsmanship.

Marksmanship Skills

Opportunities to learn, develop, train and compete. This is a lifelong and multi-generational sport. For Juniors it combines education and athletics. Individuals have visibility of their skill progression and develop proficiency in accuracy, speed and precision in target shootin. Its a sport that requires attention to detail, personal responsibility, organization, and consistent discipline.

Safety Protocols

Grizzlies place paramount importance on creating a safe environment in which to learn and compete. Juniors will learn safety protocols and proper firearm handling and storage. This instills a culture of responsibility and ensures the well-being of participants.

Character Development

We are dedicated to providing our juniors with opportunities for growth and personal development that will shape them into successful adults. Juniors not only learn the intricacies of the sport, but experience a comprehensive approach focusing on individual and team competition, fostering mental and physical endurance, developing social and emotional skills, and cultivate their academic pursuits.