Accident Prevention & Safety Basics (CFSF1)

Safety begins long before a child ever handles a firearm. This lesson teaches children how to recognize potentially unsafe situations, what to do if they encounter an unsecured firearm, and the basic behaviors that help prevent accidents. Participants also learn the fundamental rules for being safe around firearms.

Firearms Heritage & Use (CFSF2)

Firearms have played an important role throughout American history and remain tools used for recreation, competition, hunting, personal protection, and other lawful purposes. This lesson provides age-appropriate context about firearms, their place in American life, and the responsibilities that accompany their ownership and use.

Range Rules & Etiquette (CFSF3)

A shooting range can be unfamiliar and intimidating to a new shooter. This lesson prepares children for what they will see and hear at the range, the commands and rules they will be expected to follow, and the behavior necessary to make their first range experiences safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.

Firearms Safety Rules (CFSF4)

Safe firearm handling depends on habits that apply regardless of the firearm or shooting activity involved. This lesson teaches the universal firearm safety rules in a clear, memorable way so children understand not only what the rules are, but how to apply them consistently.

Shooting Fundamentals (CFSF5)

Children are introduced to the fundamental skills involved in accurate and responsible shooting, including the purpose of each fundamental and how the skills work together. This foundation prepares students for future dry-fire or live-fire instruction when appropriate.

Firearms Familiarization: Long Guns (CFSF6)

This lesson introduces children to common types of rifles and shotguns, how they function, and the basic characteristics that distinguish them. Familiarization replaces mystery and misinformation with an age-appropriate understanding of firearms and reinforces safe, responsible behavior around them.

Firearms Familiarization: Handguns (CFSF7)

This lesson introduces children to common types of handguns, their basic parts and operation, and the differences they may encounter among them. The goal is familiarity and understanding—not simply handling a firearm—while reinforcing the safety principles taught throughout the program.

This course can be taught either as a group class and as private instruction, although the group class is more common and more economical.  Private instruction is always individually scheduled and requires contact with the instructor (click button above to connect with an instructor).

What to expect at a shooting range and the foundational skills and behaviors required for safe shooting.

There are no prior firearms-training prerequisites for this course. Because children mature at different rates, the appropriate lessons and level of participation may vary based on the child’s age, maturity, experience, and the judgment of the instructor and parent or guardian.

The complete curriculum can also be divided into focused Mini-Classes, allowing families and groups to select instruction appropriate to their particular needs.

Mini-Classes (1–1.5 hours each):

1. Accident Prevention & Safety Basics (CFSF1)
2. Firearms Heritage & Use (CFSF2)
3. Range Rules & Etiquette (CFSF3)
4. Firearms Safety Rules (CFSF4)
5. Shooting Fundamentals (CFSF5)
6. Firearms Familiarization: Long Guns (CFSF6)
7. Firearms Familiarization: Handguns (CFSF7)

Children’s Firearm Safety Fundamentals is taught by members of the Intrepid Instructor Team experienced in introducing young people to firearm safety and responsible shooting. Instruction is adapted to the child’s age, maturity, and experience, with an emphasis on safety, understanding, confidence, and positive learning experiences.

If you are considering firearm-safety education for your child, start with a conversation with an instructor. We can discuss your child’s age, previous experience, your goals as a parent or guardian, and which portions of the program are most appropriate.

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