The Scholastic Trapshooting Program is a youth development program focused on providing young people with a positive experience in the sport of trapshooting.  Nationally, more than 8,000 youths from 41 states participate. It is an opportunity for young people to participate in a supervised shooting sports program that emphasizes safety and skill development in clay target shooting. The program focuses on teaching sound shooting fundamentals, safe firearms handling, commitment, responsibility, leadership and teamwork.

All young people 9 years and older are welcome. They participate in three divisions: Rookie (5th grade or below), Intermediate (grades 6 through 8) and Senior (grades 9 through 12).  The senior and intermediate divisions has two categories based on the participants level of achievement.

Independent local teams are the core of the SCTP program. Schools, youth groups, trap clubs, etc. recruit participants and form teams.   The local SCTP programs usually start each year in the late fall.  Teams set their own practice schedules and participate in competitive events scheduled throughout the season.   The California State Shoot (mid June) concludes the season.   Winners from the State Shoot are eligible to participate in the SCTP National Championships held at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta, Illinois.

LOCAL, STATE & NATIONAL COMPETITION
Throughout the year, local clubs sponsor competitive events. Event dates and programs are posted on the Events page. The usual format is 100 targets. These events provide an opportunity for the shooters and parents to meet and build new friendships.

In mid-June the SCTP, Kingsburg Gun Club and CGSTA host the California State Shoot. The state shoot is organized as a squad event. Teams from throughout the state enter squads following SCTP National rules. In addition, California conducts an individual competition. All bona fide California SCTP shooters are welcome to compete. Consult the State Shoot page for more details.

National Championships are held in early August at the World Shooting Complex in Sparta, IL. Winners from state competitions meet to determine a national champion. In 2008 over 1700 shooters competed in the National Championships. For more details visit the National Championship page.

JUNIOR OLYMPICS
Partnered with USA Shooting, SCTP's young athletes can receive training in international (Olympic) trap. Special arrangements between USA Shooting and the SCTP allow clubs without a bunker to train athletes using a common "wobble" trap. During the summer, qualification matches are held at the state level with the winners advancing to national competition at the Olympic Training Facility in Colorado.