Inspiring the Next Generation: How CMP Is Shaping the Future of Youth Marksmanship

“Whether or not they stick with shooting, we’re teaching life lessons that stay with them forever.” – Ryan Henson, Civilian Marksmanship Program

At ACME Machine, we believe precision, safety, and mentorship are the building blocks of responsible firearm ownership. That’s why we proudly support organizations like the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP)—a federally chartered nonprofit with a mission that aligns with our core values: firearm safety, marksmanship, and youth development.

In this featured interview, Ryan Henson of CMP shares powerful insight into the reach and impact of the program’s youth initiatives. From Olympic-style rifle camps to partnerships with 4-H and the American Legion, CMP is building far more than competitive shooters—they’re building confident leaders and responsible citizens.

Watch the full interview below to hear how CMP is shaping young lives through the discipline of marksmanship.

Watch Now: CMP’s Ryan Henson Talks Youth, Safety, and Opportunity in Shooting Sports

What You'll Learn in the Interview:

• What CMP stands for and how it supports youth across the nation

• The scale of CMP’s impact: tens of thousands of juniors trained annually

• The educational and Olympic-track programs CMP operates—including its Junior Rifle Camps

• Financial accessibility: CMP’s partnerships and scholarship opportunities

• How to get started in shooting sports, even without gear

• Ryan’s personal story of how rifle shooting transformed his life and future

ACME Machine: Proud to Support the Mission

As a longtime supporter of youth and veteran shooting initiatives, ACME Machine proudly partners with organizations like CMP and the Veteran’s Family Brigade to provide the tools young shooters need to thrive.

Our rifles, such as the ACME AM-15 and AM-10 platforms, have been trusted by competitors at CMP Nationals, NRA events, and junior clinics across the country. But more than hardware, we believe in mentorship, education, and opening doors for the next generation.

Want to Get Involved?

If you’re a parent or young shooter looking to get started, the best place to begin is CMP’s Competition Tracker. Visit:

> ct.thecmp.org

• Search for local clubs by city and state

• Filter by shooting discipline (air rifle, pistol, high power, etc.)

• Find competitions, training opportunities, and youth programs near you

Many clubs offer loaner gear, so families can explore the sport affordably before investing in equipment.

Final Thoughts from Ryan

“It’s a sport for everybody—and a sport for life. If your child is curious about shooting, give it a try. We’ll teach safety, confidence, and skills they can carry for a lifetime.”

Ready to Join the Mission?

ACME Machine is committed to advancing marksmanship education. If you’re interested in:

• Sponsoring junior events

• Donating equipment

• Highlighting youth champions on our blog or social media

Contact us today or reach out to Julia Watson-Carlson at juliawatson.acme@gmail.com to get involved.

Together, we're building more than just rifles—we're building a legacy of excellence, one youth marksman at a time.