Crew 568 Information Page

Membership

Crew 568 is open to male and female youth, ages 14-21, that are not prohibited by law from handling firearms.

Cost

There is no charge for joining, and for most shooting activities. Outings typically have a nominal charge to cover expenses. Members are expected to acquire a Venturing uniform shirt. The cost is typically about $70.00. There are frequently shirts available for long term "borrowing", with the agreement that they are returned when you are done using them. PLEASE do not forget to return them.

Affiliation with BSA

Crew 568 is a Venture Crew, and is affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The crew is chartered by the Pajaro Valley Rod and Gun Club (PVRG). PVRG pays the crew's membership fees with the BSA.

Safety Rules

The crew uses the BSA safety rules, known as the Guide to Safe Scouting. To shoot pistols, BSA and PVRG require that youth take and pass the NRA Basic Pistol course. To shoot rifles, PVRG requires that youth take and pass the NRA Basic Rifle course. The crew has several instructors for these courses, and offers them at the regular meeting time. Note, both courses practice shooting under an instructor's supervision as part of the course. BSA also requires all shooting to be supervised by both an NRA certified Range Safety Officer, and an NRA certified Instructor. Additional adults (over 21) may also assist with safety monitoring.

A safe attitude is a requirement. All are expected to behave responsibly in the presence of firearms. Anyone who cannot do this will be asked to leave. Consumption of alcohol or other drugs that may influence safety is strictly prohibited.

Regular Meetings

Crew 568 meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, at Pajaro Valley Rod and Gun Club's range. We start at 6:30. Typically, the 2nd Wednesday is handguns, the 4th Wednesday is rifles.At typical meeting:

6:30-6:40: Start arriving, get out any gear needed.
6:40-7:00: First shooting activity. For those doing a class, start class.
7:00: Cease Fire, for opening. Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath and Law.
7:05-8:00: Main shooting activity
8:00: Cease Fire.
8:00-8:15: Picking up brass, put away any gear or guns that are out. For those who were doing a class, conclude class, put away class gear.
8:15-8:30: Stand around and review, discuss next meeting, and next outings. Sometimes a story. Sometimes "show and tell".

Outings

Crew 568 typically has about 8 outings per year. We try to have one Super Activity each year or two. Most outings are not overnight, but instead will meet somewhere locally, drive to a range, shoot during the day, have lunch or a snack, and drive home. Some recent outings have included:

Los Altos Rod and Gun Club - Rifle, Pistol, and Trap (shotgun).
Field Sports Park in South San Jose - Rifle, Pistol, Trap or Skeet
Coyote Valley Sporting Clays in Morgan Hill - Sporting Clays (Golf with a shotgun), or Trap, or Skeet
Mt. Umunhum (Private range) OR Panoche Hills (BLM land) South of Holllister - Some of these: Long distance rifle, pistol, rapid-fire, tin-cans, shotgun, archery. Frequently with a Boy Scout Troop from Hollister, Aromas, and/or Aptos.
Gun shows in San Jose or San Francisco
Markley's indoor range in Watsonville
Rendezvous at Chesebrough Scout Reservation on Hwy 9 near Hwy 35, between Boulder Creek and Los Gatos.
Super Activities

Front Sight in Pahrump Nevada (near Las Vegas) - 4-day Defensive Handgun course.
Appleseed shoot in San Luis Obispo or Castro Valley - 2 day rifle shooting class

"Show and Tell", Bringing your own firearms

"Show and Tell" is encouraged. This is frequently for the review portion of the meeting. Youth (and adults) can bring their own firearms to meeting and outings.There are several requirements

Legally transport any firearms. If you do not KNOW how to transport legally, please ask BEFORE attempting it. Going to jail isn't a good way to spend the meeting time. California has very strict rules, and there is huge discretion given to prosecute minor accidental transgressions. Different guns have different rules, and different ages of the transporter also matter. The type of vehicle you drive could even make a difference.
Do not plan to shoot a firearm of unknown condition, such as the rusty rifle that was stored in Grandpa's shed for 30 years. Firearms in good condition may be used. Firearms in unknown condition are good for "show and tell". If there's any question, it's good to discuss it first.
Plan to bring ammo to shoot your firearm, unless you have made prior arrangements.