On Thursday March 12 the Tama-Toledo Chamber welcomed a new member, The Tama County Young Guns. First row (L-R) Keegan Beyer, Clayton Graff, Rachel Silhanek, Jaycie Rauch, and Abby Sandvick. Second row (L-R) Byron Witt, Brian Sokol, Cassie Sokol, Matt Zmolek, Eric Keller, Sue Harrington, Sarah Silhanek and Roy Silhanek. Chronicle Photo/Allison Graham

The Tama-Toledo Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new member on Thursday March 12. The Tama County Young Guns officially joined the chamber and celebrated with a cookout on a beautiful March evening.

The Young Guns are a county wide 4-H group that focuses on youth development through shooting sports. The goals of the group are to teach disciplines in archery, riflery, muzzleloader, shotgun, and wild life skills.

The group is currently being led by Roy and Sarah Silhanek.

While shooting sports are the group’s primary focus, the overall goal of the group is youth development. The group is not exclusive to shooting sports and those who show livestock are welcome as well.

To join the Young Guns students must be in at least fourth grade and there are age restrictions in certain areas. An example is that you must be twelve years old to take part in activities involving black powder and you must also complete the rifle discipline course.

Rachel Silhanek, a member of the Young Guns, enjoys the group because “You make new friends”.

Eric Keller is one of the oldest members at age 14. Keller says it has been a very good group so far and that “Safety is number one”. Keller also shows sheep as a 4-H member.

The group runs year round and takes part in the annual State Shoot Out that is held in the fall. Keller took second place last year in black powder and muzzleloader.

The Young Guns also take part in community service projects such as local highway clean ups. They are also discussing adding additional service projects in the coming year.

Group members include: Keegan Beyer, Andrea Bolen, Dallas Bolen, Deanna Bolen, Hunter Caraccio, Tyler Caraccio, Connor Casto, Clayton Graff, Eric Keller, JT Keenan, Hailey Palmer, Jaycie Rauch, Abby Sandvick, Rachel Silhanek, Austin Strayer, Khain Thiessen and Lucas Van De Walle