Philip Schreier, Senior Curator for NRA's National Firearms Museum, was in Florida over the weekend for the 14th Annual Boy Scouts Sporting Clays Invitational at the South Florida Shooting Club — here's his report:

West Palm Beach, Florida - For the 14th year in a row, the Gulf Stream Council of the Boy Scouts of America hosted their invitational sporting clays event to raise money to benefit the programs of this south Florida scouting community.

The event was held at the spectacular facilities of the South Florida Shooting Club, a 25 million dollar shooting venue located on 650 acres just 45 minutes from West Palm Beach. This amazing shooting sports complex has 8 Trap fields, 3 fully automated Sporting Clays courses, 2 Skeet fields and a number of 5 Stand fields.

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Orlando, Florida - One speaker at NRA’s Club University in Orlando was Florida native Howell “Trip” Lancaster. An NRA Field Representative for the past two years, Trip has been part of the NRA family even longer.

“NRA has always been part of my life,” explained Trip. “Growing up in rural Florida, shooting and hunting was always there. My first bb gun, that Daisy Red Ryder – that was a big moment. We were moving up! When I finally went dove hunting with my dad and had the opportunity to shoot, deer hunting too – those were big steps.”

Now he focuses on sharing NRA’s message through speaking engagements, recruiting drives, and fundraisers.

“One big thing have down here is the Wild Beast Feast,” said Trip. “It’s a one-night shot where we bring in venison, quail – even some Florida gator of course. Lots of fish and all kinds of frog legs and all kinds of delicacies of sorts. Last year’s dinner raised a little over $35,000. That, along with other programs, helped us raise $100,000 that was split evenly with 100 different applicants. If they apply, they get it. That’s our goal. Help get as many kids to college as possible."

The meeting ended as Trip rambled out to parking lot when I caught up to him for one last question: What’s the best part about working for the NRA? “It’s the people,” he said, smiling. “It really is.”

Orlando, Florida - Today we say goodbye to the sunshine and palm trees that decorate the Orlando skyline. It was a great seminar along with new programs and a motivated group of attendees. And though that might be all for Florida, it's not all for Club Universities in 2010.

There are still two more Club U's scheduled for 2010 - one in Indianapolis, Indiana and in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Each hold the promise of knowledge that every gun club, range, and firearm related groups can rely upon when looking to grow and prosper.

Should this sounds like like a good way to spend your weekend, then contact the NRA at (800) NRA-CLUB or email Clubs@nrahq.org for more information. If you're within driving distance of either location, you can't afford not to attend.

So take a look at the calendar, start shuffling schedules, and sign yourself up for a 2010 Club University today.

Orlando, Florida - NRA-ILA's Suzanne Anglewicz addressed the troops here at Club University in Orlando, Florida with a focus on Grassroots. "We've seen a lot of activity in Florida over the years and plan to keep up our vigilance for years to come."

When asked about ILA's primary message for the crowd, she had two. "You have to hunt where the ducks are," said Suzanne. "Know your people, know where they are, and know how to keep them informed."

Number two on the list was the importance of everyone getting involved early. "If there's an issue you feel passionate about, you need to organize early. Waiting until two weeks before decisions are made is waiting too long. Start right away and your chances for success are increased dramatically."

As ILA's Manager of Political & Legislative Activities, Suzanne also appreciates those who take the time to volunteer. "We're also looking for those willing and able to actively assist our fight to protect the Second Amendment."

Orlando, Florida - He's been with the NRA for about three years, his title is "Range Services Coordinator," and he was one of the more popular speakers here at Club University in Orlando, Florida. Why do I think he was one of the more popular speakers? Because Eric Whitescarver was taking so many questions that we had to pull him off the stage.

"Sometimes they're interested and sometimes they're not," said Eric. "It all depends on the priorities of the crowd."

Range Services provides assistance for general range topics such as design, construction, maintenance and operations. And sometimes they can provide a little bit more.

"We've got a guy who is an audio design specialist -- he's an expert on sounds," Eric explained. "Most of his days are spent working on-site at race tracks, football stadiums, airports -- any place where there's a lot of noise. We like to call on him if a neighbor is complaining about the noise coming from your range. He can either show you how to fix or dampen the sound or demonstrate if your range falls within state or county parameters. How's that for service."

Orlando, Florida - Though thousands of firearm-related groups throughout the United States are NRA Club & Association members, there are still some out there who haven't joined. Probably because they don't know about the benefits. But Jack knows.

Marketing Coordinator Jack Baker spent the better part of an hour telling Club University attendees here in Orlando why their operation should be more involved with the NRA.

"There are dozens of advantages when businesses become part of the NRA. They can learn how to set up additional shooting programs, increase membership, run an official match, find the right insurance, receive discounts from Federal Express -- it's great. And when they come out to Club University, we can run down all the details for them in person."

But if you weren't able to make it to Club U this weekend, you can still find most of the info at http://www.nrahq.org/clubs/ or call (800) NRA-CLUB.

Orlando, Florida - The first Club University of 2010 kicked off this morning as our unofficial emcee Son Nguyen introduced Herb Lanford of Columbia, South Carolina. As the NRA Board chair of Clubs & Associations, Mr. Lanford travels to all Club U events to welcome the crowds and answer their questions.

"We are here to answer your questions," said Mr. Lanford. "We have to answer your questions and ask you for more. That's why we provide services like Club University to our members. It's a fabulous way to spend a little time and money so you can improve you operations and increase the benefits to your members."