Beach Parties, Movie Nights: CMP Matches Offer More Than Just Shooting

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is all about learning to shoot straight, right? Well, this year’s CMP National Matches at Camp Perry are going to be a bit different, with beach parties and movie nights thrown into the mix, once the range time is over.

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Off to the beach

Here’s what the CMP organizers say to expect at the July 9 and July 12 CMP National Matches:

Beach Parties – Camp Perry Beach:

July 9th & July 12th – 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.

• DJ with Music

• Food Trucks or Bring Your Own Food/Drinks

• Games (cornhole, volleyball)

• Fun with Friends and Fellow Competitors

• Free Giveaways of Sunglasses and Beach Balls

They say that guests should bring their own chairs or blankets for seating. And as for the film dates:

Off to the movies

Movie Nights – Hough Theater:

• July 11 – The Sandlot

• July 31 – Top Gun: Maverick

• August 3 – Hacksaw Ridge

Organizers tell us the theater’s doors will open at 6 p.m., with the films starting an hour later. There are concessions inside the theater, with snacks like chips, candy, popcorn and water.

Wait—what?

Wait a minute—why is the CMP tacking these after-hours events onto the schedule? The organizers say it’s a way to let guests at the National Matches socialize when they’re off the range. With the 2024 National Matches running from July 11 to August 10, a handful of evenings spent having non-shooting fun certainly won’t turn the event into something ridiculous. The month-long event will still have competitions and coaching clinics for adults and juniors who want to master their rifle, pistol and airgun skills. The CMP isn’t trying to turn the historic National Matches (held at the Camp Perry National Guard Training Site since 1907) into Beach Blanket Bingo. They’re just trying to offer a little more fun while everyone’s there.

If you’re interested in learning more about the CMP’s 2024 activities, see our coverage of this year’s rule changes here. The Master Marksman program is updated for 2024; see more on that here.