Washington - A police officer shot a 15-year-old boy in a school in Florida Friday after the eighth grader pointed a modified pellet gun at him, officials said.
The boy, whose condition in hospital is not known, brought the pellet gun to school in his backpack and briefly took a fellow student hostage in a classroom, local sheriff Donald F. Eslinger told reporters outside the Milwee Middle School near Longwood, in central Florida.
The boy was shot by a Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) officer when he came out of the school's restroom pointing what looked like a 9 mm handgun, Eslinger said.
Neither the hostage nor any other students or teachers were injured, he added.
In a statement released after the news conference, Eslinger described the 15-year-old as suicidal, adding that when the sheriff's deputies attempted to establish a dialogue with him, he said he would kill himself or die one way or another.
The boy's Airsoft pellet gun had been painted black to 'look like a real gun', Eslinger said, adding that pellet guns are usually pink or red to set them apart from more dangerous weapons.
The boy had at first threatened fellow pupils in a classroom before he barricaded himself in the toilets.
'He told another girl to tell the teacher 'I have a gun,'' and then lifted his shirt to show the handle of the handgun,' fellow student Dei-end Dilworth told the Orlando Sentinel. After he pulled the weapon and cocked it, he told everyone to sit down, the girl said.
Instead, the students started running from the classroom, she added. The boy then ran to the toilets, while students were being evacuated, Eslinger said.
After being rushed by ambulance to a local hospital, he was later moved to a children's hospital, the newspaper said.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Friday, January 13, 2006
Florida 8th-grader wielding pellet airsoft gun shot down
A 15-year-old Florida boy who brandished a pellet gun at school was on life support Friday after he was shot by a deputy during a confrontation.
Last week, a fourth-grader in San Bernardino brought a similar gun to school and sprayed plastic pellets at his classmates during recess. No lives were lost, but some of the students hit had bruises.
There's no waiting period, no background check, no license needed to own one of these guns -- but even retailers say they should not be considered toys. They look, feel and operate like the real thing. The difference is, these guns aren't lethal -- although some say they are still dangerous.
A growing number of homicides involving children and teens in San Bernardino and surrounding cities has heightened awareness of violence in the community and also what prompts it -- including whether having children familiar with deadly weapons, fake or real, is a contributing factor.
Considered a sport by some and a dangerous pastime by others, the growing popularity of so-called ``airsoft'' pellet or BB guns have made them a favorite with all ages. But even airsoft enthusiasts and retailers say the guns are not toys and should be treated with safety in mind.
It was an airsoft pellet gun a fourth-grader at Davidson Elementary School in San Bernardino brought to campus last week. He shot at some classmates during recess. Although none of the children were seriously injured, several were hit by the plastic rounds from the imitation gun, leaving some students bruised and many parents shaken.
The heightened awareness of violence in homes, schools and the community in recent months has prompted school officials to take the incident at Davidson seriously, said Art Delgado, superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District.
School officials are sending out a districtwide mailer to parents asking them to monitor students' backpacks and what they are bringing to school.
Delgado said he was concerned many pellet guns are being sold at swap meets or 99-cent stores that do not have the type of regulations in place such as Wal-Mart.
``I don't think any parent would buy it with the thought in mind that their child is going to take it to school,'' he said.
Christopher Penley, the eighth-grader shot and wounded by a SWAT team officer in a suburban Orlando school bathroom, brought the gun to school in his backpack, authorities said.
Sheriff Don Eslinger said two Milwee Middle School students saw the toy gun and one persuaded the other to report it, causing a scuffle.
Penley allegedly ordered one of the students into a closet, dimmed the lights and ran from the classroom. Deputies eventually isolated him in a restroom, and the school was evacuated. Negotiators tried unsuccessfully to start a dialogue with the boy, Eslinger said.
The boy did not respond, Eslinger said.
When the boy raised the gun at a deputy, he shot the youth, the sheriff said. Penley was taken to a hospital, where he was on ``advanced life support.''
No one else was injured. The sheriff's office later confirmed the weapon was a pellet gun fashioned to look like a 9-mm handgun. The tip of the gun had been painted black, covering brightly colored markings that would have indicated it was nonlethal.
Delgado called the incident in Longwood, Fla., ``every parent's and community's nightmare.''
For some, "airsoft" guns are simply recreational equipment that can be used responsibly.
The sport originated in Japan in the 1980s and the guns are used in marksmanship or recreational training games similar to paintball. Depending on the model, the replica guns are spring-loaded and gas- or battery-powered.
``It's the fastest-growing action pursuit sport,'' said Joe Hulog, manager of the Airsoft Extreme shop in San Diego.
Safety is key when handling even imitation firearms, said Hulog, who runs an airsoft team known as Omega Force Airsoft.
Safety is the ``No. 1 priority'' for most airsoft enthusiasts, who follow the same regulations as with paintball, using full face masks and sealed goggle protection.
``We emphasize safety,'' said Hulog, whose team has played with children. ``Any time you handle a replica firearm, you have to teach the children about gun safety because it looks and feels and works the same as a regular firearm and must be taught about the dangers."
Customers must also sign a waiver stating they are 18 and will play only on private property or a regulated sporting facility or field, Hulog said.
Wal-Mart also sells the Airsoft pellet guns in its sporting goods section but raised the age restriction for buying them from 16 to 18 in 2003, said Karen Burk, spokeswoman for Wal-Mart's corporate office. Prices are $15 and up.
``We certainly recognize that this item is not a toy,'' Burk said. ``As a responsible retailer, we treat them with the same respect as a firearm.''
The store's cash registers are even set to prompt the cashier to ask for identification verifying a customer's age when purchasing the product, she said.
``This is an item that you want to make sure does not get into the wrong hands,'' Burke said.
Yucaipa resident Larry Brewer, who has two sons, said he has never allowed his children to play with imitation or toy guns.
Children who play with pellet guns ``have no regard for what a weapon can do,'' Brewer said. ``If you give your kids that kind of a gun, you're teaching your kids how to use a weapon.''
In September 2004, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation prohibiting pellet or BB guns from being displayed in public, unless they are made of clear plastic or painted a bright color to ensure they won't be mistaken for real firearms.
The law allows prosecutors room to bring extra charges if a toy gun is displayed at a public building, airport or a school campus.
The mandate also requires that imitation guns manufactured and sold in California after July 1, 2005, come with a warning label informing the purchaser about the law. Breaking the law can result in consequences that range from a fine of $100 to a misdemeanor.
Federal law also requires retailers to sell guns outfitted with a plastic orange tip that keeps it from being mistaken for a real weapon. Altering or removing markings on a replica gun, such as the orange tip, is illegal.
John Lovell, a lobbyist for California Police Chiefs Association and a former Los Angeles County prosecutor, said even markings like the orange tip may not be enough because they can be removed.
Jeanie Kocher, whose daughter was hit by the plastic rounds her classmate fired at Davidson Elementary, had bought her own son a similar pellet gun. She now regrets buying it and has since destroyed it.
``Oh, my God,'' she said. ``What was I thinking?''
Last week, a fourth-grader in San Bernardino brought a similar gun to school and sprayed plastic pellets at his classmates during recess. No lives were lost, but some of the students hit had bruises.
There's no waiting period, no background check, no license needed to own one of these guns -- but even retailers say they should not be considered toys. They look, feel and operate like the real thing. The difference is, these guns aren't lethal -- although some say they are still dangerous.
A growing number of homicides involving children and teens in San Bernardino and surrounding cities has heightened awareness of violence in the community and also what prompts it -- including whether having children familiar with deadly weapons, fake or real, is a contributing factor.
Considered a sport by some and a dangerous pastime by others, the growing popularity of so-called ``airsoft'' pellet or BB guns have made them a favorite with all ages. But even airsoft enthusiasts and retailers say the guns are not toys and should be treated with safety in mind.
It was an airsoft pellet gun a fourth-grader at Davidson Elementary School in San Bernardino brought to campus last week. He shot at some classmates during recess. Although none of the children were seriously injured, several were hit by the plastic rounds from the imitation gun, leaving some students bruised and many parents shaken.
The heightened awareness of violence in homes, schools and the community in recent months has prompted school officials to take the incident at Davidson seriously, said Art Delgado, superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District.
School officials are sending out a districtwide mailer to parents asking them to monitor students' backpacks and what they are bringing to school.
Delgado said he was concerned many pellet guns are being sold at swap meets or 99-cent stores that do not have the type of regulations in place such as Wal-Mart.
``I don't think any parent would buy it with the thought in mind that their child is going to take it to school,'' he said.
Christopher Penley, the eighth-grader shot and wounded by a SWAT team officer in a suburban Orlando school bathroom, brought the gun to school in his backpack, authorities said.
Sheriff Don Eslinger said two Milwee Middle School students saw the toy gun and one persuaded the other to report it, causing a scuffle.
Penley allegedly ordered one of the students into a closet, dimmed the lights and ran from the classroom. Deputies eventually isolated him in a restroom, and the school was evacuated. Negotiators tried unsuccessfully to start a dialogue with the boy, Eslinger said.
The boy did not respond, Eslinger said.
When the boy raised the gun at a deputy, he shot the youth, the sheriff said. Penley was taken to a hospital, where he was on ``advanced life support.''
No one else was injured. The sheriff's office later confirmed the weapon was a pellet gun fashioned to look like a 9-mm handgun. The tip of the gun had been painted black, covering brightly colored markings that would have indicated it was nonlethal.
Delgado called the incident in Longwood, Fla., ``every parent's and community's nightmare.''
For some, "airsoft" guns are simply recreational equipment that can be used responsibly.
The sport originated in Japan in the 1980s and the guns are used in marksmanship or recreational training games similar to paintball. Depending on the model, the replica guns are spring-loaded and gas- or battery-powered.
``It's the fastest-growing action pursuit sport,'' said Joe Hulog, manager of the Airsoft Extreme shop in San Diego.
Safety is key when handling even imitation firearms, said Hulog, who runs an airsoft team known as Omega Force Airsoft.
Safety is the ``No. 1 priority'' for most airsoft enthusiasts, who follow the same regulations as with paintball, using full face masks and sealed goggle protection.
``We emphasize safety,'' said Hulog, whose team has played with children. ``Any time you handle a replica firearm, you have to teach the children about gun safety because it looks and feels and works the same as a regular firearm and must be taught about the dangers."
Customers must also sign a waiver stating they are 18 and will play only on private property or a regulated sporting facility or field, Hulog said.
Wal-Mart also sells the Airsoft pellet guns in its sporting goods section but raised the age restriction for buying them from 16 to 18 in 2003, said Karen Burk, spokeswoman for Wal-Mart's corporate office. Prices are $15 and up.
``We certainly recognize that this item is not a toy,'' Burk said. ``As a responsible retailer, we treat them with the same respect as a firearm.''
The store's cash registers are even set to prompt the cashier to ask for identification verifying a customer's age when purchasing the product, she said.
``This is an item that you want to make sure does not get into the wrong hands,'' Burke said.
Yucaipa resident Larry Brewer, who has two sons, said he has never allowed his children to play with imitation or toy guns.
Children who play with pellet guns ``have no regard for what a weapon can do,'' Brewer said. ``If you give your kids that kind of a gun, you're teaching your kids how to use a weapon.''
In September 2004, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation prohibiting pellet or BB guns from being displayed in public, unless they are made of clear plastic or painted a bright color to ensure they won't be mistaken for real firearms.
The law allows prosecutors room to bring extra charges if a toy gun is displayed at a public building, airport or a school campus.
The mandate also requires that imitation guns manufactured and sold in California after July 1, 2005, come with a warning label informing the purchaser about the law. Breaking the law can result in consequences that range from a fine of $100 to a misdemeanor.
Federal law also requires retailers to sell guns outfitted with a plastic orange tip that keeps it from being mistaken for a real weapon. Altering or removing markings on a replica gun, such as the orange tip, is illegal.
John Lovell, a lobbyist for California Police Chiefs Association and a former Los Angeles County prosecutor, said even markings like the orange tip may not be enough because they can be removed.
Jeanie Kocher, whose daughter was hit by the plastic rounds her classmate fired at Davidson Elementary, had bought her own son a similar pellet gun. She now regrets buying it and has since destroyed it.
``Oh, my God,'' she said. ``What was I thinking?''
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Student expelled over airsoft pellet gun
RAINIER -- One Rainier High School student has been expelled for a Dec. 10 incident involving airsoft pellet guns on campus.
Three other expulsion cases have been heard and decisions are expected today or Wednesday, according to Rainier School District Superintendent Michael Carter. The outcomes of those three cases will determine whether Rainier is put on a watch list of dangerous schools by the Oregon Department of Education.
"Jim Mabbott, Superintendent of the Northwestern ESD, conducted two of the expulsion hearings Monday and he will have a resolution within 48 hours," Carter said. "I was the hearing officer for the other two."
The student Carter expelled is out for an entire calendar year.
Initially, five students were recommended for expulsion over the Dec. 10 incident, which school officials have not described in detail. According to Carter, after the circumstances were reviewed only four faced expulsion.
The parents of the four students requested closed hearings. Carter excused himself from some of the hearings, saying he felt he was "too close" to the situation after serving as the investigator of the incident.
"After the hearing officer renders his decision, expelled students can appeal to the school board within five days," Carter said. "If they do that, I'll put the appeals on the school board agenda. The parents can again elect for closed or open hearings."
In addition to the student already expelled over the airsoft gun incident, the district last fall expelled a Rainier High School student for having a knife at school.
If all three remaining airsoft cases result in expulsions, the school would be put on the state's watch list for dangerous schools. After three years on the list, the state would classify the school as "persistently dangerous" and step in and administer the school's safety plan. Rainier would have to have five weapons-related expulsions a year to remain on the watch list.
"In the first year of being on the watch list, the school has to submit a school safety plan," ODE spokesman John Lenson said.
Two of the suspended students' families are contending that airsoft pellet guns are not weapons.
"In no way, shape or form are these things weapons by the school's own definition," one of the student's mother said last week.
The school's student handbook says that "bringing, possessing, concealing or using a weapon is an offense subject to expulsion. A weapon is described as any object which will or is designed to expel a projectile by action of an explosive." (Airsoft guns use a compressed spring to fire plastic pellets the size of BBs).
The student handbook also says "dangerous weapon" means any weapon device, instrument, material or substance readily capable of causing death or serious injury.
According to the Website for Taurus, a manufacturer of the airsoft pellet guns, the pellets travel at 250 feet per second and can puncture a pressurized pop can from 10 feet. Taurus airsoft guns come with the warning: "Misuse or unsafe use may cause severe injuries or death. Sale of this product to minors is not permitted."
The MFI company, another airsoft gun manufacturer, said airsoft guns were originally designed as look-alike toys. The guns later gained popularity as a training tool for law enforcement live-fire training. The word "soft" is a bit of a misnomer, according to MFI, whose website says there is nothing soft about being hit by a plastic BB. MFI reports that its guns shoot pellets from 425 to 1,500 feet per second.
The airsoft guns come with a florescent orange or green tip, and manufactures warn that to remove the tip may violate state and federal laws.
Archived User Comments:
Jim Booher wrote on January 10, 2006 10:15 PM:"Comparing these "guns" with a toy cap gun that "looks like a gun and goes boom" to me is a real stretch. These weapons do more than just "go boom" if they dispense a plastic-tipped projectile that will penetrate a pressurized pop can at 10 feet and come with a warning that they can cause serious injury or death. Eyes, teeth, soft passages to the brain, etc. would be in danger. Were the students carrying them in plain sight innocently thinking that they were acceptable or were they at least somewhat if not completely hidden from view of others because they knew that there was a problem having them? I don't know the answer to that question but I have a hunch what it is. What is the question about their being an unacceptable weapon to have in a school? Expulsion is a very serious punishment for a very serious infraction, and appropriate in these cases."
Quanah Blue-Eagle wrote on January 10, 2006 5:39 PM:"I am in total agreement with the angry Rainier parent and Kathy Clark ! A gun is a gun no matter what it does. How many times have genuinely innocent people brandished a "fake" gun and been shot for it or otherwise injured in some way. In todays society, people are already on edge due to all the incidents and violence in our world. How many robbers and crooks have gone in to rob an establishment with only a finger in the pocket to appear as though they had "the real thing " and been either killed or imprisoned for their actions . We MUST send the message out that these toys are no longer just toys! In my opinion, the parents of these kids are just as guilty as the child who commits the infraction. Why do you think so many of our children are in trouble and have absolutely no respect for society, much less themselves ? We have become far too complacent and liberal in our thoughts as to how to raise a child. Wake up people ! Do something with your kids before the law is forced too ! "
Mistified Former Resident wrote on January 10, 2006 3:37 PM:"Is anyone actually surprised? This is Rainier we're talking about. A place where up until a few decades ago (or less) it would have been acceptable to have a hunting rifle in your locker. There really is no excuse for the school or society at large tolerating this kind of behavior, but there is history here. Sometimes you need to look at where you've come from to figure out where you ought to be going."
mike wrote on January 10, 2006 12:18 PM:"I do think that there should be a repremand to the students but expulsion is a bit excessive. These "toy's" are not particularly dangerous. Is a cap gun a gun just because it looks like a gun and goes boom? does it belong at school? NO but should this incedent end in this drastic measure? NO"
concerend and angry Rainier parent wrote on January 10, 2006 11:58 AM:"I have a child in Kindergarten @ Hudson Park Elementaray, and they asked not to bring itmes like play makeup and jewlery. So why should a high school student get away with bringing a "airsoft" pellet gun? I think the students should be punished and agree that the parents are just as much as fault for allowing their kids to bring the guns to school. A gun is a gun. No matter what it shoots!!"
Kathy Clark wrote on January 10, 2006 9:10 AM:"In no way should those toy guns be brought to school. We all know by now what to bring to school and what not to bring. School is about learning not bring toy guns that may look like real guns and may cause harm to others. What ever happend to just bringing paper and pencils to school? Those kids should be expelled from school and there parents should be ashamed to think that they should get away with bring those guns or anything else that can harm other people. Kathy Clark"
Three other expulsion cases have been heard and decisions are expected today or Wednesday, according to Rainier School District Superintendent Michael Carter. The outcomes of those three cases will determine whether Rainier is put on a watch list of dangerous schools by the Oregon Department of Education.
"Jim Mabbott, Superintendent of the Northwestern ESD, conducted two of the expulsion hearings Monday and he will have a resolution within 48 hours," Carter said. "I was the hearing officer for the other two."
The student Carter expelled is out for an entire calendar year.
Initially, five students were recommended for expulsion over the Dec. 10 incident, which school officials have not described in detail. According to Carter, after the circumstances were reviewed only four faced expulsion.
The parents of the four students requested closed hearings. Carter excused himself from some of the hearings, saying he felt he was "too close" to the situation after serving as the investigator of the incident.
"After the hearing officer renders his decision, expelled students can appeal to the school board within five days," Carter said. "If they do that, I'll put the appeals on the school board agenda. The parents can again elect for closed or open hearings."
In addition to the student already expelled over the airsoft gun incident, the district last fall expelled a Rainier High School student for having a knife at school.
If all three remaining airsoft cases result in expulsions, the school would be put on the state's watch list for dangerous schools. After three years on the list, the state would classify the school as "persistently dangerous" and step in and administer the school's safety plan. Rainier would have to have five weapons-related expulsions a year to remain on the watch list.
"In the first year of being on the watch list, the school has to submit a school safety plan," ODE spokesman John Lenson said.
Two of the suspended students' families are contending that airsoft pellet guns are not weapons.
"In no way, shape or form are these things weapons by the school's own definition," one of the student's mother said last week.
The school's student handbook says that "bringing, possessing, concealing or using a weapon is an offense subject to expulsion. A weapon is described as any object which will or is designed to expel a projectile by action of an explosive." (Airsoft guns use a compressed spring to fire plastic pellets the size of BBs).
The student handbook also says "dangerous weapon" means any weapon device, instrument, material or substance readily capable of causing death or serious injury.
According to the Website for Taurus, a manufacturer of the airsoft pellet guns, the pellets travel at 250 feet per second and can puncture a pressurized pop can from 10 feet. Taurus airsoft guns come with the warning: "Misuse or unsafe use may cause severe injuries or death. Sale of this product to minors is not permitted."
The MFI company, another airsoft gun manufacturer, said airsoft guns were originally designed as look-alike toys. The guns later gained popularity as a training tool for law enforcement live-fire training. The word "soft" is a bit of a misnomer, according to MFI, whose website says there is nothing soft about being hit by a plastic BB. MFI reports that its guns shoot pellets from 425 to 1,500 feet per second.
The airsoft guns come with a florescent orange or green tip, and manufactures warn that to remove the tip may violate state and federal laws.
Archived User Comments:
Jim Booher wrote on January 10, 2006 10:15 PM:"Comparing these "guns" with a toy cap gun that "looks like a gun and goes boom" to me is a real stretch. These weapons do more than just "go boom" if they dispense a plastic-tipped projectile that will penetrate a pressurized pop can at 10 feet and come with a warning that they can cause serious injury or death. Eyes, teeth, soft passages to the brain, etc. would be in danger. Were the students carrying them in plain sight innocently thinking that they were acceptable or were they at least somewhat if not completely hidden from view of others because they knew that there was a problem having them? I don't know the answer to that question but I have a hunch what it is. What is the question about their being an unacceptable weapon to have in a school? Expulsion is a very serious punishment for a very serious infraction, and appropriate in these cases."
Quanah Blue-Eagle wrote on January 10, 2006 5:39 PM:"I am in total agreement with the angry Rainier parent and Kathy Clark ! A gun is a gun no matter what it does. How many times have genuinely innocent people brandished a "fake" gun and been shot for it or otherwise injured in some way. In todays society, people are already on edge due to all the incidents and violence in our world. How many robbers and crooks have gone in to rob an establishment with only a finger in the pocket to appear as though they had "the real thing " and been either killed or imprisoned for their actions . We MUST send the message out that these toys are no longer just toys! In my opinion, the parents of these kids are just as guilty as the child who commits the infraction. Why do you think so many of our children are in trouble and have absolutely no respect for society, much less themselves ? We have become far too complacent and liberal in our thoughts as to how to raise a child. Wake up people ! Do something with your kids before the law is forced too ! "
Mistified Former Resident wrote on January 10, 2006 3:37 PM:"Is anyone actually surprised? This is Rainier we're talking about. A place where up until a few decades ago (or less) it would have been acceptable to have a hunting rifle in your locker. There really is no excuse for the school or society at large tolerating this kind of behavior, but there is history here. Sometimes you need to look at where you've come from to figure out where you ought to be going."
mike wrote on January 10, 2006 12:18 PM:"I do think that there should be a repremand to the students but expulsion is a bit excessive. These "toy's" are not particularly dangerous. Is a cap gun a gun just because it looks like a gun and goes boom? does it belong at school? NO but should this incedent end in this drastic measure? NO"
concerend and angry Rainier parent wrote on January 10, 2006 11:58 AM:"I have a child in Kindergarten @ Hudson Park Elementaray, and they asked not to bring itmes like play makeup and jewlery. So why should a high school student get away with bringing a "airsoft" pellet gun? I think the students should be punished and agree that the parents are just as much as fault for allowing their kids to bring the guns to school. A gun is a gun. No matter what it shoots!!"
Kathy Clark wrote on January 10, 2006 9:10 AM:"In no way should those toy guns be brought to school. We all know by now what to bring to school and what not to bring. School is about learning not bring toy guns that may look like real guns and may cause harm to others. What ever happend to just bringing paper and pencils to school? Those kids should be expelled from school and there parents should be ashamed to think that they should get away with bring those guns or anything else that can harm other people. Kathy Clark"
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
‘Airsofters’ (Airsoft Players) to tighten guidelines
War game players using airsoft guns have vowed to heed Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s warning to clear their activities with the police to avoid misencounters.
Larry Balayan of Rangers Elite (RE) Davao said he has met with city police director Senior Superintendent Catalino Cuy and promised to tighten the rules and procedures covering the war games.
Balayan said he has ordered his members to stick to the directives of RE regarding the wearing of proper uniform, keeping and handling the airsoft guns, and playing at the right game site.
He said he and his group have been following the rules and regulations of airsoft clubs. “Unlike other teams that wear Philippine Army uniforms, we use tri-colored ‘Desert Storm’ uniforms,” he said.
Balayan said RE is under the supervision of the Mindanao AirSoft Club Incorporated (MACI), the only registered airsoft organization that is recognized by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Bureau of Internal Revenue. Balayan is the president of MACI.
He said RE’s legality was approved by Cuy, former regional police director Chief Superintendent Antonio Billiones, and Task Force Davao (TFD) commanding officer Colonel Eduardo del Rosario.
Balayan said he is planning to call a meeting with other airsoft players to discuss the rules and to let the people know they are responsible airsoft players.
Stanley Suarez of One Airsoft Davao, encouraged interested players to register with established teams in Davao City.
“Players who do not know the guidelines and conduct are those people who give a bad image to airsoft players. That’s why as much as possible, register with an established team so that you will know the rules and proper conduct,” Suarez said.
Duterte had earlier warned airsofters to coordinate with the authorities after receiving reports that men in full-battle gear were doing military exercises in a neighborhood. The “military men” turned out to be airsoft players.
Cuy advised airsoft players to coordinate with the police and provide the authorities the location of their game site. He also advised them to bring their airsoft identification cards and the names of their members to avoid misinterpretations from civilians.
Captain Louie Villanueva of Task Force Davao also directed the players to come up with bylaws for the members to follow to strengthen the groups’ legitimacy.
Meanwhile, air soft war games have been prohibited for the duration of the Asean Tourism Forum from this week until January 22. Night games are also permanently prohibited. Wargames must be held in secluded and isolated areas and not in commercial and residential areas.
Larry Balayan of Rangers Elite (RE) Davao said he has met with city police director Senior Superintendent Catalino Cuy and promised to tighten the rules and procedures covering the war games.
Balayan said he has ordered his members to stick to the directives of RE regarding the wearing of proper uniform, keeping and handling the airsoft guns, and playing at the right game site.
He said he and his group have been following the rules and regulations of airsoft clubs. “Unlike other teams that wear Philippine Army uniforms, we use tri-colored ‘Desert Storm’ uniforms,” he said.
Balayan said RE is under the supervision of the Mindanao AirSoft Club Incorporated (MACI), the only registered airsoft organization that is recognized by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Bureau of Internal Revenue. Balayan is the president of MACI.
He said RE’s legality was approved by Cuy, former regional police director Chief Superintendent Antonio Billiones, and Task Force Davao (TFD) commanding officer Colonel Eduardo del Rosario.
Balayan said he is planning to call a meeting with other airsoft players to discuss the rules and to let the people know they are responsible airsoft players.
Stanley Suarez of One Airsoft Davao, encouraged interested players to register with established teams in Davao City.
“Players who do not know the guidelines and conduct are those people who give a bad image to airsoft players. That’s why as much as possible, register with an established team so that you will know the rules and proper conduct,” Suarez said.
Duterte had earlier warned airsofters to coordinate with the authorities after receiving reports that men in full-battle gear were doing military exercises in a neighborhood. The “military men” turned out to be airsoft players.
Cuy advised airsoft players to coordinate with the police and provide the authorities the location of their game site. He also advised them to bring their airsoft identification cards and the names of their members to avoid misinterpretations from civilians.
Captain Louie Villanueva of Task Force Davao also directed the players to come up with bylaws for the members to follow to strengthen the groups’ legitimacy.
Meanwhile, air soft war games have been prohibited for the duration of the Asean Tourism Forum from this week until January 22. Night games are also permanently prohibited. Wargames must be held in secluded and isolated areas and not in commercial and residential areas.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Student faces expulsion for toy airsoft gun
A Fargo middle school student is facing suspension and possible expulsion for bringing a toy gun to school before the winter break.
Fargo Superintendent David Flowers says the student brought an Airsoft replica pistol to school. The pistol shoots a soft projectile.
Flowers, who declined to name the school involved, says the investigation indicates there was no malicious intent either by bringing the toy gun as a weapon or intending to use it as a weapon.
Another student saw the toy gun in the student’s backpack.
A punishment has been recommended and will take effect next week. That punishment could range from a year’s expulsion to a short-term suspension and community service.
A three-person panel conducted a hearing to determine an appropriate consequence. Flowers says the student’s intention helps determine the punishment.
“We do take it seriously because these weapons are so realistic that the police even consider them a danger and a threat. If the orange tip is off the barrel, they look so realistic that even the police can’t distinguish them from a real weapon,” Flowers said. “No weapon whether it’s replica or real belongs in school.”
The student has been on suspension pending the outcome of the investigation and the hearing.
Fargo Superintendent David Flowers says the student brought an Airsoft replica pistol to school. The pistol shoots a soft projectile.
Flowers, who declined to name the school involved, says the investigation indicates there was no malicious intent either by bringing the toy gun as a weapon or intending to use it as a weapon.
Another student saw the toy gun in the student’s backpack.
A punishment has been recommended and will take effect next week. That punishment could range from a year’s expulsion to a short-term suspension and community service.
A three-person panel conducted a hearing to determine an appropriate consequence. Flowers says the student’s intention helps determine the punishment.
“We do take it seriously because these weapons are so realistic that the police even consider them a danger and a threat. If the orange tip is off the barrel, they look so realistic that even the police can’t distinguish them from a real weapon,” Flowers said. “No weapon whether it’s replica or real belongs in school.”
The student has been on suspension pending the outcome of the investigation and the hearing.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
BB airsoft guns confiscated at MEMS
A 14-year-old boy was caught with two BB guns on school grounds Monday morning.
According to Flagstaff police reports, a teacher at Mount Elden Middle School, 3223 N. Fourth St., was given an anonymous note about a student with a gun on campus and possible threats being made. The student was identified by name in the note. The student was brought into the principal's office. In his backpack were a spring-loaded BB gun pistol and a spring-loaded pistol that fires plastic pellets.
When questioned by school officials, the student said he was going to play with the guns after school. He stated that he and his friends shoot them at each other.
"He said he had already been spoken to about how dangerous this was and he explained that he used eye protection," stated a police report.
The school will hold the BB guns until the completion of a "board hearing," stated the report.
Roger Hill, principal of MEMS, said the incident is considered "private information" that he is not allowed to divulge. He did say that anytime a student makes a mistake, the school follows through with policy.
He would not specify what the policy is.
Kevin Brown, superintendent of the Flagstaff Unified School District, as in a previous case with similar circumstances, the district will act according to policy and use "best judgment and common sense" in concluding the matter
"All of the details I am not aware of at this point," Brown said. "But I do know that it happened and we will be following policy."
Disciplinary action against students is considered confidential, Brown said.
In October, an 8-year-old Kinsey Elementary School student was suspended for 10 days for bringing a plastic BB-type "soft" air gun to school to show a friend. School officials cited in police reports said the action was taken in accordance with district policy. The boy was scheduled to undergo a hearing to determine if he should face more days on suspension or be expelled from school.
Brown said the Kinsey student is back in school.
"I believe that common sense prevailed in that situation," Brown said. "The adults who look into these matters take in all the facts related to the incident into account in terms of initiating discipline."
He added there is no one answer for any particular incident. All incidents are unique as to what disciplinary action is to be taken.
According to FUSD policy, "No student shall carry or possess a weapon or simulated weapon on school premises without authorization by a school administrator. No student shall use or threaten to use a weapon or simulated weapon to disrupt any activity of the District."
According to Flagstaff police reports, a teacher at Mount Elden Middle School, 3223 N. Fourth St., was given an anonymous note about a student with a gun on campus and possible threats being made. The student was identified by name in the note. The student was brought into the principal's office. In his backpack were a spring-loaded BB gun pistol and a spring-loaded pistol that fires plastic pellets.
When questioned by school officials, the student said he was going to play with the guns after school. He stated that he and his friends shoot them at each other.
"He said he had already been spoken to about how dangerous this was and he explained that he used eye protection," stated a police report.
The school will hold the BB guns until the completion of a "board hearing," stated the report.
Roger Hill, principal of MEMS, said the incident is considered "private information" that he is not allowed to divulge. He did say that anytime a student makes a mistake, the school follows through with policy.
He would not specify what the policy is.
Kevin Brown, superintendent of the Flagstaff Unified School District, as in a previous case with similar circumstances, the district will act according to policy and use "best judgment and common sense" in concluding the matter
"All of the details I am not aware of at this point," Brown said. "But I do know that it happened and we will be following policy."
Disciplinary action against students is considered confidential, Brown said.
In October, an 8-year-old Kinsey Elementary School student was suspended for 10 days for bringing a plastic BB-type "soft" air gun to school to show a friend. School officials cited in police reports said the action was taken in accordance with district policy. The boy was scheduled to undergo a hearing to determine if he should face more days on suspension or be expelled from school.
Brown said the Kinsey student is back in school.
"I believe that common sense prevailed in that situation," Brown said. "The adults who look into these matters take in all the facts related to the incident into account in terms of initiating discipline."
He added there is no one answer for any particular incident. All incidents are unique as to what disciplinary action is to be taken.
According to FUSD policy, "No student shall carry or possess a weapon or simulated weapon on school premises without authorization by a school administrator. No student shall use or threaten to use a weapon or simulated weapon to disrupt any activity of the District."
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
The Proper Use of Cover during Airsoft Training
Putting something solid —or better yet, something that will slow if not stop the penetration of bullets (cover) between you and the bad guy — is a wise tactical choice. Why then, is the use of cover so frequently ignored by officers in their firearms training? Go to any law enforcement range and watch a qualification course. Chances are that only one stage, if that, will encourage or offer the officer the use of cover. Yes, many deadly assaults occur out in the open. But even in those incidents cover may be within a step or two, and can be gained after you draw or while you’re drawing your pistol, or, for that matter, while you’re shooting. Furthermore, cover should be sought as soon as tactically possible after shots have been fired (bad guys have been known to fake and also have been known to use back up). 
The use of cover is a good way to gain and keep the tactical advantage. We will call this “cheating,” and in the context of a gunfight, cheating is good! Dueling (standing at 10 paces as you and your antagonist lob projectiles at each other) is a sure fire way to get yourself killed.
While conducting training for my agency’s detectives, I was astounded as to how many of their techniques fell apart when they, while armed with Simunitions® had to 1) neutralize a threat; 2) from cover, while; 3) getting shot at by a suspect (yours truly) armed with a paintball gun. As I fired paintballs on their positions of cover, they were instructed to make hits on me while minimizing their own exposure. All manner of contortions and positions were assumed, but what won time after time were the following tactics:
img alt="shooting technique" src="http://www.officer.com/article/photos/1135116928215_387-sm.jpg" />
Modify your stance based on the type of cover. This means that if you have narrow cover you must get narrow. Short cover requires you get small. Just get the most that you can behind the cover position. This requires that you practice getting into positions wherein you can properly use cover and accurately fire. You never want to do something for the first time while in a gunfight. This is why we practice and why we must practice using different heights, sizes and types of cover.
Stay at least an arm’s reach away from cover. If you hug your cover position you are limited in your movement and may be hit by secondary projectiles or shrapnel, if bullets hit the surface in front of you. It seems that some people equate being close to cover with safety, but just the opposite is true. Closeness limits your response options and is actually more dangerous.
Don’t quick peek. I was taught the use of the quick peek in officer survival training years ago. It is vastly overrated. The theory is that, with a quick peek, you can find your assailant while minimizing your own exposure. The problem is frequently the quick bob-out-and-back doesn’t let you get enough visual input to see much of anything, and if you do, once you’re behind cover the suspect may move. Also, when peeking, you are in no position to shoot. I had numerous detectives that tried to use this technique repeatedly, only to catch a paintball on their face mask. In training we call this “learning.” On the street we call this “getting shot.”
Be on your sights before exposing yourself from cover. Align the sights behind cover. When you roll out, find the bad guy and place that alignment on the suspect (this is called “sight picture”). Don’t try to move out from cover, then align the sights find the suspect, and make the shot. This takes too much time and exposes you while you’re doing it. Reduce the process by already having the sights aligned.
Roll out. I’ll credit John Farnam with recommending this technique. The idea is to roll your upper body out from cover versus stepping out. It is accomplished by getting a solid base behind cover with one or the other foot forward, and rolling out from the waist. I’ve seen it successfully done with a variety of foot positions.
Shoot around, not over, cover. The exception is long low cover, like a wall where you cannot shoot around. Our eyes are positioned one third of the way down from the top of our heads. When we shoot over cover, we expose a lot of target before we are able to see and return fire. So, shoot around cover by rolling out from the side.
Reload behind cover. If at all possible, do all speed and tactical reloads behind cover, as well as any malfunction clearance drills. You are susceptible to fire while reloading. If cover is available, while not perform these pistol operations while safely ensconced? In my opinion, all malfunction drills should be done behind cover. Think of it—do you really want to be clearing a double feed out in the open while the suspect is busting caps in your direction? Even if your double feed clearance drill is drawing a second gun, wouldn’t this be more safely accomplished from behind cover?
Now that you’ve learned the lessons my officers and I did, go out and practice the use of cover. As you go through your daily routine, be cover conscious. Work around your house, car or other points of cover. Use Airsoft or Simunitions® for a safe force-on-force training exercise. While on the range, increase the amount of practice in which you use cover, move to cover, and shoot while moving to cover. While doing simulation training, if you have a bad guy role player armed with a marking cartridge pistol ready to tag you if you give him or her the chance, I guarantee you’ll approach the use of cover with a little bit more realism and not like some TV detective.
The use of cover is a good way to gain and keep the tactical advantage. We will call this “cheating,” and in the context of a gunfight, cheating is good! Dueling (standing at 10 paces as you and your antagonist lob projectiles at each other) is a sure fire way to get yourself killed.
While conducting training for my agency’s detectives, I was astounded as to how many of their techniques fell apart when they, while armed with Simunitions® had to 1) neutralize a threat; 2) from cover, while; 3) getting shot at by a suspect (yours truly) armed with a paintball gun. As I fired paintballs on their positions of cover, they were instructed to make hits on me while minimizing their own exposure. All manner of contortions and positions were assumed, but what won time after time were the following tactics:
img alt="shooting technique" src="http://www.officer.com/article/photos/1135116928215_387-sm.jpg" />
Modify your stance based on the type of cover. This means that if you have narrow cover you must get narrow. Short cover requires you get small. Just get the most that you can behind the cover position. This requires that you practice getting into positions wherein you can properly use cover and accurately fire. You never want to do something for the first time while in a gunfight. This is why we practice and why we must practice using different heights, sizes and types of cover.
Stay at least an arm’s reach away from cover. If you hug your cover position you are limited in your movement and may be hit by secondary projectiles or shrapnel, if bullets hit the surface in front of you. It seems that some people equate being close to cover with safety, but just the opposite is true. Closeness limits your response options and is actually more dangerous.
Don’t quick peek. I was taught the use of the quick peek in officer survival training years ago. It is vastly overrated. The theory is that, with a quick peek, you can find your assailant while minimizing your own exposure. The problem is frequently the quick bob-out-and-back doesn’t let you get enough visual input to see much of anything, and if you do, once you’re behind cover the suspect may move. Also, when peeking, you are in no position to shoot. I had numerous detectives that tried to use this technique repeatedly, only to catch a paintball on their face mask. In training we call this “learning.” On the street we call this “getting shot.”
Be on your sights before exposing yourself from cover. Align the sights behind cover. When you roll out, find the bad guy and place that alignment on the suspect (this is called “sight picture”). Don’t try to move out from cover, then align the sights find the suspect, and make the shot. This takes too much time and exposes you while you’re doing it. Reduce the process by already having the sights aligned.
Roll out. I’ll credit John Farnam with recommending this technique. The idea is to roll your upper body out from cover versus stepping out. It is accomplished by getting a solid base behind cover with one or the other foot forward, and rolling out from the waist. I’ve seen it successfully done with a variety of foot positions.
Shoot around, not over, cover. The exception is long low cover, like a wall where you cannot shoot around. Our eyes are positioned one third of the way down from the top of our heads. When we shoot over cover, we expose a lot of target before we are able to see and return fire. So, shoot around cover by rolling out from the side.
Reload behind cover. If at all possible, do all speed and tactical reloads behind cover, as well as any malfunction clearance drills. You are susceptible to fire while reloading. If cover is available, while not perform these pistol operations while safely ensconced? In my opinion, all malfunction drills should be done behind cover. Think of it—do you really want to be clearing a double feed out in the open while the suspect is busting caps in your direction? Even if your double feed clearance drill is drawing a second gun, wouldn’t this be more safely accomplished from behind cover?
Now that you’ve learned the lessons my officers and I did, go out and practice the use of cover. As you go through your daily routine, be cover conscious. Work around your house, car or other points of cover. Use Airsoft or Simunitions® for a safe force-on-force training exercise. While on the range, increase the amount of practice in which you use cover, move to cover, and shoot while moving to cover. While doing simulation training, if you have a bad guy role player armed with a marking cartridge pistol ready to tag you if you give him or her the chance, I guarantee you’ll approach the use of cover with a little bit more realism and not like some TV detective.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Punishment handed out for airsoft gun incidents at Bettendorf school
While the Bettendorf School Board is deciding on punishment for five students involved in bringing two look-alike guns to the high school last week, three more students are accused of bringing knives to the building, officials said Thursday.
The two girls and a boy have been suspended and face potential expulsion as well, officials said.
“This does not happen often at all, but to have this many in a couple-week period …,” Superintendent Marty Lucas said.
On Monday, one student was expelled for the remainder of the school year for involvement in one of the gun incidents. Two will be expelled through the end of third quarter, Lucas said. Hearings for the other two students involved in the gun incidents will be held next week.
“I think the punishments were appropriate for the amount of involvement the students had in the incidents,” Lucas said.
On Tuesday, a student reported to an administrator that he knew of a girl who was carrying a knife, Bettendorf High School Principal Jimmy Casas said. Another girl and a boy subsequently were found with knives that had blades 3 or 3 1/2 inches long, he said.
The boy brought the knives and gave them to the girls, he added, commending the students who told an adult about the weapons.
No one was threatened with a weapon, and the students who brought the knives did not bring the knives because they felt threatened, Lucas said.
“They did something stupid,” he said. “They just weren’t thinking.”
Last year, the school had two weapons incidents, Casas said. One involved a student bringing a knife, the other a lighter that was used in a threatening manner. The year before, a loaded handgun was brought to the school.
This year’s gun incidents involved an Airsoft pistol and a pellet gun that was brought to school last week, officials said.
A student brought the Airsoft gun to return it to a friend who had left it at his house over the weekend. The gun was kept in a locker until the end of the school day, when one of the students reportedly put it in his waistband. A student who saw the gun reported it to her parents that evening.
The next day, the two students were picked up as they came to school and were taken for questioning, at which time they admitted to having had the gun on Monday, Casas said.
The gun looked real except for an orange marking on the end of the barrel, he added.
A third student then brought a pellet gun with him, Casas said, adding that he believes it was done to show off the weapon.
That student saw the two students with the Airsoft gun being apprehended by school officials as they walked into the building. He became scared and handed the gun to a girl, Casas said. She kept the pellet gun in her locker all day, overnight and into the next day, until a fifth student came to her to retrieve the weapon for his friend, Casas added.
A student who heard about the gun through word-of-mouth came to an assistant principal to report it Wednesday, he said.
Ann McGlynn can be contacted at (563) 383-2336 or amcglynn@qctimes.com.
The two girls and a boy have been suspended and face potential expulsion as well, officials said.
“This does not happen often at all, but to have this many in a couple-week period …,” Superintendent Marty Lucas said.
On Monday, one student was expelled for the remainder of the school year for involvement in one of the gun incidents. Two will be expelled through the end of third quarter, Lucas said. Hearings for the other two students involved in the gun incidents will be held next week.
“I think the punishments were appropriate for the amount of involvement the students had in the incidents,” Lucas said.
On Tuesday, a student reported to an administrator that he knew of a girl who was carrying a knife, Bettendorf High School Principal Jimmy Casas said. Another girl and a boy subsequently were found with knives that had blades 3 or 3 1/2 inches long, he said.
The boy brought the knives and gave them to the girls, he added, commending the students who told an adult about the weapons.
No one was threatened with a weapon, and the students who brought the knives did not bring the knives because they felt threatened, Lucas said.
“They did something stupid,” he said. “They just weren’t thinking.”
Last year, the school had two weapons incidents, Casas said. One involved a student bringing a knife, the other a lighter that was used in a threatening manner. The year before, a loaded handgun was brought to the school.
This year’s gun incidents involved an Airsoft pistol and a pellet gun that was brought to school last week, officials said.
A student brought the Airsoft gun to return it to a friend who had left it at his house over the weekend. The gun was kept in a locker until the end of the school day, when one of the students reportedly put it in his waistband. A student who saw the gun reported it to her parents that evening.
The next day, the two students were picked up as they came to school and were taken for questioning, at which time they admitted to having had the gun on Monday, Casas said.
The gun looked real except for an orange marking on the end of the barrel, he added.
A third student then brought a pellet gun with him, Casas said, adding that he believes it was done to show off the weapon.
That student saw the two students with the Airsoft gun being apprehended by school officials as they walked into the building. He became scared and handed the gun to a girl, Casas said. She kept the pellet gun in her locker all day, overnight and into the next day, until a fifth student came to her to retrieve the weapon for his friend, Casas added.
A student who heard about the gun through word-of-mouth came to an assistant principal to report it Wednesday, he said.
Ann McGlynn can be contacted at (563) 383-2336 or amcglynn@qctimes.com.
Friday, December 09, 2005
UNCW police confiscate Airsoft guns
WILMINGTON, N.C. - Police on the U-N-C-Wilmington campus would like to see an end to the latest fad -- students carrying B-B guns that look like the real thing.
At least four of the Airsoft guns, which shoot plastic B-Bs, have been seized since Thursday. Retired U-N-C-W police Captain Wayne Howell, who still works part time at the department as an investigatorm says the guns carry a Smith and Wesson trademark and resemble the real thing.
Weapons are forbidden on campus property. The issue is particularly sensitive after two students were shot to death last year on or near the campus.
Three of the guns were taken from students last Thursday in Honors House. Another gun and a container of B-Bs were confiscated from a student Monday afternoon in Graham Hall.
Howell says the students carrying the guns were not criminally charged with carrying a concealed weapon but were referred to the dean's office for possible disciplinary action on administrative charges
At least four of the Airsoft guns, which shoot plastic B-Bs, have been seized since Thursday. Retired U-N-C-W police Captain Wayne Howell, who still works part time at the department as an investigatorm says the guns carry a Smith and Wesson trademark and resemble the real thing.
Weapons are forbidden on campus property. The issue is particularly sensitive after two students were shot to death last year on or near the campus.
Three of the guns were taken from students last Thursday in Honors House. Another gun and a container of B-Bs were confiscated from a student Monday afternoon in Graham Hall.
Howell says the students carrying the guns were not criminally charged with carrying a concealed weapon but were referred to the dean's office for possible disciplinary action on administrative charges
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Make it a airsoft gun holiday for your children
The following letter was sent to parents at Grant Street Elementary School in Port Townsend. It was signed by Principal Steve Finch and 28 teachers and staff members.There is a problem in our community with the proliferation of look-alike guns. Law enforcement personnel are fearful of making a decision that could be fatal to a youth with a toy or airsoft weapon. Young people are carrying airsoft weapons, probably without realizing the concern the sight of a possible weapon elicits from those who see them. Educators are concerned with incidents of students who use angry words and actions instead of problem-solving techniques that could really end hostilities.It’s that time of year when many of us are thinking about the winter holiday season and the gifts we can give our children that will really make them happy. As educators, we would ask you to consider making it a gun-free holiday.With television, children are continually bombarded with ads for the newest and most scintillating of toys, many of which are violent. Children are asked by family, friends and even the shopping mall Santa what toys they want. Many children will ask for the toy gun or the violent video they have seen in ads or played with at a friend’s house. It is still the responsibility of the parent, however, to decide what toys will be a good match with the child, what toys will best uphold your family’s values, what toys are age-appropriate, and what toys will enhance your child’s life and experience. It may be difficult to ask grandparents and others to honor your wishes rather than the child’s, but the result will be that you have established parameters around gift-giving that will make the holidays an easier time for the whole family.When a child receives a toy weapon as a gift, he or she will understandably use it to play war games or cops and robbers. That act will not necessarily turn a child to violent acts, but the accumulation and repetition of violent play and violent images on TV or video can desensitize our children and youths to violence. Choosing toys that promote nonviolence can introduce your child to ideas that hopefully, with time, will make everyone feel more secure. When your child asks for toy weapons or violent videos, you may use it as an opportunity to open discussion about your personal values or your concern about the overabundance of violent images, play and actual incidents in our world. Simply saying “I don’t like guns because they can hurt people on purpose or accidentally” makes a statement for a young child.Here are some suggestions you might want to pass on to gift-givers: toys that promote creativity; board games for the whole family; books – both fiction and nonfiction; theater, concert, sporting event or museum tickets; a magazine subscription; enrollment or membership in a club, team or leisure activity; educational or nonviolent video games; sports equipment; materials for projects to do with a parent, such as building a skateboard ramp, making jewelry, baking, fixing an engine, scrapbooking, insect collecting, etc.; scientific games such as a chemistry set or microscope; a family activity such as a trip or other time to share together; musical instruments and/or lessons.
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