When's the last time you had a huge outdoor playground to use? I'm not talking about the kind with swings and slides. I'm talking about the kind with shooting ranges and fishing.

When I lived south of Ashland, in the Beurys Grove area, I belonged to the Tri-Valley Archery Club. As a member of the club, I competed in area 3D archery shoots and we traveled to events, got to see a lot of nice clubs. But I never joined any of them.Then a couple years ago, as a reporter for the Times News, I was assigned to interview Jennifer Plocinik, Lehighton, then a member of the Junior Rifle Team at Ontelaunee Rod & Gun Club (www.ontelaunee.org). I attended a practice, held at a range in the basement of the clubhouse, where I met the other team members, some of the parents, and coaches. A year or so after that, I was back at Ontelaunee writing about an ICORE (International Conference of Revolver Enthusiasts) event, and saw the outdoor ranges.Both times I came away thinking, I ought to join that place. Finally, for 2017, I did. The club requires that all new members attend an orientation, to learn about use of the trap and skeet ranges, archery ranges, fish pond and rifle and pistol ranges. Current vice-president Tim Miller (soon to become president) led the orientation, explaining the club schedules, information about events, and rules for the pistol and gun ranges."In the past rifle and pistol shooters sometimes found that when they came here to shoot, the ranges were closed because of an event," Miller said. "But new training and competition ranges have been completed, and that's where events are run, which keeps the membership ranges open during almost all events."In addition to the Junior Rifle Team, the club also involves the family by hosting two National Wild Turkey Federation events, Women in the Outdoors and Jakes (for youngsters). At both those events, participants can choose from a menu of outdoor activities to learn. Those events are open to the public (you must pre-register) and many other events are open to spectators.Ontelaunee is certainly one of the jewels of area Rod & Gun Clubs, with membership now nearing 4,700. After a one-time $30 initiation fee, the yearly fee is $30 for adults, only $3 for juniors under 18 years old. The club keeps the membership cost low by holding twice-yearly raffle and block shoots, and raffles."The only way we can do all the things we do is because of our volunteers," Miller said, addressing the new members at the orientation. "If there's anything you can do, we'll be grateful."How can you find the right club to join? One source is

www.northeastox.com, which lists Pennsylvania Fish and Gun clubs and outdoor organizations by region. You can also inquire through officials at your town or township. Either way, whether you use the facility once a year, once a month, or once a week, you'll know that your dollars are helping a club continue the outdoor traditional activities.