Develop Your Skills:
With Our Comprehensive Firearms Training
About Us
Personalized Instruction and
In-depth Curriculum
Our mission at Centaur Academy is to provide expert, personalized firearms training, spanning foundational safety principles to advanced skill development. We cater to individuals seeking to enhance their personal protection capabilities, strengthen their home defense strategies, and obtain concealed carry permits. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive learning environment for students of all experience levels. We believe in empowering our students to embrace the responsibilities of gun ownership with confidence and proficiency, ensuring they are prepared for any situation.
Certified NRA Basic Shotgun and Pistol Instructor
Meet Joe Campese
As a certified NRA Basic Shotgun and Pistol Instructor, and a Chief Range Safety Officer, I provide comprehensive, safety-focused firearms instruction.
My one-on-one sessions cover everything from basic gun handling to advanced shooting techniques. Trap shooting instruction is enhanced with a Garmin Tracking System, offering instant feedback on shot accuracy, allowing for precise adjustments and rapid skill development. I am also qualified to conduct Concealed Carry Qualifications in New Jersey.
In my shotgun training classes I will take you from the basics of handling a shotgun in a safe manner, the basics of shooting the game of trap, the etiquette of shooting with others in a squad or in a competition. I can help beginners, novices and experienced shooters develop and enhance their shooting skills
My commitment to safety extends to training in Stop the Bleed, CPR, and AED. As a competitive Trap shooter with the ATA, I have demonstrated consistent improvement, progressing from D to B class, and have achieved impressive scores, including multiple high-scoring rounds.
I am a dedicated and enthusiastic instructor, passionate about helping shooters of all levels achieve their goals.
2025 Trophies
Delaware State Shoot
Open Veteran Champion
NJ State Shoot
Event #2 George Snyder
Handicap Open Champion
NJ State Shoot
200 Singles Championship
Class C Champion
NJ State Shoot
Handicap Championship
Veteran Champion
Get Trained, Be Prepared and Stay Ready
Centaur Academy Courses
Basic Shotgun and Trap Shooting Lessons
The Program Features/Benefits:
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- Cost: $150 per person.
- Limit 5 shooters per lesson.
- 3 Hour Program / Conducted on Saturdays from 3 pm to 6 pm.
- Cover all Safety Aspects of gun handling.
- Each shooter receives 2 boxes of 12 gage ammo. And 2 rounds of trap.
- Each shooter will have access to a shotgun included with the fee. Ability to bring your own shotgun (no personal defense shotguns permitted, 12 gage and 20 gage only). If using any shotgun other than 12 gage, you must provide your own ammo.
- Classroom instruction followed by shooting 2 rounds of trap.
- Basics of Shotgun Shooting and Basic fundamentals of Trap Lessons.
- Upon completion receive PVGC Safety Check Certification.
Instructor: Joe Campese
Location: Pine Valley Gun Club, 166 Watsontown Freedom Rd, Berlin, NJ
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Shooters age 18 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Next Lesson Saturday – TBD
3 pm to 6 pm (weather permitting)
State Of New Jersey
Conceal Carry Qualifications.
The Program Features/Benefits:
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- Cost: $150.
- Classroom Time at Pine Valley Gun Club
- Review Power Point Presentation and other mandatory documents.
- Qualification done at a pistol range TBD.
- Must watch applicants draw from a holster.
- Holster required. Inside the Waist or Outside the Waist.
- You must bring your own ammo (50 rounds). And your own pistol.
- Only 1 pistol needed to qualify.
- Qualifying Target provided by Centaur Academy.
- Need a Drivers License with current address, Firearms ID Card.
- Payment via Venmo, PayPal, Check or Cash.
- Centaur Academy provides all documents needed to submit your application after qualification.
Instructor: Joe Campese
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Next Lesson – TBD
Location TBD
Private Lessons – One to One
Basic Shotgun and Trap Shooting
The Program Features/Benefits:
- Cost: $100 per hour.
- Available Any Day Monday Through Sunday. Based on Joe’s schedule.
- Cover all Safety Aspects of gun handling.
- Use of Pattern Board to see your shot pattern.
- Bring your own ammo or Purchase at PVGC. $12 per box for 12 gage. $15 a box for 20 gage.
- Bring your shotgun. Or rent a shotgun for $20.
- PVGC Member Price $6 per round. Non-Member $10 per round.
- Basics of Shotgun Shooting and Basic fundamentals of Trap Lessons.
- Upon completion, receive PVGC Safety Check Certification.
- Instruction will be done using a Garmin Range Tracker. Every shot is tracked and instant feedback is provided on hits/misses!
Instructor: Joe Campese
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Contact Us to Register
Location: Pine Valley Gun Club
Joe Campese
NRA Instructor * Basic Shotgun and Pistol
609-280-3357
centaur_academy@outlook.com
Trap Lessons / Group and Personal
Concela Carry Permit Qualifications
Proud Sponsor of
Pine Valley Gun Club
For More Information or to Register
Our academy provides expert instruction in a safe and controlled environment. Learn from certified professionals and develop the skills you need to handle firearms with confidence and competence.
To register contact:
Joe Campese
609-280-3357 or centaur_academy@outlook.com
Once you fill out the form, we will be in touch with you to provide payment methods and/or information.
Location
Pine Valley Gun CLub
166 Watsontown New Freedom Rd.
Berlin, NJ