Introducing GOSA Gun Buddies
Gun Buddies exists to educate children and teach them how NOT to get shot.
Gun Buddies is not a shooting programme. It does not teach children how to handle, load, aim, fire, or use firearms.
Gun Buddies teaches children one clear, life-saving message: what to do if they ever see, find, or come across a firearm.
As firearm owners, parents, educators, and responsible adults, one of the most important lessons we can teach children is how to stay safe around firearms by never touching them, never playing with them, and immediately calling out for a parent or trusted adult.
Children are naturally curious, and curiosity without the right message can be dangerous. Calm conversations, clear rules, and simple repetition can save lives.
That is why GOSA (Gun Owners South Africa) created Gun Buddies, a child-friendly educational initiative designed to support parents, schools, crèches, and communities in teaching children what to do if they encounter a firearm.
Gun Buddies uses friendly characters, simple language, visual learning, and memorable safety messages to help children understand that firearms are not toys and that they must never touch a firearm under any circumstances.
The goal is not to scare children. The goal is not to train children. The goal is to prevent tragedy.
Through Gun Buddies, children are taught four simple, life-saving safety rules:
STOP. DON’T TOUCH. CALL A PARENT. WALK AWAY.
Gun Buddies also teaches Situational Awareness encouraging children to recognise trusted adults, speak up when something feels unsafe, and be aware of their surroundings in a calm and age-appropriate way.
For adults, the message is equally important: responsible firearm ownership includes safe storage, controlled access, and ongoing safety conversations at home.
The Gun Buddies Initiative Focuses On:
Teaching children what to do if they see or find a firearm Teaching children never to touch, pick up, or play with firearms
Promoting safe behaviour and situational awareness Encouraging open communication between parents, caregivers, teachers, and children Supporting responsible firearm ownership in South Africa Creating safer homes, schools, crèches, and communities Helping children feel prepared, aware, and confident without fear
Meet Scrappy the Land Rover
Gun Buddies features Scrappy the Land Rover, a friendly character created to help introduce important safety concepts in a fun, engaging, and memorable way for young children.
Families, schools, and communities can also purchase the educational children’s book featuring Scrappy, designed to support child-friendly safety conversations at home and in learning environments.
Educational Visits and Awareness Days
Gun Buddies educational visits and awareness sessions can be arranged for:
Crèches Schools Community groups Parent information sessions Child safety presentations Educational awareness days
These sessions are designed to support parents, teachers, and caregivers in teaching children what to do if they encounter a firearm. The focus is on prevention, awareness, responsible adult supervision, and clear age-appropriate safety rules.
Follow GOSA Gun Buddies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOSAGunBuddies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gosagunbuddies/
Contact Gun Buddies
To organise an educational visit, awareness day, or to find out more about the initiative, please contact:
Email: GunBuddies@GOSA.co.za Telephone: 011 888 4037
Gun Buddies – Smart. Aware. Safe. Together. Proudly part of GOSA (Gun Owners South Africa).
Donate to Gun Buddies: [insert link]