A New Jersey gun rights group is hosting a free firearm training safety day for students from Lacey Township High School, where controversy erupted in March when two students were suspended over a photo taken at a gun range.

The suspension of the boys, who were never named, ignited an uproar on social media and led to the district changing its policy on student possession weapons off-campus. The students were at a private range with parents when the photo was taken.

The suspensions drew the attention of a New Jersey gun advocacy group -- the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs -- which sent a cease and desist letter to the district threatening a lawsuit if its policy remained unchanged and the suspensions was not overturned.

The New Jersey Second Amendment Society announced this week it is holding a training session later this month at a gun club. The NJ2AS said its president recently spoke at a Lacey board of education meeting and offered to teach gun safety.

"After speaking to the superintendent several times, the school board and the principal, NJ2AS is confident we are going to develop a long standing relationship to work together and not against each other," the NJ2AS said in a statement. "This is why it is important to not always come out guns blazing and threaten costly litigation as an initial reaction."

The high school's student handbook originally said "any student who is reported to be in possession of a weapon of any type for any reason or purpose whether on or off school grounds," would be subject to penalties including up to a one-year suspension.

It now omits any mention of possessing a weapon off school grounds and doesn't mention a specific suspension length. It also includes a note on buses.

"Students are forbidden to carry any type of weapon or simulated weapon to school," the revamped policy states. "Strict disciplinary action and legal actions will result if this occurs. Any person who knowingly has in his possession any imitation firearm in or upon any part of the building... without the written authorization of the governing officer of the institution, or while on any school bus is a disorderly person."

The photo of four rifles, magazines and a gun duffel bag was shared by one of the students on the social media app Snapchat with the caption "fun day at the range," according to Lacey resident Amanda Buron, a family friend of one of the students.

A screen capture of the image made the rounds among other students and later brought to the attention of Lacey High School officials. Buron said the students received a five-day, in-school suspension for violating the school's policy on weapons possession.

District officials never acknowledged that the students were suspended.

The free training day will be held May 20 at the Union Hill Gun Club on Union Hill Road in Monroe, Middlesex County from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is limited to 100 students.

"NJ2AS turned a negative into a positive without any litigation and/or waste of gun owner resources," the gun group said on its website, adding that the outcome is a "best case scenario."

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.