Adult volunteers needed for Randolph County 4-H Shooting Sports Program

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Adults who are looking to get involved in one of the fastest growing sports/activities in the country may want to consider the University of Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program, says Dan Dawson, 4-H youth development educator and state coordinator of the program. Opportunities to volunteer exist in Randolph County with the Randolph County 4-H Shooting Sports Program.

The program provides a supportive, adult-supervised environment in which young people, ages 8 to 18, can learn the shooting disciplines of archery, air and .22 caliber rifle, and shotgun. Nationally, the 4-H Shooting Sports program has been in existence since 1975. The Illinois program started in the fall of 2009.

All adults who would like to serve as a shooting sports instructor must attend a 4-H sponsored instructor training. The next training workshops for adult volunteers are scheduled for March 25-27, 2011 and May 13-15, 2011 at 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello, IL. Disciplines of archery, rifle (air and .22), shotgun and coordinator will be offered.

Dawson says that the focus of all 4-H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens. The Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program stands out as an example. Youth learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of archery and much more. The activities of the program and the support of caring adult leaders give young people a chance to develop skills in decision making, self responsibility, teamwork and leadership.

For more details about the adult training workshops or general information about the Randolph County 4-H Shooting Sports program, contact the University of Illinois Extension Office in Randolph County at 618-443-4364.