Illinois Joins the National 4-H Shooting Sports Program

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ The University of Illinois' 4-H program has gained approval to become involved in National 4-H Shooting Sports, according to Dan Dawson, University of Illinois Extension youth development educator and coordinator for the Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program.

"We are extremely excited to be able to move forward with the 4-H Shooting Sports program," adds Dawson. "The program is in all but one state nationally and has an enrollment of approximately 300,000 youth and 46,000 instructors across the United States. We are looking forward to being able to start training adult volunteers so that they may be able to establish 4-H Shooting Sports clubs in their respective counties."

"We will have our first Illinois Certified 4-H Shooting Sports training workshop October 23, 24 and 25 at Memorial 4-H Camp in Monticello and a second training at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta November 6, 7, and 8. Initially, we will be offering participation in the disciplines of shotgun, archery, rifle (air and small bore) and coordinator, which will be the management position for the local county programs."

The focus of all 4-H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens. The National 4-H Shooting Sports Program stands out as an example. Youth learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of hunting and archery and much more. The activities of the program and the support of caring adult leaders provide young people with the opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth and conservation ethics.

4-H members will have the opportunity to test their skills in county, regional, state and national competitions. In fact, they could ultimately set Olympic competition as their goal. There are 17 Olympic shooting sports events, which continue to draw the third greatest number of countries.

"We are very new to the program," adds Dawson, "but we have already received some support from Federal Ammunition, Pheasants Forever and National Wild Turkey Federation. Hopefully as we progress we will be able to obtain additional resources so that we will be able to assist with the adult certified trainings, help counties purchase equipment, send additional adults to be nationally trained and address other relevant needs.

If you would be interested in learning more about the upcoming adult trainings or the program in general, please contact Randolph County Extension office at 443-4364 or Dan Dawson at the Springfield Extension Center, (217)782-6515, dddawson@illinois.edu.