INDEX OF THIS AND OTHER PAGES![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Messages To Arizona 4H Junior Shooters and Parents |
The 4 H's:
are you:
|
|
INTERESTED IN
KIDS, SAFETY, SHOOTING, HUNTING?
In 4-H, we teach youth and adult leaders:
There are 7 disciplines covered by the 4-H Shooting Education Project:
WE BELIEVE
Human growth and development are the primary goals of the 4-H Shooting Education program.
Shooting Education is an outstanding way to provide human growth and development opportunities.
Introducing safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment opens valuable vocational and life-long recreational education.
====================================
"The shooting sports are not limited by age, sex, or physical ability. Once the basic skills are acquired, they can become lifelong activities. 4-H is designed to bring people together and promote citizenship and a spirit of cooperation. The shooting sports projects accomplish these objectives."
Excerpted from an article published in "Center Daily Times" Center County, PA. ==========================================
WHY SHOOTING EDUCATION AND SPORTS
About 2/3 of the homes in the U.S. have firearms. Exposure to safe and responsible handling is vital to preventing accidents at home or next door.
Shooting is the second most popular international sport behind track and field. It is nearly unique in being a lifetime sport.
Shooting Sports attracts new audiences to 4-H and creates adult-youth bonds.
Lifetime sports Useful knowledge and skills Leadership skills Safe habits Self-discipline & self-esteem Respect Personal responsibility Confidence & concentration Poise Opportunities to set goals Opportunity to achieve goals Sportsmanship Reasoning skills Ethical standards Friendship Opportunities to compete in matches Exposure to careers Opportunities to earn awards
A SHOOTING EDUCATION LEADER IS...
Interested in youth and their development
Interested in some phase of shooting
Willing to learn how to teach shooting effectively
Willing to be helpful, open, and supportive
Interested in challenges with rewards
Enthusiastic, positive, and energetic
Honest, self-disciplined, and kind
Shooting ability is not essential to be a good, responsible leader, but a willingness to learn coaching skills is essential. Training is available for interested people. The program materials gained through training provide excellent support. In Arizona's 4-H Shooting Education Program, attending at lease one 3 day workshop is required in order to be certified as a 4-H Shooting Education Leader. State certification workshop is usually conducted twice a year and alternate from northern to southern Arizona (see below for more information).
Learn and practice higher standards of safety
Learn and practice cooperative coaching techniques
Learn and practice 4-H teaching techniques
Invest your time, energy and spirit
Focus on helping youth develop and learn
Be a strong, positive role model
The degree of safety a child has rests squarely on the child's parents. Parents who accept the responsibility to learn, practice, and teach gun safety rules will ensure their child's safety to a much greater extent than those who do not. The parents responsibility does not end, however, when the child leaves the home. Even if no one in your family owns a gun, chances are that someone you know does. Your child could come in contact with a gun at a neighbor's house when playing with friends or under other circumstances outside your home. It is critical for your child to know what to do if he or she encounters a firearm anywhere, and it is the parents' responsibility to provide that training. An adult's or child's attitude, learning ability, and physical and emotional maturity are some of the factors to be weighed in determining the age to start the type of and the amount of training needed. Basic Firearms Training courses taught by more than 30,000 4-H Certified Instructors are offered in every state. You can obtain hands-on training in the safe and proper use of different types of firearms by enrolling in a course of the 4-H Shooting Education Program. If you have decided that your child is not ready to be trained in the handling and use of a gun, explain to your child that he or she must not touch a gun in your home, unless you are present and have given permission. If your child sees a gun outside the home, teach him or her to follow the instructions of Eddie Eagle:
DON'T TOUCH
LEAVE THE AREA
TELL AN ADULT
These pages were created and are maintained by Patricia Foreman,
for the Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports Project.
This page was updated June 2005.