There are 7 disciplines covered by the 4-H Shooting Education Project:

1. Archery
2. Hunting and Wildlife
3. Muzzleloading
4. Pistol
5. Reloading
6. Rifle
7. Shotgun

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.

                           ==========================================

PROGRAM GOALS

1. To encourage understanding of natural resource concepts through participant's interest in shooting and hunting.

2. To enhance development of participant's self-concept, character and personal growth through safe, educational and socially acceptable involvement in shooting activity.

3. To promote the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship, and ethical behavior.

4. To expose participants to the broad array of vocational and lifelong avocational activities related to shooting sports.

5. To strengthen families through life-long recreational activities.

6. To complement and enhance the impact of existing safety and hunter education programs.

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.

PARTICIPANTS GAIN

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). 

THE LEADER'S RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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 PARENT'S RESPONSIBILITIES

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:

STOP!