4-H
SHOOTING EDUCATION in ARIZONA
KIDS, SAFETY, SHOOTING, HUNTING?
In 4-H, we teach youth and adult leaders:
Each discipline teaches safety, concentration, self-discipline, self-confidence, goal-setting, decision-making, and courtesy as the young people learn basic skills and build toward more advanced activities. Both competitive and cooperative skills are included. Participants are exposed to local policies, regulations, laws, and ethical behavior both by repeated demonstration and through personal practice.
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. ==========================================
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.
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.
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 Workshops are usually conducted twice a year and alternate from northern to southern Arizona (see below for more information).
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:
It is not a matter of whether a gun is good or bad. This practice applies to any situation where a gun is accessible to a youngster and there is no parental or adult supervision. It is important that a curious child resist the temptation to pick up the gun. In all cases, children should know to leave the area, and tell their parents or another responsible adult who can secure the gun. The adult can then eliminate a potentially dangerous situation.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR
4-H Links and More
Arizona County Agents & Offices National 4-H Links Pusch Ridge Riders 4-H Club - Shooting Sports The Volunteer Leader
Arizona Game & Fish - Frequently Asked Questions Eddie Eagle ® Gun Safety Program (NRA) A Parent's Guide To Gun Safety Youth Programs Education and Safety by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) Information for Teachers and Administrators (NRA) Program Levels (NRA) Gun Links Index
Email: pforeman@u.arizona.edu
to for Arizona Shooting Sports Education. This page was last updated Oct 2007. |
Hands, 
STOP! 
