The focus of all 4-H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens. The 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 opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth, and conservation ethics.
Youth may explore subject areas, such as:
- Archery
- Air Rifle, Air Pistol, and BB Gun
- Smallbore Rifle and Pistol (.22 caliber)
- Hunting and Outdoor Skills
- Shotgun (9 years old, 4-H age)
- Muzzleloading (9 years old, 4-H age)
The focus of the Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports programs are the total development of the 4-H member. The shooting sports and related natural resource activities are utilized as a vehicle for human growth and development. It uses the skills and disciplines of shooting to assist young people and their leaders in obtaining knowledge and developing skills. Development of skills within the discipline of shooting and life skills is implicit in the program curriculum and explicitly stated for volunteers. 4-H Shooting Sports promotes positive youth-adult interaction and peer leadership.
4-H SHOOTING SPORTS OPPORTUNITIES
Ambassadors
The Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassadors program is dedicated to developing leadership skills while providing an opportunity for youth to assist in the betterment of the Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports program. The program is open to youth ages 14-18 who are enrolled in the 4-H Shooting Sports projects.
Statewide Competitions
The Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports program offers opportunities for competition where youth exhibit their skills and abilities and compete with other 4-H members from across the state. A variety of competitions are offered throughout the year on a local, district, and state level. Upcoming competitions can be viewed on the program calendar.
National Championships
The 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships are held annually at the end of June in Grand Island, Nebraska at the Heartland Public Shooting Park. 4-H youth from across the country compete in compound archery, recurve archery, air rifle, air pistol, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, shotgun, muzzleloading, and hunting skills.
National Championship Resources
Certified Instructors & Leaders
In order to lead a club, county, or multi-county 4-H shooting sports program, instructors must be certified by Nebraska 4-H. Volunteers must attend a leader certification training designed to cover the needed knowledge and guidelines to become a certified 4-H club instructor. 4-H instructor certification workshops are conducted several times each year by a team of state 4-H instructors, usually in the spring and fall. Upcoming workshops can be viewed on the program calendar.
Leadership Committees
A variety of teams provide leadership and guidance to the Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports program, including advisory, special interest, and state project committees. Members include certified instructors, club and project leaders, Extension professionals, and youth advisors from across the state.
Resources
- Calendar of 4-H Shooting Sports Events
- Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Policy
- National 4-H Shooting Sports
- 4-H Shooting Sports Projects
Upcoming Events
For questions about this program or the information on this page, please contact:
Steve Pritchard
Extension Educator, Lead Educator
402-395-2158