SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Abe Lincoln Shooters 4-H Club currently offers shooting disciplines of archery and rifle. The Sangamon County program is guided by a Certified 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinators. The Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program is part of the National 4-H Shooting Sports Program which sets the standards and guides the curriculum.  The focus of all 4-H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible, productive citizens.

The Sangamon 4-H Shooting Sports program stands out as an example. The activities of the program and support of caring adult leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth, conservation ethics, and the responsible handling of rifles. Youth gain knowledge and build life skills such as responsibility, decision making, discipline, goal setting, teamwork, and safety. The five-part rifle series was offered to youth ages 8-18 during March 2023.

During the final session, 4-H members were able to participate in an exhibition shoot in which they kept score based off the location of their bullets on their target.

Sarah Simpson of Springfield received the champion award.

Quentin Sanchez of Chatham received the reserve champion award.

Thank you to Abe Lincoln Gun Club for the use of their facility and to the 4-H volunteers for sharing their shooting sports knowledge! If you are interested in learning how to participate in Abe Lincoln 4-H Shooters contact Carissa Davis at akpore@illinois.edu

More information about 4-H activities in Logan, Menard and Sangamon Counties can be found at extension.illinois.edu/lms/4-h-youth-development.