SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Abe Lincoln Shooters 4-H currently offers shooting disciplines of archery and shotgun. 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 shotguns to shoot trap, skeet, and sporting clays. Youth gain knowledge and build life skills such as responsibility, decision making, discipline, goal setting, teamwork, and safety. The most recent six-part shotgun series was offered to youth ages 14-18 from June-July 2022.
During the final session 4-H members were able to participate in an exhibition shoot in which they kept score based off how many sporting clays were hit during multiple rounds. At the end of the exhibition Kaiden Parkins of Springfield held the top score receiving a Champion ribbon and medallion. Reserve Champion went to Adam Kloppe of New Berlin. Also participating were Wyatt and Kolton Buckles of Mechanicsburg.
If you are interested in learning how to participate in Abe Lincoln 4-H Shooters contact the University of Illinois Extension Office in Sangamon County at 217-782-4617.
WRITER: Carissa Davis, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Logan/Menard/Sangamon Counties, 217-732-8289
ABOUT ILLINOIS 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.