The Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program relies heavily on adult volunteers taking the lead in the shooting disciplines and management of the local county programs. County Extension 4-H staff members provide assistance with a number of items, but it is the volunteer who ultimately makes the county program successful. The activities of the program and support of caring adult leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth and conservation ethics. The Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program is part of the National 4-H Shooting Sports program that started in the mid 1970's. The Illinois program gained approval to join the national effort in 2009. The focus of all 4-H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible, productive citizens.
The 2021 4-H Leader Certification Field Days will take place Saturday, June 5th from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm at 4-H Memorial Camp, Monticello, IL or Saturday, July 24th from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm at Gardner Camp, Hull, IL. A 4-H Shooting Sports club leader may be a parent or other adult in the community who is interested in working with young people on basic shooting skills and safety. Interested adults don't have to be expert marksmen to become involved in the program. Adults wishing to become 4-H Leaders must be approved by local Extension offices.
“After the training, our 4-H volunteers understand their role in mentoring youth to become self-directed, confident members of their community,” Curt Sinclair, 4-H Shooting Sports and Environmental Education Extension Specialist said. “Yes, they’ll also teach the fundamentals of safe shooting, but their bigger role will be helping youth feel welcomed, empowered, and successful; generous in spirit; and thoughtful of their fellow club members and the communities where they live.”
Instructors are needed in Bureau County in archery, rifle, and pistol, as well as coordinator positions. University of Illinois Extension will cover the cost of registration for two individuals registered by May 2. More information can be found at https://4h.extension.illinois.edu/programs/shooting-sports/4-h-shooting-sports-volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering for a 4-H Shooting Sports, please contact the University of Illinois Extension Office at (815)875-2878 or 4-H & Youth Development Program Coordinator, Danielle Gapinski, at des85@illinois.edu for more information.
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If you have questions or need more information, please call University of Illinois Extension- Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit Office at 815-875-2878. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please indicate when registering or contact the Extension office. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry and in Oglesby on the IVCC campus.