If you love being outdoors, you’ll love the 4-H Shooting Sports program. Get ready because this project is hands on. Pick one or all of the disciplines 4-H offers: archery, shotgun, rifle (.22 and air).  What makes our program different? 4-H Shooting Sports Clubs are founded on the principles of Positive Youth Development ... and that means our goal is on the youth first to ensure they feel welcome in our program, they grow in leadership independence and they are inspired to be generous in service to others, as they master skills in the shooting project. Don't get us wrong; the skills of shooting matter, it's just, the young person matters more.

4-H Shooting Sports clubs are made up of young people and trained adults who share an interest in shooting sports. The club meets at least six times during the 4-H year, but many meet several more times. Because safety is important, the 4-H Shooting Sports project is only available to members enrolled in an organized 4-H Shooting Sports Club and cannot be taken as an individual project.

University of Illinois Extension- LaSalle County 4-H Shooting Sports program offers shooting disciplines of archery, rifle (.22 and air) and shotgun. Each local program is guided by a Certified 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator. Enrollment opens September 15, 2021. Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program is also a  part of the National 4-H Shooting program.

The focus of all 4-H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible, productive citizens. The Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program stands out as an example. Youth learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of shooting and archery and much more. 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.

To learn more about LaSalle County Shooting Sports call University of Illinois Extension, LaSalle County 815-433-0707 or email Toni Pienta at fusinatt@illinois.edu.