By Andi Anderson
The Michigan 4-H Shooting Sports Program offers youth a chance to explore new skills, gain confidence, and grow as leaders across six different disciplines. These include archery, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, pistol, and hunting and wildlife.
Younger children ages 5–7, known as Cloverbuds, can participate in the hunting and wildlife program without any live-fire activities. When children turn eight, they can begin practicing archery and BB gun shooting with one-on-one instruction. As youth get older, more disciplines become available, and by age 14 they can begin taking on leadership roles.
The Shooting Sports Teen Leader program allows 4-H members aged 14 and older, following the 4-H age policy, to become certified teen instructors.
These youth attend the same two-day instructor workshops that adult volunteers participate in, and workshops are offered twice each year.
Teen leaders may become certified in one discipline per workshop and can support clubs in their county. When they age out of 4-H, they can transition into adult volunteer instructor roles.
Teen leaders can take on many responsibilities within their clubs. They may help supervise and run the shooting line, work individually with younger members, score targets, demonstrate proper techniques, and model positive responses to challenges.
However, they must only teach in the discipline they are certified in, and they must always work under the supervision of an adult 4-H shooting sports instructor.
Teen leaders play an important role in supporting younger youth and ensuring the program continues to grow. Many younger members feel more comfortable learning from peers, and seeing older youth succeed encourages them to stay involved.
Teen leaders also help ensure the future strength of the program, as their certifications convert to adult certifications when they turn 21.
Becoming a teen leader also benefits youth personally. Leadership certification strengthens resumes, scholarship applications, and college applications. As one member shared, “Being a trained teen leader has made me more comfortable, and I gained more confidence,” said Seana, a 4-H’er in Montcalm County.
Another member added, “Being a shooting sports teen leader is fun,” said Madison, a Clinton County 4-H’er. “Personally, shooting sports has helped me learn how to step into a leadership role and teach others how to grow as marksmen.”
More information on workshops and upcoming events can be found on the Michigan 4-H Shooting Sports website.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-poike
Categories: Michigan, Rural Lifestyle