Taking aim at youth development
4-H Shooting Sports is a youth development educational program. It uses the skills and disciplines of shooting to assist young people and their leaders in obtaining knowledge and developing skills. Development of skills within the discipline of shooting and "life skills" is implicit in the program curriculum and explicitly stated for volunteers. It appeals to young people and volunteers from a wide range of urban and rural backgrounds. 4-H Shooting Sports promotes positive youth-adult interaction and peer leadership.
The focus of the Missouri 4-H Shooting Sports program is the total development of the young person. The shooting sports and related natural resource activities are utilized as a vehicle for human growth and development. The Shooting Sports program attracts new audiences as well as enhances the traditional 4-H club program.
As with all Missouri 4-H projects, Shooting Sports is open to any youth from ages of 8 through 18. Project choices for youth include:
740 Shooting Sports Safety — prerequisite for other SS projects OR MDC Hunter Education Certificate. See SS policies for additional details.
741. Archery
742. Air Rifle/BB Gun
743. Smallbore Rifle — .22 caliber
744. Air Pistol
745. Shotgun (11 years of age and older)
747. Smallbore Pistol (14 and older)
748. Muzzle Loading (11 years of age and older)
749. Hunting & Outdoor Skills
Program objectives
To enhance the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of youth through safe, educational, and socially acceptable involvement in a shooting related activity.
To teach safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment including sound decision-making, self-discipline, and concentration.
To promote the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship, and ethical behavior.
To encourage understanding of our natural resources and the development of a personal environmental stewardship ethic by young people through participation in shooting, hunting, and related activities.
To strengthen families through lifelong recreational activities.
To expose participants to the broad array of vocational and lifelong vocational activities related to the shooting.
