With over 1,900 youth enrolled, and more than 900 certified volunteer leaders, shooting sports is one of the largest 4-H programs in the state of Kentucky. Taking the slogan “learn by doing” to heart, the KY 4-H Shooting Sports program is built around hands on learning experiences. Under the guidance of certified instructors, youth have the chance to practice firearm safety and marksmanship in a variety of disciplines including archery, rifle, black powder, shotgun, pistol, and hunting & outdoor skills.

Without the hard work and dedication of both adult and teen coaches, county 4-H shooting sports programs would not be able to happen. These volunteers must go through 12 hours of training and are required to obtain 2 hours of continuing education each year to remain certified instructors. Each year the KY 4-H Shooting Sports program certifies between 100 – 200 individuals in all disciplines so that they can go back to their home counties and teach. 

In a typical program year, running September to August, the KY 4-H Shooting Sports program offers 2 coaches certification workshops. These workshops normally take place in the fall (October) and spring (March). Due to a state level review of the KY shooting sports program the workshop scheduled for the fall of 2022 had to be cancelled. To make sure a spring workshop could be held, and counties could get the certified leaders they needed to continue programming, Kentucky partnered with 6 other states including Tennessee, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, and Virginia to provide trainers for and host the 2023 spring workshop. 

Held in April this 3-day, 2-night event provided an opportunity for new and returning volunteers to gain training and resources necessary to conduct successful and safe 4-H shooting sports club activities and provide them with a sound foundation in positive youth development. 

The spring workshop certified 148 individuals in 6 disciplines. Of the attendees, 34 were 4-H teens and 122 were first time attendees receiving their first discipline certification. Participants took part in both classroom and hands-on range work specific to their chosen discipline. Those in attendance at this workshop also had the unique opportunity to learn and gain knowledge from trainers from other states and gain a new perspective on how the shooting sports program is run across the country. Quotes shared by participants during the workshops:

“Great class to learn how to safely learn all the basics of teaching/coaching new and experienced kids the safety rules and regulations to abide by for a successful archery program.”

“This was very fun, educational, and overall a good time. I am very glad I had the opportunity to be here!”

“I have learned a lot and met great people. This will help me help the youth I teach and provided knowledge to share.”