University of Kentucky : Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment 

Growth, Confidence, and Community at the 2024–2025 KY 4-H Shooting Sports Coaches Certification Workshops

Ashley Marcum, Extension Specialist 

The KY 4-H Shooting Sports Coaches Certification Workshops are an invaluable resource offered twice a year to interested adult and teen leaders from across the state. During the 2024-2025 program year Kentucky was able to host 2 successful workshops, providing attendees with the strong foundation and necessary skills needed to support their local county programs. 

This year, 175 participants completed the certification workshops held in the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025, with 73% earning Level I Instructor certification and 27% certified as Apprentice Level I Instructors. Notably, 78% were first-time attendees, reflecting the program’s growing reach and appeal to new volunteers. 

At the end of their time at the training each participant was asked to complete an evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the certification workshop. This evaluation focused on participants’ confidence and knowledge before and after the training in 5 key areas:

• Firearm/Archery Safety
• Positive Youth Development
• Range Safety
• Risk Management & KY 4-H Policies
• Teaching Techniques for Youth

The evaluation also collected qualitative feedback on the overall experience including instruction quality and workshop structure. 

One of the most encouraging trends was the dramatic increase in participants’ confidence and knowledge. Before the workshop, many rated themselves as only somewhat confident or neutral in key areas like firearm/archery safety, range safety, and youth development. After the workshop, over 90% of participants reported feeling confident in all five core areas listed above. This growth highlights the workshop’s effectiveness in preparing volunteers to lead safe, engaging, and educational programs.

Additionally, participants praised the hands-on learning, engaging instructors, and the opportunity to network with fellow coaches. Comments like “I feel really confident going back home to run my range” and “The instructors were amazing and answered every question” were common throughout the evaluations.

The 2024–2025 workshops not only strengthened the skills of current coaches but also laid the foundation for future growth. With a strong influx of new volunteers, increased confidence across the board, and a community of passionate, knowledgeable instructors, Kentucky 4-H Shooting Sports is poised for continued success.

As one participant put it: “This was a great learning experience. All instructors were very knowledgeable and helpful. They need a raise. Thank you!”