The Boone County 4-H Shooting Sports program develops character, commitment, self-discipline, firearm safety, and many other important life skills. The lessons learned in shooting sports can be applied to various aspects of life. It is important to note that it is legal right for one in our country to own a firearm per the second amendment. With that right in mind, our positive youth development approach to shooting sports in Kentucky allows us to provide education to children on proper handling, storage, and other skills related to owning a firearm.  

The Future of Youth, and Gun Violence (2002) states, “Federal and state policymakers, in conjunction with public health experts and educators, should initiate creative public awareness and educational efforts--and evaluate existing approaches-to encourage stronger parental monitoring of children's exposure to guns and safe storage of guns in the home” to prevent gun violence.  

The Kentucky 4-H Shooting Sports program serves as an opportunity for youth to learn best practices in ensuring safe handling and safe storage of firearms. In addition, there are specific objectives for the shooting sports program. Objectives of the program are to: 

• teach decision making, teamwork, self-discipline, self-confidence, and problem solving; 

• promote the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship, and ethical behavior; 

• encourage an appreciation and understanding of natural resources; 

• develop leadership abilities; 

• build character and willingness to assume citizenship responsibility; 

• furnish enjoyable, positive relationships with peers and adult instructors; 

• strengthen families through participation in lifelong recreational activities; 

• build awareness of related career opportunities. 

The Boone County 4-H Shooting Sports educational program boasts 145 members, 19 certified adult coaches, and 9 certified teen coaches through two shooting sports clubs—a county-wide club (Sharp Shooters) with 105 members and a school/4-H partnership club (Hook Shots) with 40 members.  

Nineteen certified coaches provide 6 hours of safety education each program year in addition to more than more than 10 additional opportunities to shoot and practice safety on the range with coaches. 

In the summer of 2018, a committee of Boone County and Carroll County coaches under the supervision of Boone and Carroll County 4-H Agents, formed the inaugural Boone-Carroll 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational event for 4-H youth. Although attendance was minimal at 30 youth participants, there were successes in the small numbers. One youth said, “I never win first place! I go to every meeting and visit other competitions but I never when first place, but here I was able to do it! I’m so happy!” One teen participant and coach said, “I didn’t do well today but it was awesome working with the younger kids and seeing them do so good.” The small number of participants allowed for younger beginners the opportunity to practice their skills and to practice safety on the range and the end day feeling accomplished. The invitational also served as a significant fundraiser for the newer Boone County 4-H Hook Shots Club and the Carroll County club raising a great deal of funds for club support.  

In addition, twelve Boone County youth participated in the state competition in 2018 with members from both clubs.  

After several years as a participant and teen coach in the program, one teen is now a certified adult coach for the Boone County 4-H Shooting Sports Program. The same young man received the competitive state-wide Marion Creech Memorial Scholarship of $1,000.00 for post-secondary education.