The Montgomery County 4-H Shooting Sports program is one of the larger 4-H programs in the county.  It is a program that attracts young people who enjoy the outdoors while at the same time learning marksmanship, as well as, the safe, responsible use of firearms and the principles of hunting and archery.  Young people develop life skills, self-confidence, and conservation ethics due to the program’s activities (club meetings, practices, competitions, etc.) and the support of caring volunteer adult leaders who serve as coaches and coordinators who mentor them. 

The pandemic has affected all aspects of everyday life. Although the full effects of the global pandemic have yet to be realized, one thing we know for sure is that children and adolescents will be affected in ways that will mark the course of their life-long development (Bartlett & Virette, 2020).  It has affected how 4-H programs are delivered.  Young people are dealing with changes to family life that could include parental job loss, isolation, financial strain and uncertainty, familial stress responses, and increased family substance abuse (Bartlett, Giffin, & Thomson, 2020).

The county shooting sports program felt the pandemic’s immediate effects postponing then altering the club’s spring fundraising project then changing it to a virtual fundraising event held over several days.  Then cancelling/postponing club meetings and practices per shooting discipline.  The club addressed these challenges mindfully and responsibly...and proceeded to experience some normalcy in spite of the pandemic.

The club fundraising event, as stated, went virtual in August.  As a result of implementing the event virtually, the club raised the needed funds to cover the club’s budget.

Furthermore, in early July, coaches and coordinators met virtually to decide on how or if to proceed with practices per shooting discipline.  Once again, mindful that young people need the nurturing relationship with mentors but in responsible and hyper-safe manner given the challenges of the pandemic.  The shotgun team proceeded with the additional risk management safeguards that the pandemic imposed above and beyond the typical safeguards employed for the high risk, high need program.  As a result, the team and its coaches practiced, learned and improved in their marksmanship skills then competed in the state 4-H Virtual Shooting Sports Contest in September.