West Virginia 4-H Shooting Sports Program

The goal of all 4-H programs is youth development. Decision making, teamwork, problem solving, being responsible and having high self-esteem are just a few of the many skills 4-H helps to develop to enable youth to be productive and positive adults in our society.

Specific objectives of the 4-H Shooting Sports program are:

To enhance development of participant’s self-concept, character and personal growth through safe educational and socially-acceptable involvement in shooting activities.
To strengthen families through life-long recreation activities.
To develop leadership qualities in youth and adult participants.
To expand 4-H membership and involve additional 4-H adult volunteers.
To encourage understanding of natural resource concepts through participant’s interest in shooting and wildlife conservation.
To expose participants to the broad array of vocation and lifelong avocational activities related to shooting sports.
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 complement and enhance the impact of existing safety and hunter education programs.
To provide 4-H training and certification in the various shooting sports disciplines for adult volunteers.
To maintain and expand a state level committee of Nationally trained and certified 4-H Shooting Sports Instructors.

The West Virginia 4-H Shooting Sports (SS) Program encompasses the goals of volunteer leadership, capacity building for youth and families, and environmental stewardship. The program is designed to:

The West Virginia 4-H Shooting Sports Program teaches young people between the ages of 9 and 21 the safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment, in addition to instruction in wildlife conservation.

4-H Adult Volunteer Leaders are trained and certified to be positive role models and mentors for youth in the 4-H Shooting Sports Program.