AMES, Iowa -- More than 100 adult volunteers will participate in the Iowa State University Extension 4-H Shooting Sports Leader Certification workshop March 26-28 at the Iowa 4-H Center near Madrid. Photo and interview opportunities will be available.

4-H Shooting Sports brings together youth and trained adults and emphasizes positive youth development through building shooting, wildlife, conservation and outdoor skills, said Bryan Whaley, Iowa 4-H Shooting Sports coordinator.

“We are training volunteer instructors to work with kids to develop skills for their future — because shooting sports are lifelong activities,” Whaley said.

This is the largest group of volunteers he’s ever had for the workshop, about a 40-percent increase over last year. Whaley attributes the increase to a growing number of counties that are starting 4-H clubs devoted to hunting and other shooting sport activities.

Participants will spend the entire weekend learning about 4-H and the youth involved, as well as training with one of six distinct shooting disciplines, including coordinator, archery, shotgun, rifle, muzzle-loading and wildlife skills, Whaley said.

Shooting Sports is one of the fastest growing 4-H programs in many states, with an estimated 300,000 youth participating nationally. These programs across the nation have proven effective in retaining older youth in 4-H and engaging both boys and girls in shooting sports. Nearly 1,600 Iowa youth participate in 4-H Shooting Sports.

Learn more about the 4-H Shooting Sports program at www.extension.iastate.edu/4H/projects/ShootingSports/.

Get a map and directions to the Iowa 4-H Center at www.extension.iastate.edu/4hcenter/mapdirections/index.php.

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