MSU Extension 4-H Shooting Sports

The Michigan 4-H Shooting Sports Program provides opportunities for 4-H members of all ages across six disciplines (archery, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, pistol and hunting and wildlife). For youth ages 5-7 years (called Cloverbuds), the hunting and wildlife program can be offered without any live fire activities. Once youth reach eight years-old, they can participate in archery and BB gun with one-on-one help. As youth grow older, more shooting sports disciplines are available to them, and when they reach 14 years-old, they are eligible for leadership opportunities that allow them to become more involved at the local and state levels, having an impact on the program and building leadership skills.

Shooting Sports Teen Leaders

Through the 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Leader program, 4-H youth ages 14 and up, according to the 4-H age policy, can attend an instructor workshop to become certified as a teen instructor in a shooting sports discipline. Teen leaders attend the same workshops that adult 4-H volunteers do to become a certified 4-H shooting sports instructor. These workshops are typically held twice per year, in the fall and spring. They occur over the course of two days, and attendees can seek certification in one discipline per workshop. Once certified, teen leaders can assist with shooting sports clubs in their county and can transition to adult 4-H volunteer shooting sports instructors when they age out of 4-H.

What can teen leaders do?

There are many ways that teen leaders can assist with a 4-H shooting sports club. However, there are also some limitations. Like all 4-H shooting sports instructors, teen leaders can only teach youth in the discipline(s) in which they are certified. Teen leaders are also required to work under the supervision of an adult 4-H shooting sports instructor and do not count towards the ratio of instructors to youth on the line (which is 1:5). However, teen leaders are still an invaluable asset to shooting sports clubs and can help with tasks such as:

• Helping to supervise and run the line.
• Working one-on-one with youth who are learning.
• Scoring targets.
• Demonstrating techniques for younger 4-H members.
• Modeling appropriate ways to respond to challenges or setbacks.

Why are teen leaders important?

Teen leaders are important to the success of the Michigan 4-H Shooting Sports program for many reasons. First and foremost, they can serve as role models for younger youth who are just getting started. Many young people may respond better to a peer rather than an adult, especially if the activity or environment is new to them. Seeing teen leaders thrive in the program is reassuring to youth who may be just beginning in shooting sports.  

Teen leaders are also essential to the longevity of the Michigan 4-H Shooting Sports program. If teen leaders maintain their certification until they age out of 4-H, they can complete the Michigan State University Extension Volunteer Screening Process to become an adult 4-H volunteer. Their certification is automatically changed to an adult certification when they turn 21 years-old and they can serve as the primary shooting sports instructor for a 4-H club. The Michigan 4-H Shooting Sports program views encouraging and investing in teen leaders as a way of ensuring there are qualified and experienced instructors in the future.

Why become a teen leader?

Getting certified as a teen leader also provides benefits to the youth themselves. Teen leader certification is an excellent addition to resumes, college applications and scholarship applications. It shows a commitment to community service and the development of leadership skills. Consider what current teen leaders in Michigan have to say about the experience:

• “Being a trained teen leader has made me more comfortable, and I gained more confidence,” said Seana, a 4-H’er in Montcalm County. “Being a teen leader is a great way to meet new people interested in the same sports I am, and I admit I can talk to other people a little easier because of the trainings I have done.”
• “Being a shooting sports teen leader is fun,” said Madison, a Clinton County 4-H’er. “I like to help others learn more about the sport and teach them how to do it correctly. Shooting sports has opened many new opportunities for me. Personally, shooting sports has helped me learn how to step into a leadership role and teach others how to grow as marksmen.”

As these quotes demonstrate, becoming a shooting sports teen leader can be a rewarding experience for youth! For more information on the Michigan 4-H Shooting Sports program, including upcoming workshops and other events, visit the 4-H Shooting Sports website.