Volunteer Training

Volunteer Instructors become positive role models for youth while teaching about environmental ethics, outdoor recreation, wildlife, and personal safety.

About Shooting Sports Volunteer Training

PA 4-H Shooting Sports volunteers are an important part of the 4-H Shooting Sports project.  Volunteer Instructors become positive role models for youth while teaching about environmental ethics, outdoor recreation, wildlife, and personal safety.  Volunteers are needed to coordinate county shooting sports programs and to work at the local level. Individuals who are interested in shooting sports and are willing to learn about them can become involved in an existing program or club. If none exists, they can work with 4-H youth staff to help establish a program.

Shooting Sports Volunteers are required to complete the 4-H shooting sports instructor training before becoming a recognized Level I discipline 4-H instructor. Trainings for 4-H volunteers are scheduled yearly.

All 4-H Level I instructors are trained by state Level II instructors certified to teach the different shooting sports disciplines. Adult volunteers receive training in shooting sports at state 4-H workshops to become certified instructors (Level I). 4-H teen leaders may wish to assist with instruction and be apprentice instructors until reaching approved age at which time can be certified instructors (Level I). Shooting sports leaders act as role models and must impart the 4-H philosophy and youth development objectives to 4-H members.

Instructor Training Workshops

National / Regional 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Level II Training Workshops are held annually. Volunteers and Extension educators attend the workshop to receive national 4-H shooting sports training and certification in one of several disciplines including: archery, muzzleloading, coordinator, hunting, pistol, rifle, shotgun, and Western Heritage. The National 4-H Shooting Sports Curriculum for each discipline is utilized throughout these trainings and in the conduct of local 4-H programs with youth.

Level II certification includes the ability to train & certify Level I instructors (train the trainer) to work directly and safely with youth in the 4-H shooting sports program on the state level.

Requirements for Level II 4-H discipline instructors are you must have completed 2 years of instruction in the county program and agree to support the state shooting sports committee, state contests, and instructor training for 3 years upon completion of Level II training.

Volunteers will learn about:

  • Safety
  • Range Procedures, Layout & Safety
  • Steps of Shooting
  • Parts of Equipment
  • Accessories
  • Shooting Skills
  • Teaching Techniques
  • Coaching Styles
  • Proper Supervision
  • Teaching Children
  • Dealing with Issues
  • Equipment Selection & Care
  • Record Books

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Pennsylvania State 4-H Office

Pennsylvania State 4-H Office