7/12 Investing in the future

  • by Rick Hill
  • July 13, 2011
  • 278
                        
Investing in the future I just got home from the Wayne County 4H still project judging. It used to be still projects were limited to photography, woodworking, gardening, and other similar hobbies. Archery, and gun safety were offered, but it was about learning parts, and function, and didn’t include live fire experience. Fifteen years ago these projects were expanded to include shooting sports. It was a fairly controversial decision, and many predicted that it wouldn’t last long. To their surprise it turned out to be one of the most popular projects offered. The problem was it wasn’t being offered in very many counties. Up to this point if you wanted to be a 4H advisor you just volunteered. The only requirement to be a club advisor was a desire to mentor children. With the introduction of these new live fire projects the decision was made by the Extension Directors that certifications would be required for all advisors involved in the program. The certifications chosen by the board are the ones offered by our old friends at the National Rifle Association. The NRA had offered these instructor certifications for years, and they were a perfect match for this program. The certifications were offered for Basic Pistol, Rifle, and Shotgun. There are also advanced certifications available. These certifications require a two-day course for each discipline. They are set up to educate folks from every background, whether you have been shooting for years, or never handled a firearm. At the end of these classes you will be able to teach, and supervise new shooters. Obviously it took a while to get volunteers certified in every county because of the time commitment, but it finally happened. With certified instructors in all the counties, youth participation virtually exploded. Unfortunately we experience the same loss of advisors as the other 4H clubs do. When our children grow to old to participate it’s hard to keep up with the commitment. I know this first hand; I am not nearly as involved with the program as I was when Doodles was a member. In the last twelve years of judging shooting sports projects in Wayne and Holmes County, I have watched the number of projects go up and down tied directly to the number of active certified advisors. Without adult supervision these programs can’t be offered. Why as outdoorsman is it important for us to support these projects? First of all such a time honored, and respected institution as 4H gives us access to children that can be exposed to our shooting heritage. If you look at the numbers, there are a lot more older shooters, and hunters than there are younger ones. We have failed to interest several generations in our sport, and our numbers are dwindling. Second if we don’t stabilize, and increase our numbers we will join the rest of the world in remembering the good old days, when anyone could hunt and shoot just because they want too. We all know, and talk about the importance of introducing a youngster to firearms. Here is an opportunity to introduce a whole bunch of them at one time, if you are willing to donate some of your time to make it happen. If you would like more information contact your County Extension Office. Catch you later Rick


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