The program relies on National and State 4-H trained and certified instructors to conduct classes/programs in the various disciplines (Air Rifle, Archery, Black Powder, Hunting; Wildlife, Rifle, Shotgun, and Program Coordinators) using the National 4-H Shooting Sports Curriculum.
Shooting Sports has the potential of being a high liability activity. Therefore, the program requires 4-H trained and certified instructors to adhere to the safety rules and regulations as dictated by the program to decrease the liability of such an educational experience.
This program is designed to work with groups of children in a club setting. We do not offer individual lessons. Individual instructors may work with outside organizations (such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts) to help them to achieve merit badges in the shooting sports curriculum.
Why offer a Shooting Sports Program?
In the wake of the terrible incidents of youth perpetrated violence , people may question the appropriateness of the 4-H shooting sports program. The 4-H Youth Development Shooting Sports Program involves kids who have an interest in firearms/guns/archery, etc... and welcomes them into an accepting, caring group.
The first thing they learn is safety. Next they learn discipline, followed by respect for firearms as well as respect for people. They are not permitted to use the firearm until they prove they can handle those three prerequisites.
4-H Shooting Sports Members learn what it means to be a good citizen, to help others, and to respect others. They develop the skills necessary for success in the workplace as well as interpersonal relationships (life skills).4-H Adult Volunteer Leaders are positive role models and mentors for kids. They model and teach the kids character while they teach the kids the proper use of and respect for firearms and respect for other people.
Our Certified Instructors:
The program requires the use of National or State 4-H Trained & Certified Instructors to conduct classes /programs in the various disciplines (Air Rifle, Archery, Black Powder, Hunting & Wildlife, Shotgun, and County Coordinators). A list of our NJ State Certified instructors can be found at the Certified Instructors page . No person may be certified as instructor until the following requirements are met:
Our Goals for the NJ4-H Shooting Sports Program:
The following has been taken directly from the national curriculm.
Like most major educational programs, these lesson plans represent the efforts of many people. It is impossible to mention all the people and sponsors, but we want to express our gratitude to those who helped make this publication possible. Some helped by design. Others helped in passing. Most of the authors are National Rifle Association instructors and training counselors, hunter education instructors, National Bowhunter Education instructors or National Muzzleloading Rifle Association instructors. The content of the lessons and some teaching methods reflect those materials. Finally thousands of young people have acted as trial cases for developing effective instructional methods. No effective youth educator develops without that hands-on experience.
All of the authors are sharing lesson plans out of their own experience. The kids provided both challenge and reward. So many have been involved in the project that errors of exclusion are likely. In spite of that, and asking forgiveness from those who may be slighted, special thanks are offered to those who helped forge these lessons with heart, mind and soul.
To all of these and the hundreds of people who helped us frame the program by participating in the shooting sports training workshops across the country we extend heart-felt thanks. We could not have done it without you. To the veteran instructors and coaches, those who are to come and all who have supported this program as it developed, we dedicate these materials in the hope they will be useful and effective models for leading young people. Keep your powder dry, your patterns uniform, your groups tight and your shafts straight!
NJ4-H Shooting Sports Advisory Council
The primary purpose of the New Jersey State 4 H Shooting Sports Advisory Council is to provide advice and support to the New Jersey 4-H Shooting Sports Program, arrange training and ensuring that programs follow the youth development education program which uses a prevention education model that strongly emphasizes positive youth adult interaction and peer leadership.
The membership is composed of the following:
The advisory council will meet at least four times a year. Three meetings are to be held at a central location in the evening, and one meeting held at the Annual Spring State Training. Additional meeting times to fulfill duties throughout the year may be needed. Please visit the State Calendar for dates.
Please select the following links for the Advisory Council Constitution and the Bylaws
State Policies
For a complete copy of New Jersey state policy and handbook, please follow the supplied links.
Are you interested in being a volunteer? To learn more about the New Jersey 4-H Shooting Sports Program or to find out about a club near you, please contact the NJ 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator or your local Rutgers Cooperative Extension Office..
James Tavares
NJ4H Shooting Sports State Coordinator
100 Struble Road
Branchville, NJ 07826
(973)948-3550 ext. 23
E-mail NJ4H Shooting Sports Coordinator
Training and certification opportunities are available for adult volunteers. To learn more about 4-H in New Jersey, please follow this link to www.nj4h.rutgers.edu
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