Leader Training & Tools

Interested in leading shooting sports with a 4-H club?

All 4-H Shooting Sports clubs are supervised by certified 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor. Instructors must become certified in the specific discipline(s) they wish to lead. These disciplines include archery, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, hunting and wildlife, and pistol. The training includes skill development, safety, risk management and appropriate ways to share this content with youth.  To maintain Instructor status, re-certification is required every 3 years. Volunteers are required at a 1:5 ratio. Please use the link below to review certification policy and procedures, and contact 4h.shootingsports@msu.edu with questions or concerns. 

Certification training events are held annually, in addition to regional training offered by demand throughout the year. Teens age 14+ ready for leadership roles are welcome to attend, able to assist with instruction, under the supervision of a Certified Instructor age 21+. 

How can volunteers that are ‘non-certified’ help out? Safe shooting sports programs require a lot of support from volunteers. There are many ways to help out! Your certified instructor can provide you with additional information. That might include serving the club administratively, providing STEM lessons, or event planning. Contact your county MSU Extension office or find a local club in your area and don’t be afraid to ask how you can help! 

Instructor manuals are distributed at the 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Training Workshops. This is the only place to obtain an instructor manual.


 

Adult and Teen Leader (age 14+) Adult 4-H Volunteer Certification Training Workshops*

Date Location Disciplines offered Event Details
September 16 & 17, 2023 Owosso, MI

Level 1 Instructor Certification Workshop

(Archery, Coordinator, Muzzleloader, Rifle, Shotgun)

The 4-H Shooting Sports Adult & Teen Instructors Certification Workshop provides leaders an opportunity to:
  • Develop and improve skills in teaching shooting sports activities to youth
  • Work toward certification to become a Michigan 4-H Shooting Sports certified instructor in a variety of shooting disciplines
  • learn how to develop, expand and maintain local 4-H Shooting Sports programs
  • Exchange ideas for local and State 4-H Shooting Sports programs with other leaders