4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Training

Regional certification program for volunteer shooting sports instructors across New England.

The 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Training is an annual winter workshop operated collaboratively by the New York, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Vermont 4-H programs. This comprehensive training certifies adult volunteer leaders to teach shooting sports disciplines to youth participating in formal 4-H programs and camps throughout the region.

This multi-day certification workshop is designed for adults seeking to become certified 4-H shooting sports instructors. Participants gain the knowledge, skills, and official credentials needed to lead youth in structured 4-H shooting sports activities.

The program offers certification in the following shooting sports (based on minimum participant enrollment):

• •Pistol - Handgun marksmanship and safety
• •Rifle - Centerfire and rimfire rifle instruction
• •Shotgun - Shotgun fundamentals and techniques
• •Archery - Bow and arrow skills
• •Muzzle Loading - Historical and black powder firearm instruction
• •Hunting - Hunter education and field safety
• •Coordinator - Program coordination and administration

Each state maintains its own certification standards that may exceed National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee guidelines. Participants complete requirements in a single discipline of their choice. All equipment is provided during the training.

The workshop typically occurs during winter months and operates on a registration basis. Vermont residents and instructors from the participating northeastern states are eligible. Each state coordinates its own participant enrollment and maintains records of certified instructors within their jurisdiction.

Certified instructors through this program teach youth participants ages 8-18 in safe, supervised shooting sports environments. The training emphasizes responsible firearm handling, marksmanship fundamentals, sportsmanship, and personal discipline.