Saturday was a big day for the University of Missouri Extension’s 4-H program in Texas County.
MU Extension regional youth development specialist Janice Emery hosted a workshop at Faith Fellowship dedicated to 4-H, with the theme, “Making the Best Better.”
The event’s activities included Missouri Show-Me Quality Assurance (MSMQA) training for 4-H members enrolled in food animal projects (including beef, sheep, swine, dairy cattle, meat and dairy goats, rabbits and poultry), and various projects for younger children involved in the “Clover Kids” program.
Emery also provided the one-time orientation required for new 4-H volunteer applicants.
But also featured was a 4-H Shooting Sports safety course attended by a whopping 30 participants. The six-hour course is a requirement for new entries in 4-H Shooting Sports, and includes comprehensive information about specific safety aspects of Shooting Sports “projects,” including archery, shotgun, small-bore rifle (.22 caliber), muzzle loading and pistol.
The county’s 4-H Shooting Sports program is overseen by volunteer Susan Ford, of Licking. There are about 20 or more shooters expected to return this year, so the total number of participants in the county should top the 60 mark.
“It’s unbelievable how much interest there is here in shooting sports,” Ford said.
Information during the safety class was presented in a classroom setting by various volunteer experts, including Missouri Department of Conservation Texas County agent Chris Ely.
“Ultimately, this program is for the kids,” Ely said. “A lot of the kids who do this program aren’t necessarily active in football, basketball or baseball, and it gives them an avenue to be active with other kids. But it’s also obviously about interacting with firearms and kids. It teaches them the correct way to handle firearms and use them in a safe manner. So many times in today’s society, people are giving firearms a bad name, and a lot of times that’s because of a lack of education.
“This also helps reinforce self esteem, and gives them something they can be good at and compete at and it builds that whole 4-H direction.”
Texas County’s 4-H Shooting Sports program has a long history of success in state competitions, and many shooters have achieved high rankings at “state shoots.” The Big Piney Sportsman’s Club has for years helped nurture that success by supporting 4-H Shooting Sports and reserving Tuesday evenings exclusively for 4-H kids and their instructors.
Club president Bob Roach said several instructors will once again work with kids each week this year.
“It’s always been our position that taking care of the next generation of shooters is a big priority,” Roach said. “There’s obviously a lot of interest here in 4-H shooting, and we’re really happy about that.”
“The Big Piney Sportsman’s Club has been extremely generous over the years in letting 4-H use their wonderful facility,” Emery said. “They have always been very supportive of our Texas County 4-H Shooting Sports program. Myself and our families are very appreciative to have such a nice place to practice and for all they have done in helping us with this program.
“We simply can’t thank them enough.”
The 4-H Shooting Sports “season” runs from late April through August. Ford said that in the past, 4-H shooters have focused solely on “state shoots” toward the end of the season, but more competitions are in the works in 2016.
“That will give them more experience and they’ll be even more prepared for the state shoots and likely do even better,” she said.
Ford said the lengthy safety course was well received by youth and parents.
“A lot of the youth were already aware of the fun involved in shooting sports, but now understand that the No. 1 objective of the program is to promote safe and responsible use of firearm and archery equipment,” she said. “Another important goal learned is to promote self-discipline and concentration, which will help youth in other areas of their lives.”
Ford said she expects the type of growth seen this year to continue.
“There are new 4-H Clubs that have been and are being formed,” she said, “and more youth are being made aware of the projects available in shooting sports. I also believe there is more interest because many county schools are incorporating shooting sports, such as the National Archery in the Schools Program, and putting shooting sports into FFA programs.
“I believe the 4-H Shooting Sports program will continue to grow, as all schools in Texas County add these programs.”
Emery said the Saturday event exceeded her expectations.
“The workshop went even better than I could have hoped for,” she said. “I had a great time and I think all the families did, too. It was a great time for everyone to refocus and get excited about what we have going on this program year. I hope both kids and adults learned a lot about what 4-H can offer.”
Participants hailed from clubs based in Wright County as well as Texas County, since Emery oversee 4-H activities in both.
“It’s a rare occasion for me when I get multiple clubs together, not to mention multiple counties together,” she said. “I loved getting the chance to connect with everyone. It was a wonderful day.”
Emery said 4-H in Texas County is “still in a building process.”
“But it’s a strong building process,” she said. “Enrollment is growing for both youth members and adult volunteers. I’m lucky enough to have great volunteers who will help me to make Texas County 4-H sustainable – and the amazing youth are going to make Texas County a 4-H powerhouse!”
“I’m lucky enough to have great volunteers who will help me to make Texas County 4-H sustainable – and the amazing youth are going to make Texas County a 4-H powerhouse!”
MU EXTENSION REGIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST JANICE EMERY