4-H Receives Grant from NRA Foundation
Author: Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
4-H Receives Grant from NRA Foundation
Allison Kosto
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
Earlier this year, Broadwater County 4-H received a grant from the NRA Foundation consisting of safety equipment and supplies to support the county 4-H shooting sports program, specifically the archery and small bore .22 rifle programs. The grant award was valued at $3,600.
The mission of Montana 4-H is to prepare youth for living in a global, ever-changing world, as competent contributing adults. Through the 4-H shooting sports program, youth learn life skills, the safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment, and develop an appreciation for lifelong outdoor recreational activities.
Youth participating in the Broadwater County 4-H Shooting Sports Program can choose between four disciples: archery, shotgun, .22 rifle, and hunting. The program is led by state-certified 4-H leaders who instruct members in safety and marksmanship. The program strives to help youth become competent contributing adults of society who promote high standards of safety, sportsmanship and ethical behavior in all shooting disciplines and exhibit lifelong leadership skills. It aims to complement existing hunter-education programs. During the past year, 47 youth participated in the county 4-H shooting sports program which is a 9.3 percent increase from last year.
The primary focus of the grant was to enhance the small-bore .22 rifle discipline. This program has also grown in leaps and bounds. This year there were 13 participants in the project. The .22 program starts in the fall and is led by certified instructors, John Pavao and Todd Kitto. Through the grant, the program was able to purchase critical equipment including targets, cleaning mats and rods, gun vise, bench bags, spotting scope, tripod and safety flags. This equipment allows 4-H leaders to provide a high-quality educational experience in a safe fun setting without placing the financial burden on youth and their families.
The secondary focus of the grant is to support the archery discipline. Archery continues to be the most popular shooting sports discipline with 28 participants each year. This is a 27.3 percent increase from the previous year. This grant enabled this program to replenish supplies including targets and arrows. It also allowed for the purchase of a range timer to help youth who are interested in becoming more competitive as the program continues to grow, and a curtain arrow to protect the walls of the 4-H Building. The archery program starts in late fall and is coordinated by Jason Noyes. Certified instructors Barry McDonald, Andrew Christensen, Eric Crusch, Travis Volkman and Dannielle Douglas assist him.
The new 4-H year starts on October 1st and enrollment opens again. 4-H shooting sports is open to youth who are 9 to 18 years old and enrolled in an organized 4-H Club. There are seven 4-H Clubs in Broadwater County. In addition to .22 rifle and archery, the shotgun program begins in May and continues over the summer with certified instructors, Todd Beatty and Daniel Truesdell. Hunting is the newest discipline and is led by Brandon Henke.
A big thank you also goes to the Broadwater Rod & Gun Club. They waive the range fee to allow 4-H youth to use their facility for 4-H shooting practice. They also contribute shells and storage space for 4-H equipment. They are a critical partner for the 4-H shooting sports program.
Thank you again to the NRA Foundation and the Rod & Gun Club! Together we can provide a high-quality experience for youth to learn the safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment. The 4-H program is also in need of more adults who are willing to volunteer their time as instructors. To inquire about the 4-H program as a youth member or a volunteer, contact MSU Extension in Broadwater County at 406-266-9242 or broadwater@montana.edu.
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PhotoCredit: Photo Credits: Allison Kosto
Image 1 Caption: This year there were 13 participants in the project. The .22 program starts in the fall and is led by certified instructors, John Pavao and Todd Kitto.
Photo Credits: Allison Kosto
