UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania 4-H Shooting Sports Committee will conduct a training program and instructor certification course for adults interested in working with youths, April 21-23 at His Thousand Hills Camp and Nessmuk Sportsmen's Club near Wellsboro in Tioga County.

The workshop, funded in part by grants from the NRA Foundation, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Federal Cartridge, will involve specialized training and certification for instructors in the NRA/4-H air rifle, air pistol, muzzleloading and shotgun shooting programs. Archery participants will receive National Archery Association Level 1 certification. Participants will be certified to organize project clubs and conduct instruction in these program areas. The deadline for registration is March 1.

4-H in Pennsylvania is administrated by Penn State Cooperative Extension through the university's College of Agricultural Sciences. The 4-H Shooting Sports program has grown rapidly in Pennsylvania, with more than 3,000 youth ages 8 to 18 completing projects in this program area in 2005. More than 180 4-H volunteer leaders from the northeastern United States participated in the National 4-H Shooting Sports Workshop held in May 2004 near Butler to become certified to train other volunteers. The Pennsylvania 4-H Shooting Sports Education Team trains and certifies approximately 200 volunteers annually.

4-H members receive training in marksmanship and firearm safety and handling. They also have the opportunity to compete in county, regional, statewide and national contests. Air pistol, air rifle, archery, shotgun and .22 caliber rifle contests are held for teens at 4-H State Achievement Days at Penn State's University Park campus in August.

The objectives of the program are to help youth develop leadership abilities, build character and assume citizenship responsibilities; develop responsible sportsmanship, ethical behavior and respect for safe conduct of shooting sports activities; gain awareness and appreciation of the broad spectrum of shooting sports and related activities as life-long leisure opportunities; develop shooting knowledge and skills; become aware of related careers; and to develop enjoyable, positive relationships with adults and peers. For more information, contact your county Penn State Cooperative Extension office or Earle Robbins, Tioga County extension director, at 570-724-9120 or by e-mail at edr1@psu.edu.

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PHOTO CAPTION: Keith Day (right) 4-H/NRA shotgun instructor, coaches a student in the 2005 Pennsylvania 4-H shotgun class.

EDITORS: Contact Earle Robbins at 570-724-9120 or by e-mail at edr1@psu.edu.

Writer/editor: Jeff Mulhollem 814-863-2719 jjm29@psu.edu