4-H EXTENSION CORNER
4-H SAFE
SHOOTING AWARENESS FUN EDUCATION B Y C A R O LY N D R I N K A R D
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3D archery range at the championships.
he Alabama 4-H Shooting Awareness Fun Education program (SAFE) covers the safe use of firearms. It gives 4-H’ers hands-on training while teaching them to handle, use and store weapons responsibly and safely. Alabama 4-H offers five disciplines: Archery, Shotgun, Rifle, Western Heritage and Hunting & Outdoor Skills. Founded on the principles of positive youth development, 4-H SAFE clubs strive to ensure that youth are welcomed, that they grow in leadership independence, and that they are inspired to be generous in service to others. A youth development program, Alabama 4-H SAFE emphasizes peer mentoring and positive interactions between youth and adults. To participate, youth 26
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must be at least 9 years old. In the SAFE program, 4-H’ers learn essential life skills while acquiring the skills and disciplines of safe shooting and responsible firearm ownership. All Alabama 4-H SAFE programs and events are conducted under the supervision of an adult volunteer or staff members who have successfully completed the 12-hour state 4-H SAFE coach certification class. Every year, each Alabama 4-H shooting sports discipline offers a state championship event, and the first-place senior team is eligible to attend the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championship. In 2021, the groups finally got to compete after the pandemic shut down in-person competitions. Congratulations to these state winners!
