By TAMARA ROBERTSON
Cottonwood Extension District
The Ellis County 4-H Shooting Sports Club is sending nine youth archers, ages 9-18, to the State 4-H Archery competition in Wakarusa, KS on September 21st. The 2024 4-H archery program includes 30 youth participants from Ellis County and five youth from Pawnee County 4-H. The 4-H Shooting Sports program provides an opportunity for caring adults to assist youth in positive youth development.
Want to learn proper and safe ways to shoot an air rifle, shotgun or bow and arrow? Check out the shooting sports project! The project teaches gun safety, hunting practices plus an opportunity to test your skills. If you have an interest in guns and/or hunting this project is a great way to learn. Kansas 4-H Shooting Sports adheres to the National Shooting Sports Policies.
4-H offers a diverse range of projects that engage youth in hands-on learning across various fields. In Animal Science, members can work with species like beef, goats, horses and more, diving into veterinary science as well. The Communication & Expressive Arts projects encourage creativity through performing arts, photography, and visual arts. Consumer & Family Science covers essential life skills such as sewing, nutrition, and interior design. In Natural Resources, youth explore environmental science, geology, and wildlife. Leadership & Personal Development projects foster civic engagement and self-determination. The Plant Sciences focus on entomology, agronomy, and horticulture, while Engineering & Technology includes exciting areas like robotics, renewable energy, and aerospace. With such a broad spectrum of projects, 4-H empowers youth to develop skills, leadership, and a passion for learning.
The new 4-H year begins on October 1st, making this an ideal time to consider becoming a member. If interested in the 4-H program, please contact the Ellis County Extension Office at 785-628-9430.
Tamara Robertson is the 4-H Youth Development Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or [email protected].