They learn that being cool doesn't require senseless actions that put themselves and others in danger. They learn through commitment and interest that they can become part of a much bigger family of shooting sports enthusiasts and have the opportunity to carry on positive activities in life. Four-H is the lead youth organization filling the gap in firearm safety education. Fast on 4-H's footsteps are the National Rifle Association, International Hunter Education Association, Boy Scouts of America, and other organizations that are recognizing the need for organized skill training in hunter education, firearm safety, and shooting sports. Follow-up activities after completing summer camp include an array of events and activities sponsored by local shooting sports groups that are often eager to keep youth involved.
Many local groups offer hunting and fishing events and special workshops.
Yearly evaluations from the New Mexico shooting sports program demonstrate that the program has hit the mark, meeting the needs of many of today's youth as demonstrated by summative evaluation examples obtained from program participates. Youth have reported to us many important aspects about the program. I was always interested in the outdoors and had been hunting for awhile. The volunteers are very important to the program's success. I think that we all realized that without them, we would have no help.