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4-H Shooting Sports Program Strives To Teach Kids Responsibility With Guns

It's only taken a few isolated instances to make examples that kids do not understand the full realities of guns, however, one program across the country is proving that theory incorrect.

Part of the 4-H pledge states, "My head to clearer thinking", and their shooting sports program helps millions of young people across the country understand what that means. Dan Dawson is the University of Illinois Extension's Youth Educator for Shooting Sports, he explains in the 4-H's Shooting Sports program, kids are first taught about gun safety and how to safely handle them.

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The safety of the guns is not just taught the first day and left alone from there. Dawson explains every shooting session the kids attend, they review the safety procedures to the point it becomes repetitive, so they know the first they do when handling a gun, it becomes safety first. Dawson adds, they pride themselves on also teaching the kids life skills when it comes to using guns.

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This upcoming year of shooting sports in Illinois 4-H programs will be just the 4th year, however, 4-H programs across the country have had programs similar to Illinois' in place for many years. While the Illinois program is still relatively young, Dawson says the program in the state is already exponentially more popular in it's growth than anywhere in the country.

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Dawson says the program is a very strict program and provides a safe place for kids to learn about guns, handling them safely, and being able to use them in a proper setting.

To find out more about the shooting sports program in your area, contact your local University of Illinois Extension Office.

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