SIDNEY — As a recent addition to the activities that 4-H offers, the Shooting Sports Group has already gained the interest of 35 area youths.
In an effort to grow and remain successful some funds have been needed to ensure the members have the proper equipment and operating costs are covered. The local Shelby County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited heard there was a need and stepped up with a $300 donation. The check was presented at a recent 4-H Shooting Sports meeting held at the Shelby County Fairgrounds.
Club President Morgan Wemmer was on hand to accept the check along with club member Bryce Carr. Morgan is a student at Houston High School and is the daughter of Lee and Molly Wemmer of Houston. Bryce is a freshman at Fairlawn High School and is the son of Heather McClain of Sidney and Craig Carr, also of Sidney.
“It is important for us, as a DU Chapter, to engage our local youth who have an interest in the outdoors. While our group helps raise funds for wetland conservation, we always like to ensure we have a direct impact on things right here in Shelby County. This is one small way to do that. Happy to help,” said local DU Chairman Timothy Rourke.
The 4-H Shooting Sports Group is led by adult advisors with safety and self-discipline at the forefront of their mission. The group offers a hands-on learning experience with archery, hunting and wildlife, muzzle loading, pistol, rifle, and shotgun disciplines. Each discipline teaches safety, concentration, self-discipline, self-confidence, goal-setting, decision-making, and courtesy as the young people learn basic skills and build toward more advanced activities. Both cooperative and competitive skills are included. Participants are exposed to local policies, regulations, laws, and ethical behavior both by repeated demonstration and through personal practice.
“We’d like to thank the local DU committee members for their donation and their interest in these kids’ activities. I’m glad we can collaborate to give the kids exposure to activities that they might not otherwise have access to and in a safe environment,” said group adviser Hope Abke.
Any interest in the 4-H Shooting Sports Club can be addressed to [email protected].
