The 4‑H Western Heritage Project gives young people a chance to learn about the Old West while building safe shooting skills.

This unique program teaches firearm safety first and foremost. Youth use .22‑caliber rifles or pistols that look like firearms from the 1800s, and all activities take place under the close supervision of certified 4‑H volunteers. Safety rules, respect for equipment and responsible handling are taught at every meeting and practice.

But the project is more than just shooting sports. Members also explore what life was like in the late 1800’s. They learn about clothing, tools, jobs and how communities worked during that time. Members even create a “Western persona,” complete with a name, background story and period‑appropriate outfit.

Gemma Vilardi, 10, of the Prescott Valley Clovers 4‑H Club, created the character Gemma Kalder, aka Gemstone, a geologist and part‑time outlaw living in late 1800s Prescott.

This year, Gemma took her skills to the next level, competing in the 4‑H Western Heritage Invitational in Tombstone, where she joined about 70 youth from multiple states. Participants completed shooting stages, showcased their historical knowledge and connected with other young people who share an interest in history and the Old West.

For many families, events like this are a highlight of the year, bringing together youth who love shooting sports, history or both.

Throughout the project, participants learn focus, responsibility and problem‑solving as they move through shooting scenarios inspired by historical themes. These activities help bring history to life in a way that is fun, active, and engaging. Parents and 4‑H leaders say the program appeals to a wide variety of youth and offers a safe, supportive space to develop new skills. Families appreciate how it mixes education with hands‑on learning and encourages kids to explore history in a memorable way.

Yavapai County 4-H offers a wide variety of shooting sports disciplines in addition to Western Heritage, including archery, shotgun, air rifle, air pistol, and both small bore rifle and pistol. For more information on becoming a 4-H member or volunteer, visit Extension's 4-H page.

Natalie Olson is an assistant agent for Cooperative Extension who oversees the 4-H in Yavapai County. For more information about Cooperative Extension and upcoming programming please visit the Yavapai County Extension page, sign up for their newsletter or contact them at:

Prescott Office
840 Rodeo Drive, Building C
Prescott, Arizona 86305
928-445-6590

Camp Verde Office
2830 N. Commonwealth Drive, Suite 103
Camp Verde, Arizona 86322
928-554-8999

Office hours at both locations are M-Th, 9 a.m - noon, 1 - 4 p.m.