When
Where
Who: 4-H adult volunteers (preferably certified volunteers, but not required) and senior 4-H youth members (aged 14 years and above) seeking qualification credentials to lead and instruct 4-H shooting sports disciplines at the club and county level. Attendees who have not completed the certified volunteer process prior to the start of instructor training will have their credentials held by the state shooting sports coordinator until their volunteer certification status is confirmed by their local county 4-H professional.
What: Discipline instructor qualifications being offered include: rifle, pistol, muzzleloader, shotgun, archery, western heritage and hunting skills. Note that with the exception of hunting skills and western heritage, students can choose two disciplines (based on scheduling availability) to complete during the weekend. Hunting skills and western heritage are two day courses and require the entire weekend to complete. Every attempt will be made to support prioritized choices, but class sizes and schedules are limited. Note that we also must have at least 5 students in a course in order for it to conduct.
When: 4-6 December 2026. Check-in is open 1700-1800 Friday, 4 December 2026. Class begins Friday evening at 1800. Instruction will end at approximately 1500 on Sunday, 6 December 2026. Note: Our next planned Level-1 shooting sports instructor training opportunity after this workshop will be in the summer of 2027.
Where: Tucson Rifle Club: 18300 West Ajo Highway, Tucson, AZ 85745.
Why: Because nothing beats a weekend in the lower desert spent with fellow shooting sports enthusiasts who believe in the power of youth development through experiential learning experiences! And, any day on the range is better than being at work.
Equipment Needed: Please bring the following items with you: water source, eye protection, hearing protection, hat, closed toe shoes, pants, jacket for morning and evening instruction, sunscreen, medications as needed, writing utensils, note taking media, electronic or hardcopy of instructor training lessons (found on the state website for each shooting discipline) and a folding chair.
Lodging and Meals: On site dry camping is available at no charge. Tents or RVs/trailers are welcome with limited hook up sites. All meals beginning with Friday dinner are included in the registration cost except for breakfast Saturday and Sunday.
Registration fees and break downs:
Registration fees are $130 per person.
Cancellations: Registration fee, minus a $50.00 processing charge, will be refunded to enrollees if a cancellation notice is received by 01 December 2026. Fees cannot be refunded for cancellations received after this date.
Certification information: Participants will be able to certify in two disciplines over the weekend (other than hunting skills and western heritage). To be eligible to participate, you must be a Certified 4-H Volunteer or have started the process with your local county 4-H staff.
Schedule:
Friday, 4 December - Participants arrive at Tucson Rifle Club between 1700-1800 for check-in. Dinner will be served at 1800. Discipline training will end for the day between 2100-2200.
Saturday, 5 December - Discipline training begins at 0800. Lunch at 1200. Dinner at 1700. Training will end late in the evening.
Sunday, 6 December - Discipline training begins at 0800. Lunch at 1200. After lunch, students will break into disciplines for final practice and teaching practicums. Credentials will be awarded at 1430. Training complete by 1500.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY FIREARMS OR ARCHERY EQUIPMENT WITH YOU TO TRAINING UNLESS YOU HAVE MADE PREVIOUS ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE STATE SHOOTING SPORTS COORDINATOR (ERIK SCHROEDER, 602 730 4066).
Registration is open within the ZSuite portal.