Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall and
Putnam Counties
University of Illinois Extension –
Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam Counties
850 Thompson St.
Princeton, IL 61356
(815) 875-2878
FAX: (815) 875-2870
Dear Prospective Volunteer,
Thank you for your interest in the 4-H Shooting Sports Program! This packet will provide you with
more information about the opportunities available in our unit. We have included a “4-H Shooting
Sports FAQ” providing general information about the program.
In this packet, you will also find role descriptions for the coordinator and certified instructor positions,
as well as a complete volunteer application and screening packet. All volunteers with our program
are carefully screened to ensure high-quality, safe and inclusive programming for our participants.
If you are interested in applying to be a 4-H Shooting Sports volunteer, please complete the enclosed
forms and return them to our offices in either Princeton, Henry, or Ottawa. All forms are required
unless noted otherwise. We will also conduct a brief interview as part of the screening process.
Please note if your application is accepted, some roles require additional training and/or orientation
before working directly with youth.
The next statewide certified instructor and coordinator training will be held October 28-30, at 4-H
Memorial Camp in Monticello. More information about this training will be provided at our volunteer
informational meeting, on October 6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Extension office in Princeton. If your
volunteer application is accepted and you are able to attend the training, the cost of the training will
be covered by our office.
If you have any questions about the enclosed materials, please feel free to contact us. We look
forward to meeting with you to discuss how your abilities and interests might fit with our programs!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Caldwell
Program Coordinator, 4-H & Youth Development
jacaldwe@illinois.edu
Ancilla Parducci, Ph.D.
4-H Youth Development Educator
parducci@illinois.edu
4-H Shooting Sports FAQ
1. What is the purpose of the 4-H Shooting Sports program?
a. The focus of all 4-H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible
and productive citizens. The 4-H Shooting Sports Program stands out as an example. Youth
learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of hunting and
archery, and much more. The activities of the program and the support of caring adult
leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth, and
conservation ethics.
2. What do we need to have a 4-H Shooting Sports program in our unit?
a. Shooting Sports is a relatively new 4-H project in Illinois. Because of the equipment
involved, 4-H Shooting Sports must be held within a separate club. To start a 4-H Shooting
Sports Club, we need:
i. One adult volunteer coordinator and one or more instructors for each discipline we
plan to offer. These volunteers may not be University of Illinois Extension staff
members, and the volunteers must attend a weekend 4-H Shooting Sports Training.
ii. At least five youth who are interested in shooting sports.
iii. A location (hunting club, shooting range, etc.) to hold activities.
iv. Ideas for funding to purchase equipment.
Marshall-Putnam 4-H already has an established Shooting Sports program, with events
scheduled for the 2011-2012 year. Bureau and LaSalle hope to begin new programs as soon
as possible.
3. What types of adult volunteers are needed to serve as Shooting Sports leaders?
a. A 4-H Shooting Sports program is managed at the county level by a volunteer coordinator.
He/she should be organized and detail-oriented, as there are many steps to organizing and
managing a shooting sports club.
b. Youth are instructed by adult volunteers who are skilled in one or more shooting disciplines.
Adult instructors should be skilled in safe use of rifles, shotguns, and/or archery equipment.
c. All volunteers in the 4-H Shooting Sports program must go through 4-H volunteer screening,
and certified instructors and coordinators must attend a weekend 4-H Shooting Sports
training. It is important to note that the training involves some shooting skill development,
but more importantly focuses on effective ways to work with youth.
4. When are the volunteer trainings? Where are they located? How long are they? How much does
it cost?
a. Volunteer trainings are held several times per year in locations throughout the state of
Illinois. Generally they are held at 4-H camps and other similar locations, where there is a
shooting range available for training. The training begins on a Friday evening and ends the
following Sunday. The cost of the training is $115 per person, which includes all meals and
lodging as well as training and program materials. For volunteers from the Bureau-LaSalleMarshall-Putnam Unit, the Extension unit will pay for the cost of the training and mileage to
and from the training site.
5. Is this program popular in Illinois?
a. Shooting Sports is a new program in our state, but already has a large number of
participants, with enrollments rapidly increasing. Many counties are offering 4-H Shooting
Sports, or are planning to do so in the near future.
6. What disciplines are offered/available? Are there age requirements?
a. Youth ages 8-18 (as of September 1) may participate in archery and air rifle. Youth ages 1018 (as of September 1) may also choose .22 caliber rifles or shotguns.
7. My son/daughter is a member of a 4-H Club. Can he/she enroll in Shooting Sports as an individual
project?
a. Due to the nature of the 4-H Shooting Sports activities, enrollment in these projects is
limited only to those youth enrolled in an official 4-H Shooting Sports club, which meets
separately from other 4-H Clubs and is led by volunteers specifically trained in leading 4-H
Shooting Sports activities.
8. Can I attend a 4-H Shooting Sports volunteer training, so that I may instruct only my own
son/daughter in this area?
a. The 4-H Shooting Sports program is designed to expose youth to shooting sports in a group
environment. At this time, the best use of Extension’s resources in this area is in training
volunteers who are willing to lead/instruct groups of youth in this area. Parents are
welcome to volunteer to lead a 4-H Shooting Sports club that is open to all youth. The
Department of Natural Resources can provide information for parents wishing to instruct
only their own children.
9. I cannot attend the Shooting Sports statewide volunteer training, but I still want to help. Are there
other opportunities available?
a. If you are interested in working with youth, you might consider applying as an assistant
instructor. These volunteers will be trained by local certified instructors and coordinators,
and will help at Shooting Sports events. All direct instruction is provided by the certified
instructor.
b. If you are interested in other types of volunteer roles, volunteers may also be needed to
help with fundraising/fund development, marketing and recruitment, risk management,
and coordination and planning of events. Please meet with Extension staff to discuss how
your interests and abilities best fit with the program.
10. How can I donate funds or equipment to support 4-H Shooting Sports?
a. Thank you for your interest in contributing to our programs. Please visit with an Extension
staff member regarding your planned contribution so we can be sure it is handled
appropriately. For financial contributions, we can help you direct your donation to the fund
that will best match your interests. For donations of firearms, ammunition, or other
equipment, we can provide you with information on needed items and the University’s
policies requiring possession and storage of these items.
4-H VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title:
Coordinator, Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports Program
Time Commitment: Length of service is one year. Renewable. Three year commitment
preferred.
Location:
Volunteer from home and serve youth within the county/area.
Type of Position:
Volunteer middle manager; no direct salary
Supervision:
Extension professional in charge of 4-H (youth) programs and County Director
General Purpose:
Be responsible for the overall coordination and management of the County/area 4-H
shooting sports program. Work closely with the 4-H staff in the local county/unit.
Specific Responsibilities:
1. Coordinate planning and delivery of 4-H shooting sports program.
2. Schedule trainings, meetings, tours and service projects.
3. Communicate plans with members, parents, instructors, volunteers and Extension
4. Recruit and supervise instructors and volunteers (adults/teens).
5. Develop resources such as cash, equipment and use of facilities.
6. Promote the 4-H shooting sports program.
7. Liaison with the local 4-H Advisory Committee and the Extension Service.
Qualifications Required:
1. Age 21 or older.
2. Ability to work with adults and delegate responsibility.
3. Have an interest in the development of youth and shooting sports.
4. State certification and recertified as required.
5. Previous leadership experience.
6. Organizational, management, communication, public relations and marketing skills.
7. Knowledge of networking and collaborating.
8. Knowledge of overall 4-H program and activities and/or willing to learn about them.
9. Moral standards consistent with the 4-H philosophy.
Support to be provided:
1. 4-H shooting sports coordinator training workshop (16 hours minimum)
2. 4-H shooting sports curriculum handbook upon completion of the workshop.
3. Local volunteer training programs.
professionals.
4-H Volunteer Job Description
Position Title: Discipline Instructor (Archery, Rifle, and Shotgun) – 4-H Shooting Sports Program.
Time Commitment: Length of service is one year. Renewable. Three-year commitment preferred.
Location: Serve within the county area.
Type of Position: Volunteer key leader; no direct salary
Supervision: Shooting discipline instructors to work in conjunction with county Coordinator and
Extension staff.
General Purpose: Be responsible for the overall teaching of knowledge and skills related to a specific
discipline to 4-H members, ages 8-18.
Specific Responsibilities:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Stress shooting safety. Teach the program following the National 4-H curriculum as provided.
Coordinate activities with shooting sports Coordinator.
Coach members on proper shooting techniques.
Attend all shooting club meetings and activities.
Recruit and train assistant instructors as needed.
Inform Coordinator about and help secure needed equipment and facilities.
Recruit parents and members.
Participate in additional training programs the local shooting sports committee decides to include
(i.e. Hunter Education, Red Cross First Aide, and 4-H Leadership.)
9. Help plan the yearly program.
10. Actively encourage and support members by working with them individually to review project work
and related records.
11. Encourage members to participate in other 4-H events and activities.
12. Publicize 4-H Shooting Sports activities and results.
13. Maintain records on activities or project work.
14. Assist on obtaining, screening, appointing, and utilizing project and activity leaders for the club.
15. Communicate regularly with the 4-H Office.
Qualifications Required:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Age 21 or older for all disciplines
Ability to work with youth and adults
Have an interest in shooting and some knowledge of shooting techniques.
State certification in specific discipline and recertification is required.
Completion and approval of IL Volunteer Application and selection process and all screenings.
6. Be familiar with 4-H objectives and philosophy and/or willing to learn about them.
7. Moral standards consistent with the 4-H philosophy.
Support to Be Provided:
1. 4-H shooting sports instructor training workshops (16 hours minimum.)
2. 4-H shooting sports curriculum handbook upon completion of the workshop.
3. Local volunteer training programs.
Affirmative Action: To assist with providing 4-H activities to all eligible persons regardless of race,
color, gender, religion, age, national origin or handicap.
Training: 4-H staff will provide.






Leadership training
Program and resource materials including projects, films and books as available
Newsletters to leaders and club members
County wide activities, which are open to all 4-H participants (camp, fair, communication,
workshops, etc.)
Leader manuals for projects – where available
Project books for youth – where available
CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION
EXTENSION VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
(To be completed by volunteers in University of Illinois Extension youth programs)
Name
Office use Only
Int _________________
Ref _____ _____ _____
DCFS_______________
Convictions__________
RSO ________________
Driver _______________
Approve ____________
E-mail
Last
First
Middle
Sex: ____Male ____Female Residence: ____ Town under 10,000 or rural non-farm
____ Farm ____ Suburbs of a city over 50,000
Ethnicity: (select 1) _____Hispanic or Latino
Race: (select one or more)
_____White
_____Asian
____Town/city of 10,000-50,000
____City w/population over 50,000
_____Not Hispanic or Latino
_____Black/African American _____American Indian/Alaskan Native
_____Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Address
Street
City
State
Zip
Date of birth
Month/Day/Year
Phone: Day __(____)______________
Have you been in 4-H? __________
Evening: __(____)_______________
Best time to call:
If so, where?
Have you been an Extension youth program leader?
Yes
No
County/State
What year(s)?
Where?
City
County
State
Why are you interested in this youth program volunteer position?
If you prefer to work directly with youth, what age level(s) do you prefer?
Describe your present and previous work experience: (List current or most recent experience first.)
EMPLOYER
JOB TITLE
YEARS
Describe volunteer roles with youth and community groups: (List current or most recent experience first.)
ORGANIZATION
List skills, training, and education:
VOLUNTEER ROLE
YEARS
References: List three persons we may contact who have definite knowledge of your qualifications representing personal character, employment
or volunteer-related work and family relationships. Include complete addresses. (Put an S in the left margin if the reference letter should be in
Spanish.)
Personal/Character Reference:
Name
Phone
(
)
Address
Street, R.R.#, Box #, Apt. #
City
State
Zip
State
Zip
State
Zip
Work or Volunteer Reference:
Name
Phone
(
)
Address
Street, R.R.#, Box #, Apt. #
City
Family Member Reference:
Name
Phone
(
)
Address
Street, R.R.#, Box #, Apt. #
City
Will you be driving a motor vehicle as part of your volunteer assignment?
______ Yes
______ No
(If yes, a copy of your valid driver’s license and proof of liability insurance must be on file in the
University of Illinois Extension Unit Office.)
Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense?
______ Yes ______ No
(If yes, please attach a sheet to explain.) A conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant. A conviction will
be considered as it relates to the specifics of the position for which you have applied.
Volunteer Behavior Guidelines:
Families and other youth-serving programs place trust in U of I Extension to provide quality leadership and care for participating youth. The
opportunity to work with youth is a privileged position of trust that should be held only by those who are willing to demonstrate behaviors that fulfill
this trust. For these reasons, the following behavior guidelines are expected of volunteers working in U of I Extension 4-H youth development
programs.
1. Treat others in a courteous, respectful manner demonstrating behaviors appropriate to a positive role model for youth.
2. Obey the laws of the locality, state and nation and U of I Extension policies and guidelines.
3. Make all reasonable effort to assure that 4-H youth programs are accessible to youth without regard to race, color, national origin,
sex, religion, or disability.
4. Recognize that verbal and/or physical abuse and/or neglect of youth is unacceptable in 4-H youth programs and report suspected
abuse to the authorities.
5. Do not participate in or condone neglect or abuse, which happens outside the program to 4-H youth participants and report
suspected abuse to authorities.
6. Treat animals humanely and teach 4-H youth to provide appropriate animal care.
7. Operate motor vehicles (including machines or equipment) in a safe and reliable manner when working with 4-H youth, and only
with a valid operator’s license and the legally required insurance coverage.
8. Do not consume alcohol or illegal substances while responsible for youth in 4-H activities nor allow 4-H youth participants under
supervision to do so.
I have read, understand and agree to U of I Extension Volunteer Behavior Guidelines.
I authorize the University of Illinois to contact listed references, the State Police for a criminal conviction investigation, and the Illinois Department of
Children and Family Services to conduct a search of the Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System.
I understand that I must be officially accepted before beginning my volunteer position. I understand that misrepresentation or omission of facts
requested in this application is cause for rejection as an Extension volunteer. I agree to fulfill the responsibilities of this volunteer position to the
best of my ability if appointed. I understand that failure to comply with the rules may lead to dismissal from this position.
Signature
Date
Return the application at your earliest convenience to assure prompt processing. Please contact us if you have any questions or wish further
information.
Return to: Jennifer Caldwell
University of Illinois Extension – Bureau County
850 Thompson St.
Princeton , IL 61356
90109
Revised 2003
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, D. R. Campion,
Associate Dean and Director, University of Illinois Extension. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
CFS 689
Rev 2/2010
State of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
AUTHORIZATION FOR BACKGROUND CHECK
Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS)
For Programs NOT Licensed by DCFS
NOTE: Do not use this form if you are an applicant for licensure or an employee/volunteer of a
licensed child care facility. Please contact your licensing representative.
Name:
Last
First
Date of Birth:
Gender (circle): Male
Female
Middle
Race:
Current Address:
Street/Apt #
City
State
Zip Code
If you currently reside in Illinois, please list all previous addresses for the past five years. OR If you
currently reside out-of-state, please provide ALL Illinois addresses in which you did reside while
living in Illinois.
List maiden name and/or all other names by which you have been known: (last, first, middle)
I hereby authorize the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to conduct a search of the Child Abuse and
Neglect Tracking system (CANTS) to determine whether I have been a perpetrator of an indicated incident of child
abuse and/or neglect or involved in a pending investigation. I further consent to the release of this information to the
agency listed below.
Signed
Date
Mail this request to:
Department of Children and Family Services
406 E. Monroe – Station # 30
Springfield, IL 62701
Please type, use bold letters or label:
University of Illinois Extension
(Agency Name)
Jennifer Caldwell
(Contact Person)
850 Thompson St.
(Address)
Princeton, IL 61356
(City/State/Zip)
(Submitting Agency Fax Number) ___(815) 875-2870___
County:
Bureau
Requestor’s Name:
Jennifer Caldwell
Requestor’s Email:
jacaldwe@illinois.edu
CONVICTION INFORMATION NAME CHECK
REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS
Last Name:
First Name:
Middle Initial:
Date of Birth:
Month
Day
Year
Sex:
“M” for Male
“F” for Female
“U” for Unknown
Race:
“W” for White (includes Mexicans and Latins)
“B” for Black
“A” for Asian/Pacific Islander
“I” for Indian/Alaskan Native
“U” for Unknown
I authorize University of Illinois Extension to provide the above information to Illinois State Police for a
Conviction Information Check. I verify that the information provided is accurate. I understand any false
information may be sufficient grounds for rejection or dismissal.
Signed
Date
University of Illinois * U.S. Department of Agriculture * Local Extension Councils Cooperating
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
*The 4-H Name and Emblem are Protected Under 18 U.S.C. 707.
12/2003
4-H Shooting Sports
Potential Volunteer Interest Survey
The following form is optional, but will help us to place you in a volunteer role which best matches
your interests and abilities.
Name: ___________________________________ County: _____________________________
Today’s Date: _______________________
1. Briefly describe any previous experience you have with the disciplines of archery, rifle,
and/or shotgun:
2. Briefly describe any previous experience you have working with youth and/or coordinating
youth programs:
3. Please circle the following volunteer opportunities that interest you. Indicate which is your
first preference.
a. Shooting Sports Coordinator
b. Certified Instructor – Archery
c. Certified Instructor – Rifle
d. Certified Instructor – Shotgun
e. Assistant Instructor: ___________________________ (indicate disciplines)
f. Other: _____________________________________________