Okaloosa County's 4-H program has received a $1,500 donation from Legacy Insurance and Tower Hill Insurance Companies to help start an archery club.
The donation will help purchase equipment to start the club, along with T-shirts for youth members and volunteers, and a banner the club can use when traveling to 4-H state competitions.
The archery club will continue a 4-H tradition: focusing on developing youths as individuals and responsible, productive citizens.
The 4-H Shooting Sports Program stands out as an example. Youths learn marksmanship, safe use of firearms, the principles of hunting and archery.
The program's activities and adult leaders' support provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth, and conservation ethics.
Local 4-H Shooting Sports clubs are open to all youths ages 8 to 18.
Shooting sports can be gratifying for youngsters, especially those who aren’t athletes. The program provides a supportive environment in which young people can experience hands-on, fun learning experiences.
4-H also offers youths opportunities to acquire knowledge, develop leadership skills, and form attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive and contributing community members.
The programs are offered in volunteer-run project and community clubs.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for 4-H, contact Misty Smith at mismith@ufl.edu.
If your children are interested in joining the 4-H Archery Club, contact club leaders George and Carrie Cook at cld020411@gmail.com.
Misty Smith is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SMITH: Donation helps fund Okaloosa 4-H Archery Club