When we started working with kids, we looked at 4H but with their only recognizing the 4H certification and comparing the size of 4H to other groups, we decided to bypass 4H. In my area, 4H is nowhere near as large as Scouting, Royal Rangers or Trail Life, all of which recognize the NRA cert. If 4H would change their ways and recognize the NRA/NMLRA cert, I think you could get more folks to help.
I'm glad to see when folks take time to work with kids, but I think 4H is doing a disservice by not recognizing certification by the NRA/NMLRA as it's cutting itself off from the largest pool of instructors.
I totally understand your concerns, but there is a reason, and one that I stand behind. 4-H is a Youth Development organization, and we train all of our volunteers in PYD (Positive Youth Development). This means that our instructors are trained to focus not only on teaching safe and ethical shooting, but more so how to specifically work with youth and how to be intentional about teaching all of the skills that can be delivered through a shooting sports program (personal safety, communication, compassion, record keeping, etc.). Additionally, for insurance purposes, we are requried to teach from a 4-H/youth specific national curriculum.
None of this is discounting NRA/NMLRA certifications, not at all. In fact, most of our safety and shooting specific curriculum is adapted from the NRA/NMLRA. However, that youth piece is what makes our certification different. It's not for everyone, and it does make it a bit more difficult to become a 4-H instructor. I'm sure that extra work makes some decide against 4-H as well. However, if someone decides against 4-H because of it, I hold no hard feelings, I understand that we all have limited time and resources, and I'm respectful of that. I've worked with and learned from some fantastic NRA instructors who took the extra few hours to become 4-H certified.
We don't really view other youth development organizations as competition, we're all doing good work. I've several members who are also members of the scouts, and as of recently shooting with a growing number of schools offering competitive trap programs. I think they offer things that we don't, and conversely, we offer things that they don't.
Ultimately, I think working with youth, especially in shooting sports is one of the best things I do. It's a rewarding experience that has allowed me to learn from and meet some amazing folks. I would never discourage anyone from taking a chance to share their knowledge and skills with young people, whether it be 4-H, scouts, or just taking your neighbor's kid hunting. I truely believe that shooting/hunting programs produce some of the most responsible and well-rounded kids of any of our programs.
