Shooting Sports Youth Ambassadors

Information about Shooting Sports Youth Ambassadors

The National 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador Program is designed to promote 4-H and 4-H Shooting Sports. Youth selected to serve as Ambassadors receive training that will allow them to return to their homes and advocate for the program at the county, regional, state, and national level. 

National 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Leadership Institute 

• Dates: July 28 – August 1, 2026 
• Where: Rock Eagle 4-H Center, Eatonton, Georgia 
• Mission: Opening avenues to expand youth horizons through their voice, image, and vision. 

Program Objectives

The 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador program will provide a venue for 4-H Teens to: 

• Represent 4-H and 4-H Shooting Sports at: donor/sponsor functions, 4-H groups, community service organizations, schools, public functions, and potential media outlets. 
• Serve as spokespersons for the 4-H Shooting Sports program helping to make 4-H Shooting Sports programs more visible. 
• Develop skills in leadership, public presentation, citizenship, community service, character development, public relations, and team building. 
• Assist in maintaining relations with 4-H Faculty and Extension Administrators as well as past, present and future program donors, and supporters. 
• Continue and expand their involvement in 4-H Shooting Sports beyond shooting skills and competitive events. 
• Stay actively connected with the 4-H Shooting Sports program as they enter their collegiate years and further into adulthood. Ambassadors are expected to be on time, so plan to be early for any event. 
• Ambassadors need to respond promptly to emails or phone calls pertaining to Ambassador responsibilities. 
• It is very important that thank you notes are sent immediately following an event. 
• Ambassadors may get tired at events but must always remain cheerful and ready to respond positively to everyone. 
• A mature attitude and outlook are required. 
• Prepare to support the State Shooting Sports Coordinator or the National Shooting Sports Committee to serve as a representative at a local, regional, state, or national event if asked. 
• Always uphold the 4-H Code of Conduct 

Program Expectations

Teens selected as a National 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador, may meet with donors who are CEOs of companies or organizations, and always need to put their best foot forward. Remember, there is never a second chance to make a good first impression. Ambassadors will be representing the 4-H Shooting Sports Program. This includes over 400,000 youth, 20,000+ instructors, Extension professionals, club leaders, and everyone that plays a part in the program. The way ambassadors dress, speak, and act is very important. 

Applicants must be at least 14 years old and no more than 19 years old on or before January 1, 2026, to apply. It is required that states send applicants that have at least 1 year of 4-H eligibility left as per their state requirements. Ambassadors receive training to go back to their state and become strong leaders and advocate for the program. 

All lodging, meals, transportation during the event, and materials are provided through the National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee General Fund. The cost and arrangement of transportation to and from the event will be the responsibility of the participant and/or State 4-H Program. 

Travel Details

Participants should plan to arrive in the afternoon/evening of Tuesday July 28, 2026. The event will conclude on Friday evening July 31, 2025. Youth will depart campus between 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Transportation to and from the airport is provided. 

Completed Application

A completed application packet includes: Cover Letter, Resume, Letter of Reference and Completed Signature Consent Form (see form description right column) and all fields completed on the form below (except the State Shooting Sports Coordinator Signature).

Due Date

April 1st. Ambassadors will be notified by April 13th by the WSU 4-H State Shooting Sports Team.

National 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Leadership Institute Certification Form

The application requires the following:

• Applicant Consent: I will be active in my club and county 4-H program, as well as maintain an acceptable academic standard in school during my service as a 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador. Further, I am willing to conduct myself to the highest standards expected of an ambassador.
• Applicant’s Signature and date
•  Parent/Guardian Consent: We understand that our 4-H’er wishes to serve as a 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador. We will support them in fulfilling the responsibilities should they be selected (only 1 parent/guardian signature required).
• Parent/Guardian Signature and date
• Club Leader/Shooting Sports Leader Consent: We certify that the above named 4-H’er is enrolled, active and in good standing in our 4-H shooting sports club and county 4-H program. We support their application for the position of 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador.
• Club Leader Signature and date
• County Extension staff, 4-H Faculty or Extension agent signature and date
• State 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator Signature – leave this field blank, our state office will complete.