What’s New in Extension
Leake, Neshoba, Newton, Rankin, Scott, Smith, and Winston County 4-H’ers participated in the first multi-county slingshot competition.
Mississippi 4-H introduces new slingshot discipline in shooting sports
Story by Leah Barbour | Photos by Kevin Hudson
One of the most popular activities in the Mississippi 4-H youth development program is 4-H Shooting Sports, and slingshot, its newest discipline, is engaging even more young people in the safety-based program. Mississippi 4-H Shooting Sports teaches responsibility, sportsmanship, self-discipline, and other qualities critical to developing productive citizens.
A group of 4-H’ers from Newton County piloted the slingshot program in fall 2024, when junior and senior 4-H’ers, ages 8 to 18, learned the basics about slingshots and how to launch them. Then, young people participated in an outdoor woods course to test their skills. Participants reported they enjoyed learning about nature and the entire experience.
In early April, the Mississippi State University Extension Service, which organizes and oversees 4-H in every county in the state, held a multi-county competition in Leake County. Just over 20 4-H’ers participated, representing Leake, Neshoba, Newton, Rankin, Scott, Smith, Winston Counties.
The competition was divided by five categories by age groups, including for junior 4-H’ers— 8–9-year-olds, 10–11-year-olds, and 12–13-year-olds, and senior 4-H’ers—14–15-year-olds, and 16–18-year-olds. The course featured 20 targets, and junior 4-H’ers shot from 25 feet, while senior 4-H’ers shot from 40 feet.
The first state slingshot competition will be held in September. To learn more about 4-H Shooting Sports and the slingshot program, or to join 4-H, contact your local Extension office today.
