Responsibility and adhering to protocols are top priorities when 4-H members take up their pistols, shotguns and bows each Wednesday at the United Sportsmen's Club.
The 12-year-old program has grown from five young people shooting pellet rifles at the Jaycees Fairgrounds to more than 120. And it has received a wealth of support from businesses and individuals, as they have sought repairs, supplies and training.
The growth and support of the program has paid off, as four members recently returned from the 4-H National Shooting Tournament, where they were part of the 36-member Missouri team champions. It was only the second time Missouri has beaten Texas in the tournament's 15 years, said Don Schwartze, who started the local program.
The Cole County Commission recognized the local teenage shooters and archer at its regular meeting Tuesday.
"Thank you for upholding a fine American tradition, unique to us, and literally supporting Second Amendment rights," Sheriff Greg White added.
The four local members of the state team were Leanna Schwartze, Joey Conway, Cole Sandbothe and Jake Tanner.
Schwartze, a senior at Eugene High School, and Conway, a junior at Blair Oaks High School, both were enrolled in small bore pistol.
Sandbothe, a senior at Blair Oaks, was enrolled in compound archery, in which he also placed fourth in the nation as an individual.
And Tanner, a junior at Jefferson City High School, was enrolled in small bore rifle.
The 4-H program consists of nine disciplines, including .22 rifle and pistol, air rifle and pistol, compound and recurve archery, shotgun, muzzleloader and a hunter skills assessment. The Cole County 4-H program offers eight disciplines.
The shooting project is Cole County 4-H's largest activity and the fastest-growing activity in Missouri 4-H, said Rich Koon.
"It's a good, safe activity," Koon said.
Cole County 4-H will host the state's second-largest shooting tournament Saturday at the United Sportsmen's Club. The only tournament larger will be the state match in September, which will draw more than 1,000 participants, Koon said.
Some shooters, like Conway, had been shooting targets or hunting for years before they were eligible for the 4-H program. The competition adds a new, fun element to the sport, he said.
"You really find out how good you are competing against other people," Conway said.
In the last two years, Conway said he has been satisfied to see his improvement by comparing his targets.
Before any youth or leader steps onto a 4-H program range, they have completed required training courses. Many of the leaders also are trained through the Missouri Department of Conservation and the National Rifle Association.
Beginners, like Eleanor Bax, 14, start with the air guns before advancing to the .22s. The environment evokes a sense of safety and responsibility; steps are in place for every moment shooters have weapons out of the cases.
For example, an orange marker is placed inside the barrel to show all guns are in a safe condition before shooters retrieve their targets.
"I had never shot a gun before," Bax said of taking her initial safety classes. "I've learned a lot."
Now, she is excited to advance from the air pistol to the .22 in the next season beginning in spring 2016.
Her mother, Amy, said she initially was concerned because her daughter had not used a firearm before. After the training, "there never was a concern.
"These kids know what they're doing, and there's vigilant supervision. I have no qualms about her being here."
Youth involved in the Cole County 4-H shooting sports are polite, good listeners, disciplined and respectful, Don Schwartze said.
"These are life skills they can take with them," Schwartze said.