Posted: July 13, 2026
Recently, members of Pennsylvania 4-H, a program of Penn State Extension, participated in several shooting sports contests at the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championship held recently in Grand Island, Nebraska.
The PA 4-H National Shooting Sports Team
More than 700 4-H youth from across the country competed in compound archery, recurve archery, air rifle, air pistol, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, shotgun, muzzleloading and hunting skills events.
The shooting sports program offers a positive and safe environment for youths who enjoy the outdoors and hunting. The program covers best practices in the responsible use of firearms and archery equipment under the training and guidance of adult coaches.
"I had a fantastic time at the competition representing in the air pistol discipline," said Stephanie Gauntlett, a 4-H member from Montgomery County who competed. "The most rewarding parts of the experience were seeing how all the months of my preparation resulted in the outcome of each day's event."
Cassidy Schafer, a 4-H member from Montgomery County, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete and build friendships during the event.
The competition is designed to challenge a 4-H member's skills and knowledge and to recognize demonstrated safety, abilities, marksmanship, and concentration.
Participants from Pennsylvania 4-H competed in air pistol and shotgun contests. The following are the 4-H’ers and their highest placings:
Air Pistol: In the silhouette shooting category, Cassidy Schafer, of Montgomery County, placed 19 out of 66. In the slow fire event, she placed 47. She also competed in the rapid fire event.
Stephanie Gauntlett, of Montgomery County, also competed in the air pistol events. In the slow fire event, she placed 16. In the rapid fire event, she ranked 27. She also competed in the silhouette shooting category.
Shotgun: In the trap shooting category, Alex Kaplan, of Fulton County, ranked 79 out of 134. He also participated in the sporting clays shooting category and the skeet shooting competition.
Nova Carbaugh, of Fulton County, competed in the shotgun competition. In the sporting clays shooting category, she tied at 83 out of 134. She also participated in the trap shooting category and the skeet shooting competition.
"It's inspiring to see members bring everything they've learned and truly perform at their best," said Lisa Truax, 4-H youth development extension educator. "As educators, we emphasize doing your best, and here we get to witness that commitment in action; it's a proud moment."
Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth-development program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring and contributing citizens. To find your local program, visit the Pennsylvania 4-H website.
