GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) – If you’ve noticed more out-of-state license plates around Grand Island, it’s likely because of the 2025 4H National Shooting Sports Championships.

The annual competition kicked off June 22 with an opening ceremony at the Heartland Events Center.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the championships and the 15th year Grand Island has hosted the event.

Sam Lowery, a member of the National 4-H Committee, said they set an attendance record this year.

“Over 730 youth participants from 40 states across the country,” Lowery said. “Participants compete in nine contest including Small Bore Rifle, Small Bore Pistol, Air Rifle, Air Pistol, Archery Compound, Archery Recurve, Muzzleloading, Hunter Skills, Shotgun.”

Lowery emphasized that 4-H is about more than just competition.

“We teach life skills and promote positive youth development through a wide variety of project areas,” he said. “Youth can sign up to be 4H member and take a project such as shooting sports. We use the shooting sport as a vessel or tool to teach things like responsibility, accountability, goal-setting, and leadership.“

Talan Harrison, a member of Louisiana 4-H, said those skills are put to use during competition.

“We just have such a close bond, we always there for each other,” Harrison said. “We miss one or hit one really good we keep each other accountable and help each other – that’s one thing I love.“

“I’m not necessarily here to win, I’m here for the experience and a great,” said said Ahrian Fletcher, who’s participating for the first time with fellow Ohio 4-H member Ethan Shaw. ”This our first year. I’ve never been to Nebraska before, so it’s cool to meet some new people. It’s supposedly just for the fun of it.”

Amanda Jaramillo, a parent of a New Mexico 4-H participant, said the program has helped her daughter grow.

“It’s hard to compete, especially under pressure, and this is a lot of pressure,” Jaramillo said. “Our team is competitive this year, so they’re feeling it – so just grows a kid to have to work that hard at something when they’re nervous.“

“It’s really cool to connect with other individuals that are like us and just see it from different parts of the nation, said Karlie Kammerer and Lydia Main of the South Dakota 4-H team. ”You can connect with other kids that in other shooting those types of things, so its really cool to see.“

The 2025 4H National Shooting Sports Championships wrap up Friday with an overall awards ceremony at the Heartland Events Center.

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