NATCHEZ — The Adams County Sheriff’s Range will host 4-H shooting sports volunteer training this coming Saturday and Sunday.

Volunteers from Mississippi will take part in the two-day instruction course that includes written work and hands-on activities.

Adams County Christian School will host the classroom portion of the course, and the Adams County Sheriff’s Range will be used for the hands-on segment of the training.

The five disciplines volunteers can be trained in include pistol, rifle, muzzleloader, archery and shotgun. Jason Jones, 4-H agent for the Adams County Extension Service, said it’s the first time any 4-H training sessions have ever been to Natchez.

“There are two training sessions, one for the northern half of the state and one for the southern half. The north had theirs in August,” Jones said.

“Kids in the 4-H shooting sports program have to have a certain amount of hours with classroom work and hands-on training. They have to be taught by a certified instructor; otherwise, they can’t compete.”

Jones said more than 50 volunteers would be coming to Natchez, a lot of whom have never been here before.

“Revenue-wise, it’s good for Natchez, because people are coming here and spending money in the hotels and stores,” he said.

“It also helps expose the Adams County 4-H program and lets people see what Natchez has to offer. It will help get the word out about Natchez, so that other training sessions can be hosted here — and that doesn’t even necessarily mean 4-H training. It could be training for other things.”

Currently, there are approximately 10 youth participating in the Adams County 4-H shooting sports program, Jones said. He hopes to add more numbers by giving shooting sports more exposure.

“Any youth from ages 8 to 18, as of Jan. 1, can contact me if they’re interested. We’re working on getting the Natchez High ROTC program involved,” he said.

“It’s a good program, and it teaches kids about gun safety and gives them confidence.”

Jones can be reached at 601-445-8201, or by e-mail at jjones@ext.msstate.edu.