New Mexico State 4‑H Shooting Sports Youth Leadership Summit

Date

Mar 20 - 22, 2026 | Add to Calendar

Location

NRA Whittington Center; Coors Range

Description

The New Mexico State 4‑H Shooting Sports Youth Leadership Summit is an immersive leadership development event designed for senior 4‑H members actively enrolled in a 4‑H Shooting Sports project. Held at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, New Mexico, this multi‑day Summit emphasizes leadership, safety, and peer empowerment alongside exposure to multiple shooting sports disciplines.

Over the weekend, participants engage in hands‑on experiences across shooting sports including archery, rifle, pistol, shotgun, muzzleloading, and other disciplines offered through the New Mexico 4‑H Shooting Sports Program. Beyond technical skills, the Summit curriculum focuses on leadership development — equipping youth with confidence, ambassadorship skills, and the ability to return to their home counties to support and grow their local programs.

This event is not a competitive shoot or skills advancement clinic, but rather an intentional leadership forum where participants learn to be spokespersons and advocates for shooting sports in 4‑H. The application process places emphasis on leadership experience, community service, and team engagement. Housing and meals during the event are included in the participant fee, and attendance is limited to ensure a quality, collaborative environment

Learn More

Contact

Sam Lowry - [email protected]

Before You Arrive

Every guest must read and sigh the online Waiver before they are allowed into the center.

READ AND SIGN

On-Site Lodging

Call 800-494-4853 to reserve your lodging. Learn more about our accommodations that range from primitive camping spots to fully furnished luxury suites.

NRA Whittington Center Map

Basic Gun Safety Rules

Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. Common sense will tell you which direction is the safest depending on your surroundings.
Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. When holding a gun, rest your trigger finger outside the trigger guard alongside the gun. This will often be the hardest part for kids to remember.
Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. Demonstrate to your child how to check if a gun is loaded and where the safety mechanism is located.

IMPORTANT

Avoid The Line! Speed up your check-in!

Before arriving, every guest must read and sign the online NRA Whittington Center Waiver.

READ AND SIGN

Continue Exploring the NRA Whittington Center

Hunts

When it comes to the excitement of big-game hunting, you get it here at the NRA Whittington Center. Hunt success rates are nearly 100 percent!

Luxury accommodations at the NRA Whittington Center lodging facility

Lodging, Cabins & Camping

Come stay with us! The general public is welcome to stay at the Whittington Center. There is a broad range of housing to accommodate individuals, couples, and small to large groups.

Ranges

Shooters can take part in competitive shooting, rifle and pistol silhouette, bullseye disciplines, and even black powder muzzle-loading rifles.

Need Help Planning Your Visit

Give us a call at 800-494-4853 or send an email to [email protected]