Shooting Sports
The Purpose of BSA shooting sports is to introduce youth to shooting. The BSA shooting programs are based on age appropriateness and safety with the goal of developing a positive shooting experience for each youth.
The Boy Scouts of America use responsible outdoor activities to promote character development and value-based leadership training. Shooting sports have the ability to attract and retain youth in the movement. Millions of young people participate in one or more of the sports annually—archery, bb shooting, rifle shooting, shotgun activities, etc.—guided by trained instructors who have the skills and knowledge to provide quality programs in a safe and effective way. The Boy Scouts of America adheres to its longstanding policy of teaching its youth and adult members the safe, responsible, intelligent handling, care, and use of firearms, air rifles, BB guns, and archery equipment in planned, carefully managed, and supervised programs.
All Scouts BSA troops, Venturing crews, and Sea Scout ships who provide unit-level sponsored/planned range and target activities must have at least one registered unit leader 21+ years of age take the Range Activity SAFETY online training available on my.scouting.org. This individual must be present at the range during the range and target activity(s). Participating in this training will help ensure a unit understands Scouting America’s range and target activities policies.
To access the updated training, log onto my.Scouting.org and search the catalog in the BSA Learn Center for “Range Activity Safety.” For additional information regarding Scouting’s Range and Target Activities, please refer to the Guide to Safe Scouting and the National Range and Target Activities Manual.
If you have any questions about Shooting Sports Courses, please contact our Council Shooting Sports Director Amanda Peyton or for Archery Course questions contact Matthew Bowman.
Cub Scout Rangemaster Training
March 16, 2024 (Spring Fling), April 20, 2024 (Scout Show), April 27, 2024 (Spring Family Camping).
Cub Scouts require trained shooting sports instructors too! Starting with the Lion rank, Cub Scouts can take part in archery activities, and when they move up to Tigers, they can use BB rifles with an adult partner, and along with Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light ranks, can do archery, BB shooting, and slingshots at any District or Council event. At the Rangemaster training, you will learn about how to set up a safe Cub Scout shooting sports range for all these activities, the history of BB shooting, parts of the BB rifle, BSA processes, rules and regulations for shooting sports; including safety rules and shooting fundamentals, as well as learn how to help the Cub Scout shoot successfully.
This training class is offered at no charge every spring, usually at Spring Fling, Scout Show and Spring Family Camping. Additional classes may be scheduled throughout the year. Please note: There are no provisions for childcare at these classes. There will be a live range at the classes. You must be present for the entire class to receive credit. This certification is valid for two years, and then the class must be repeated. As with all BSA activities, Youth Protection Training is required of all adult leaders in attendance. Please bring proof of current YPT.
Rifle and Shotgun Merit Badge
Upcoming Sports Merit Badge Days May 11, 2024, August 17, 2024, and November 09, 2024! Cost is $45 for Rifle, $60 for Shotgun (one discipline per day)
All participants should come prepared by having read the appropriate merit badge pamphlets and bring with them all necessary material outlined in the requirements. Scouts must bring their own merit badge pamphlet.
Scouts may complete the entire merit badge, or just attempt the shooting portion of the badge, if they have already completed the ‘classroom’ portion. Scouts who have already completed the ‘classroom’ portion of the merit badge will be given an opportunity to complete the shooting portion of the Rifle or Shotgun Merit Badge requirements without additional ‘classroom’ time. Shooting opportunities will be available using Merit Badge Counselors who are NRA Certified Instructors to score targets and help Scouts to learn techniques that will improve their performance. If a Scout comes prepared with the knowledge necessary to discuss the requirements to the satisfaction of the merit badge counselor, and shoots a required score, he or she can complete all requirements on that day for either the Rifle Shooting or Shotgun Shooting merit badge.
Fees Cannot be collected at the event.
Meals are NOT included- units/participants are responsible for all their meals
As with all BSA activities, Youth Protection Training is required of all adult leaders in attendance. Please bring proof of current YPT.
Classes begin promptly at 9:00 am on Saturday morning in the dining hall and should finish around 4:00 pm. Please be respectful to others and show up on time!
Archery Merit Badge
Upcoming Shooting Sports Merit Badge Days; May 11, 2024, August 17, 2024, and November 09, 2024! Cost is $25.00
All participants should come prepared by having read the appropriate merit badge pamphlet and bringing with them all necessary materials outlined in the requirements. Scouts must bring their own merit badge pamphlet.
This one-day event will make registered merit badge counselors available for the Archery merit badge. Shooting opportunities will be available using USA Archery Certified Instructors to score targets and assist Scouts to learn techniques that will improve their performance. If a Scout comes prepared with the knowledge necessary to discuss the requirements to the satisfaction of the counselor, and shoots a minimum score, they can complete all requirements on this day for the Archery MB.
Fees Cannot be collected at the event.
All Classes start promptly on Saturday morning at 9:00 am at the archery range.
Meals are NOT included- units/participants are responsible for all their meals
As with all BSA activities, Youth Protection Training is required of all adult leaders in attendance. Please bring proof of current YPT.
NRA Basic Firearms Course- Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, RSO (may select only one)
Upcoming NRA Basic Class Dates: March 22-24, 2024, or September 13-15, 2024. Cost is $40 for Rifle or Pistol, $60 for Shotgun, and $80 for RSO
Basic Pistol, Rifle or Shotgun course participants will get the NRA's The Basics of Pistol, Shotgun or Rifle Shooting handbook. RSO will receive the NRA Range Safety Officer Course Manual. Both courses will include lessons in safety, gun handling, fundamentals of shooting, cleaning, storage, shotgun or rifle sports and activities, and practical exercises on the firing range. In addition, practical skills will include cleaning, storage, and shooting positions, including prone, kneeling, and standing positions (for Rifle.) This course is a required pre-requisite for the NRA Instructor course, and firearm handling and marksmanship competency must be demonstrated to successfully complete the course. More information about the courses of fire and written test will be provided during the course.
Registration deadline of one month prior to the first day of the class, in order to allow for instructors and instructional material to be available.
There are no provisions made for youth that are not participating in the course.
Registration fees cannot be collected at the event.
Participants will be assigned adirondacks in Cleveland Campsite based on the number attendees upon registration.
Participants must bring their own bedding and personal gear. All course materials will be provided.
Meals are Not included. Participants are responsible for all their meals. Uniforms are not required.
Participants should expect to arrive on Friday night and check in at the Admin Building between 7-9 pm to determine class location.
As with all BSA activities, youth protection training is required of all adult leaders in attendance. Please bring proof of current YPT.
NRA Firearms Instructor Courses- Psitol, Rifle, Shotgun, (may select only one)
Upcoming NRA Instructor Course dates: April 12-14, 2024, or October 4-6, 2024 Cost: $100 for Pistol, Rifle OR Shotgun, $80 for RSO
This event will provide training to lead courses inPistol, Rifle, Shotgun, or to become a Range Safety Officer (RSO). Upon satisfactory completion, the participant may qualify by NRA standards to instruct in that discipline subject to the age stipulations of the NRA. The courses are designed to train experienced shooters how to lead the NRA Basic or First Steps course for a single discipline as NRA certified instructors. Additionally, you will be able to conduct these courses outside of the Boy Scout programs. Your certification does not automatically allow you to sign off as a merit badge counselor for the rifle or shotgun merit badge. To do so, you must first register and be approved as a Rifle or Shotgun Merit Badge Counselor by the Council Advancement Committee. Participants are NOT required to become members of the NRA as certified instructors; however, your initial training certification is good for one year and will require additional fees (about $50) payable to the NRA at the completion of the course to register you as an NRA Instructor. If you are a current NRA member, bring your membership number with you. As you are receiving a significant discount for taking this course through the BSA, you are expected to assist with classes offered by the Council.
You must Complete the NRA Basic Course in the same discipline before taking the instructor level course (except RSO.)
You must present for the entire class to receive credit.
Registration deadline of one month prior to the first day of the class, in order to allow for instructors and instructional material to be available.
Registration fees cannot be collected at the event.
Participants will be assigned to adirondacks in Cleveland campsite based on the number attendees upon registration.
Participants must provide their own meals, bedding, and personal gear. All course materials will be provided.
Meals are not included. Participants are responsible for all their meals. Uniforms are not required.
As with all BSA activities, youth protection training is required of all adult leaders in attendance. Please bring proof of current YPT.
Participants should expect to arrive on Friday night and check in at the admin building to determine the class location. Schedule: Friday - Basic Instructor Course. Saturday – Sunday - Discipline specific training. You must present for the entire class to receive credit.
Archery
Upcoming Archery LVL I class dates: March 23, 2024, April 13, 2024, September 14, 2024, or October 5, 2024.
Online course required!
USA Archery Level I Certification Class
The USA Archery Level 1 Instructor certification course provides graduates the necessary tools to maintain a high level of safety both on and off the archery range for camps and beginner archery programs. To successfully complete the requirements for this certification, students must successfully pass the USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Certification online course, including the online exam and register for and complete the "in-person" USA Archery Level 1 Instructor practical course to officially receive a USA Archery Level 1 Instructor certificate of completion. The USA Archery Level 1 Instructor will learn about range safety, range setup, the steps of shooting, equipment and repair, programs and lesson plans and is well prepared to teach beginner archery programs to people of all ages and abilities in a variety of disciplines
No experience needed. Participants must be 15 yrs old to take this class.
Before attending the hands-on portion of the USA Archery Instructor Course, you are required to complete the online certification course by going to usarchery.sport80.com.
Course Name: USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Online Course
Online Course Cost: $40 (plus sales tax as applicable by state)
Practical Course Length: 4 Hours
Practical Course Cost: Varies depending on instruction
Certification Period: Three years from the date of the course completion
If you have not completed the online course before the practical date, you may be required to reschedule.
If you need help registering for the USA Archery Course, please click on this flyer for an Instruction Guide.
If you wish to camp Friday night, participants will be assigned adirondacks in Cleveland campsite based on the number attendees upon registration.
Participants must provide their own meals, bedding, and personal gear. All course materials will be provided.
Meals are not included. Participants are responsible for all their meals
Uniforms are not required.
Level 1 Classes begin on Saturday morning at 8 am and conclude around noon.
Registration fees cannot be collected at the event.
As with all BSA activities, youth protection training is required of all adult leaders in attendance. Please bring proof of current YPT.
USA Archery Level II Certification Class (You MUST Complete Level I before taking Level II)
Upcoming Archery LVL II Class dates: March 23, 2024, April 13, 2024, September 14, 2024, or October 5, 2024.
Online courses required!
This course is designed to further instructor knowledge in the National Training System for archery, work with more advanced equipment, and learn different formats of Archery. You will learn how to improve archers form and shooting technique based on biomechanical techniques. This course will teach you different types of archery equipment, proper set-up for intended use, planning long term programs and minor competitions for intermediate archers, and also learn how to plan, organize, and run Level 1 instructor classes.
The USA Archery Level 2 Instructor Certification online course provides graduates the necessary tools to serve as the lead instructor for long-term archery programs such as Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD), Adult Archery Program and Collegiate Archery Program clubs, and the Explore Archery Program. To successfully complete the requirements for this certification, students must successfully pass the USA Archery Level 2 Instructor Certification online course, including the online exam and register for and complete the "in-person" USA Archery Level 2 Instructor practical course.
The USA Archery Level 2 Instructor Certification online course includes the USA Archery Level 1 Instructor online certification course information and provides students with an introduction to the National Training System (NTS) Steps of Shooting for recurve and compound, equipment and accessory setup, athlete development and events.
In addition to passing the course, instructors must have current U.S. Center for SafeSport training, current USA Archery Background Screen, and a current USA Archery or National Field Archery Association membership.
USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Certification is NOT a prerequisite for this course.
You may bring your own equipment. Must be in safe working order and able to be secured when on site.
If you wish to camp Friday night, participants will be assigned adirondacks in Cleveland campsite based on the number attendees upon registration.
Participants must provide their own meals, bedding, and personal gear. All course materials will be provided.
Meals are not included. Participants are responsible for all their meals. Uniforms are not required.
Level 2 Classes begin on Friday evening at 6pm and conclude on Sunday at about noon.
Registration fees cannot be collected at the event.
As with all BSA activities, youth protection training is required of all adult leaders in attendance. Please bring proof of current YPT.
Before attending the hands-on portion of the USA Archery Instructor Course, you are required to complete the online certification course by going to usarchery.sport80.com.
COURSE INFORMATION
Course Name: USA Archery Level 2 Instructor Online Course
Online Course Cost: $50 (plus sales tax as applicable by state)
Practical Course Length: 8 Hours
Practical Course Cost: Varies depending on instruction
Certification Period: Three years from the date of the course completion
If you have not completed the online course before the practical date, you may be required to reschedule.
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2024 NRA Inst Pistol/Rifle/Shotgun/RSO/Archery1-2 October 04, 2024 to October 06
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2024 SS MB Day Archery/Rifle/Shotgun November 09, 2024
Register Today
File Name | Description | |
---|---|---|
2024 Save the Date Flyer | Check this year's Shooting Sports events | Download |
Medical Form ABC | Download | |
NRA Basic Course March 2024 | Download | |
NRA Basic Course September 2024 | Download | |
NRA Instructor Course April 2024 | Download | |
NRA Instructor Course October 2024 | Download | |
Shooting Sports Merit Badge Day August 2024 | Download | |
Shooting Sports Merit Badge Day May 2024 | Download | |
Shooting Sports Merit Badge Day November 2024 | Download | |
USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Flyer | How to register for Archery Level 1 Instructor Training | Download |
USA Archery Level 2 Instructor Course Flyer | Download |