Range and Target Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are range and target activities (shooting sports) part of Scouting’s programs?
Range and target activities provide Scouting the opportunity to instruct critical safe firearm handling to all age groups while also providing an opportunity for a Scout to learn self-discipline, concentration, mental discipline, self-reliance, self-esteem, problem-solving and responsibility. Teaching safe firearm handling includes conversations such as “What happens when you see a gun? Never touch the gun, leave it where it is, and tell an adult right away.” Scouting is committed to teaching youth how to be safe around firearms, whether at home, in their neighborhoods, or around the community.

2. How do I know what activities my Scouts can participate in?
The National Shooting Sports Manual offers a detailed eligibility chart that outlines the specific activities Scouts can engage in based on their age, rank, and program level. (See link below)

3. How do I know Council organized activities are safe?
The BSA has over 100 years of experience providing safe Range and Target Activities. Every activity is held on professionally inspected ranges and supervised by staff who are trained by the BSA and certified by the National Rifle Association (NRA), ensuring the highest standards of safety and instruction. All Council-organized activities are supervised by certified leaders who have undergone rigorous training in safety protocols. These leaders ensure every aspect of the event meets the BSA’s strict safety standards, providing a secure and enjoyable experience for all participants.

4. What is a commercial firearm range?
A commercial firearm range is a supervised facility that offers a controlled environment for safe firearm practice. It will provide shooting lanes, targets, and may offer equipment rentals and training in safe firearm handling and marksmanship. Standard operating procedures are required for each firearm type used on-site. Scouting’s range and target activities must follow all of Scouting’s range and target activities policies or range standard operating procedures that are equivalently stringent, including no variation from Scouting’s limitations on firearms used. These ranges may be operated by a licensed business, a government entity or non-profit. These commercial ranges are approved by the Grand Canyon Council:

• Ben Avery https://www.azgfd.com/shooting-sports/ben-avery-shooting-facility/
• Rio Salado Gun Range https://rsscaz.com

5. What is a nationally authorized camp property?
A national authorized camp property is defined by the National Camp Accreditation Program standards in SA-001. This definition is “A camp property includes any property over which a BSA council exercises long-term control that is made available to BSA units or individuals for use in BSA-branded program activities.” For full information on what is a nationally authorized camp property, please review the entire NCAP standard SA-001.

6. Are there recent changes to Range and Target Activities and associated rules?
Yes, many changes have been implemented, effective September 1, 2024. For details, refer to the Guide to Safe Scouting.

7. How does Scouting define “firearm”?
Firearms include pellet rifles, airsoft (any type), rifles, pistols, shotguns, and muzzle loading rifles and shotguns. While Scouting does not define a BB gun or “BB device” as a firearm, some states, counties, or jurisdictions may regulate BB guns as firearms, depending on their design and capabilities. Councils must review and follow any local regulations before conducting programs.

8. What is personal ammunition?
Personal ammunition is ammunition supplied by an individual. This does not include donations for use by a council. Any donations received should be appropriate for the firearms used by the council on its specific range(s) and must be donated in its original manufacturer’s packaging and should not be used past the shelf or storage life indicated by the manufacturer.

9. Can we use personal firearms at nationally authorized camp properties for demonstration purposes during NRA training courses?
Yes, personal firearms may be used for classroom demonstration purposes only during NRA training programs at nationally authorized camp properties but may not be used for live fire.

10. Can individual units conduct Range and Target Activities on their own?
Yes! While Cub Scout Packs are generally limited to Council-organized activities, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts have more flexibility, as detailed in the National Shooting Sports Manual.

11. Our Venturing crew is interested in participating in a pistol program. Is it still possible for us to do so?
Yes, Venturing crews participate in the NRA FIRST Steps Pistol Orientation at an accredited camp program (day camp, short-term camp, long-term camp) or a council organized one day event. Reminder, effective 9/1/2024, unit-level sponsored/planned Venturing and Sea Scouting pistol programs are prohibited.

12. Can I get involved in the Range and Target Activities Team?
Absolutely! We welcome new individuals eager to help our Scouts develop skills and have fun. Contact John Kwilosz at 480-980-5429 to chat.

13. What type of training do I need to help in the Cub Scout day camp, short-term or long-term camp programs?
You need to be a trained as a Cub Scout Range Master. This training is conducted by a National Camp School range activities director or a NRA Rifle Instructor for BB Guns, and USA Archery Level 1 Instructor for archery.

14. How long does the Rangemaster training take?
The training is 3 hours for Cub Scout archery and 4 hours for Cub Scout BB gun. You may be certified in either discipline or you can be certified in both.