The Range and Target Activities (Shooting Sports) currently offered by Scouting America are highly complex, requiring knowledgeable supervision, qualified instruction, and strict adherence to standard operating procedures. The following Q&A reviews upcoming September 1st program adjustments that aim to simplify these programs while ensuring safety standards are met. Prior to reviewing these FAQs, please review the upcoming changes listed HERE in the Guide to Safe Scouting.
Q: Why are range and target activities (shooting sports) part of Scouting’s programs?
A: 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.
Q: Why is Scouting updating its range and target activities (shooting sports programs) effective 9/1/2024?
A: With a focus on safety and delivery of a quality program, these program adjustments aim to simplify and further standardize range and target activities, thus enhancing the overall experience for Scouts and Scouters alike.
Q: Why is the name of shooting sports programs changing to Range & Target Activities?
A: This new name reflects both where these activities take place (on established ranges) and what these activities are.
Q: Starting in September, besides a nationally authorized camp property’s range, Scouts can participate in firearms programs on a commercial range. How will Scouting America define a commercial firearm range?
A: 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.
Q: And also, what is a nationally authorized camp property?
A: 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 Scouting America council exercises long-term control that is made available to Scouting America units or individuals for use in Scouting America branded program activities.” For full information on what is a nationally authorized camp property, please review the entire NCAP standard SA-001.
Q: My Scouts BSA troop wants to conduct a weekend activity focused on the Rifle Shooting merit badge, can we still host this event after September 1, 2024?
A: Yes. Scouts BSA troops can offer these activities with the required supervision certifications indicated in Scouting America’s Shooting Sports Manual at either a nationally authorized camp property range(s) or at a commercial firearm range. Reminder- your unit must also have someone who has completed the online Range Activity SAFEty training. This trained adult leader must be present at the range. Note this training does not replace the requirements for certified NRA firearms instructors and range safety officers. This training will be available beginning 9/1/2024.
Q: There is a new Range Activity SAFEty training??
A: Yes. On September 1, 2024 this training will be available for unit leaders to take on My.Scouting (the same place you can take Youth Protection training online etc). Less than 40 minutes, this online training will help Scout leaders be prepared to successfully offer these programs at the unit level.
Q: Our Venturing crew is interested in participating in a pistol program. Is it still possible for us to do so?
A: 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. This program will also be available for older Scouts BSA youth.
Q: How does Scouting define “firearm”?
A: 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.
If planning an upcoming event or outing for your unit or council involving range & target activities, please remember to visit Scouting.org on September 1st to review the new National Range & Target Activities Manual and any revisions to the Guide to Safe Scouting.
Still have questions? We invite you to watch a recording of our Range and Target Activities Program Updates (a Venturing focus but all levels are reviewed) webinar that premiered on July 10. You may also attend an additional, Outdoor Program & Properties Team sponsored, webinar on August 15th. The links for both the recording and to register for the upcoming webinar may be found below.
Resources:
- Range & Target Activities Program Updates Discussion and Q&A Registration Link (August 15th Live Webinar)
https://scouting-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqce2orDotHN378fJ0lxBhit6kJGubesBC
