RANGE & TARGET ACTIVITIES DAYS
Find Your Focus. Hit Your Mark.
Scout units, Venturing crews, and districts are welcome to request the services of certified Range & Target Activities instructors for archery, rifle, muzzleloading rifle, shotgun, and pistol activities for Venturing participants at Bert Adams Scout Camp or Woodruff Scout Camp.
All equipment is provided, and participants and instructors may not bring their own firearms or bows. Scouts who already possess range and target skills may have the opportunity to complete the range and target portions of the Archery, Rifle Shooting, or Shotgun Shooting merit badge requirements.
For Scouts participating in shotgun shooting, it is recommended that participants be at least 13 years old and physically capable of safely handling a shotgun. Participation in shotgun shooting is at the discretion of the Shotgun Director.
Upcoming Events
October 10, 2026 - Woodruff Scout Camp
Date: October 10, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: 31 Woodruff Dr, Blairsville, GA 30512
Cost: $20 per session
Register for the October 10 Range & Target Activity Day
Registration opens May 1, 2026.
Note: This is not a merit badge day, but Scouts may request target sign-offs. Scouts may register for one session in the morning and another in the afternoon, or participate in the same activity for the full day.
October 31, 2026 - Bert Adams Scout Camp
Date: October 31, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: 218 Scout Rd, Covington, GA 30016
Cost: $20 per session
Register for the October 31 Range & Target Activity Day
Registration opens May 1, 2026.
Note: This is not a merit badge day, but Scouts may request target sign-offs. Scouts may register for one session in the morning and another in the afternoon, or participate in the same activity for the full day.
April 17, 2027 - Woodruff Scout Camp
Date: April 17, 2027
Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: 31 Woodruff Dr, Blairsville, GA 30512
Cost: $20 per session
Register for the April 17 Range & Target Activity Day
Registration opens November 1, 2026.
Note: This is not a merit badge day, but Scouts may request target sign-offs. Scouts may register for one session in the morning and another in the afternoon, or participate in the same activity for the full day.
Learn More
Training Courses
Rangemaster Training
- Cub Scouts: BB gun, slingshot, and archery. District/Council level only; requires an inflatable range.
- Scouts BSA: Tomahawk and knife. Not for Cub Scouts or Webelos; cannot be combined with Cub Scout certifications.
NRA Certifications
- Range Safety Officer (RSO): Essential supervision for Scouts BSA ranges from the unit through council level. No BIT required.
- Muzzleloading Instructor: Required for percussion rifle ranges. Must be 21 or older for Certified level.
- Pistol Instructor: Required for Venturing and Sea Scout ranges. Must be 21 or older for Certified level.
- Rifle Instructor: Required for Scouts BSA rifle ranges. Must be 21 or older for Certified level; youth may earn Associate or Assistant level.
- Shotgun Instructor: Required for Scouts BSA shotgun ranges. Must be 21 or older for Certified level; youth may earn Associate or Assistant level.
Archery Instructor
- USA Archery Level 1: For leaders running Troop or Crew programs or merit badges. Covers safety, range setup, and shooting form.
- Prerequisite: Participants must complete the USA Archery online course before the practical session.
UPCOMING TRAINING EVENTS
(Click the event title to learn more & register)
Leadership and Training
When units and districts use Atlanta Area Council properties, they are required to provide their own properly credentialed range leadership to use council ranges and equipment. The Atlanta Area Council reserves the right to review and approve all range leadership plans.
Leadership requirements for Range & Target Activities are defined in the National Range and Target Activities Manual, and the Guide to Safe Scouting. Training for Scouting Range & Target Activities leadership roles across all disciplines is offered by Scouters serving on the council Range & Target Activities Committee.
SAFEty Training
All Scouts BSA troops, Venturing crews, and Sea Scout ships conducting unit-level sponsored or planned range and target activities must have at least one registered unit leader, age 21 or older, complete the Range Activity SAFEty online training available at my.scouting.org.
This trained leader must be present at the range during all range and target activities. The training helps ensure units understand and follow Scouting America’s Range & Target Activities policies.
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