Shooting Sports Training

The potential hazards associated with shooting sports are mostly obvious.  There is the potential that someone could be accidentally and intentionally shot.  Because of that main concern, there are many rules and restrictions that dictate how Shooting Sports are conducted in the BSA.  Because of our serious approach to these activities, level of supervision, and rules and restrictions, Shooting Sports is one of the safest activities in Scouting.

Per the BSA, certain training requirements are mandatory to run a shooting event in the BSA.  These are not waivable or negotiable.  Previous Military, Law Enforcement and other professional training and experience are great, but you still must meet the certification standards set by the BSA to run a Shooting Sports event.

We are lucky enough to have enough certified shooting sports instructors in our Troop to run any type of shooting activity authorized by the BSA.  That said, we can always use more help and a have a larger margin of safety.  

Cub Scout Camp Training

The BSA offers shooting sports for Cub Scouts.  This includes BB Gun and Archery.  For Cub Scouts, Adults can attend a one day training session which prepares them to run BB Gun and Archery ranges for District and Council events.

BB Gun and Archery Cub Scout Training

• • This training was intended to allow Adults to run non-firearm ranges for Cub Scouts

  • Some Councils allow troops to run BB gun or Archery events with this credential (usually District and Council events)

  • This is a good introduction into running a BSA range

  • Troop 60 has NRA and USA Archery Instructors in our troop and stick to the BSA standard (not the Cub Scout standard) for Shooting Sports

NRA Firearm Training

The NRA is an established Firearms Training Organization and sets the standards for Shooting Sports Instructor and Range Safety Officer Training and Certification for firearm shooting in the BSA. 

NRA Basic Courses

The NRA Basic Course teach the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for the safe use of a particular firearm in target shooting.

These courses generally span a day or two and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot rifles. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; firearm parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting from the bench rest, prone, sitting, standing and kneeling positions; cleaning, and continued opportunities for skill development. 

Students will receive a Basics of Shooting handbook for the discipline they are taking, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, take a Basics of Rifle Shooting Student Examination, and receive a course completion certificate.

This is an excellent program for both Youth and Adults and will provided a better understanding of what we are doing on the range.  These Basic Course are also required prerequisites for those intending to become instructors. 

Chief Seattle BSA Council runs a Basic Rifle and Basic Shotgun course most months of the year at Camp Pigott.  Courses are also offered at Kenmore Gun Range. 

Basic Course Associated with BSA Shooting:

1. • Rifle Basic

   • Shotgun Basic

   • Pistol Basic (Venturing and special events only)

   • Muzzleloading Basic

NRA Instructor 

The NRA Instructor program put on by the BSA are top notch and cover everything you need to run a safe and quality program.  

Even if you have years of professional experience, like some of our instructors, you will need to complete an NRA Instructor course and maintain your certification to instruct at BSA ranges.  Our Troop's Shooting Sports team support this and it's a hard BSA requirement. 

Merit Badge Counselors for Rifle and Shotgun must be NRA Instructor Certified for their respective discipline. 

Instructor Programs are available:

• Through the Chief Seattle BSA Council

• Kenmore Gun Range 

  • Usually in January

  • They have a BSA discount - so ask

• NRA Training Portal 

• BSA National Camp School

  • Chief Seattle generally runs a Rifle and Shotgun Program in the Summer

BSA 4 Firearm Instructor Disciplines:

1. • Rifle Instructor 

   • Shotgun Instructor 

   • Pistol Instructor 

   • Muzzleloading Instructor

Range Requirements

1. • A discipline specific Instructor is required anytime we shoot firearms

   • More trained instructors means more eyes on the range

     • NRA recommends 1:5 instructors per students

     • BSA requires 1:8 instructors per Scout

NRA Range Safety Officer

The BSA, and most ranges, requires an Range Safety Officer to oversee the safety of any range.  Training covers all aspects of running a safe firearms range.  

The NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) program was developed in response to the demand for a nationally recognized range safety officer certification. To become a NRA Range Safety Officer, you must pass the RSO course and demonstrate that you possess the knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to organizing, conducting, and supervising safe shooting activities and range operations.

There are two ways to become a RSO. You can take an Online Course from the NRA if you are currently an NRA Certified Firearm Instructor or you can take a course conducted by a Chief RSO, an individual certified to train NRA Range Safety Officers. The RSO course content consists of RSO's roles and responsibilities, range standard operating procedures, range inspection and range rules, firearm stoppages and malfunctions, and Range Safety Briefings which include procedures to follow in the case of an emergency. RSO's who have successfully completed the course then have the ability to become a Chief Range Safety Officer, someone essential to training and supervising NRA Range Safety Officers and developing range standard operating procedures.

BSA RSO Requirements

1. • 1 RSO is required for every shooting event we conduct

     • BSA requires 1:8 RSO per Scout

Do you have a background or interest in shooting?  Come talk to our Shooting Team.