The purpose of the BSA shooting sports program is to introduce youth to the various age-appropriate shooting sports activities offered, in a safe environment, with the goal of providing a positive experience, for all participants. To achieve that goal, the AAC RATA team follows the most current BSA standards for all range and target activities, in addition to creating specific guidelines that govern all AAC-owned property ranges.

RATA Committee

Led by a group of well-trained and experienced adult volunteers who are certified by BSA and in their respective disciplines (NRA, USA Archery, and USA Shooting), the RATA Committee provides training for youth and adults throughout the year, in addition to supporting AAC Council and District sponsored events and BSA National events e.g. High Adventure, Jamboree, etc. These governing body organizations are the main source for the required training and instructor certification curriculum, by discipline-specific trainers, to prepare those individuals who take aim for the leadership role in the various shooting sports activities.

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Training Schedule:

The committee does not have a formal responsibility to train Instructors and Range Safety Officers (RSO) but does try to offer NRA Instructor and RSO training several times per year when volunteers are available to support the effort. Pistol Shooting has been added as a sport for Venturing, but no Merit Badge has been established at the time of this publication.

**To attend any training (Cub Scout or NRA Training) through our BSA Instructors, you must commit to volunteering 2 times per discipline in a 24 month period.  For instance, if you take RSO Training at the Scouting America rate through our trainer, you will be required to RSO a range at a council-level event twice within the next 2 years. We are blessed to be able to offer these trainings to you at a highly discounted rate, and this is so that the shooting sports program can grow in the Alamo Area Council.  We hope it will grow in your unit and at the Council level, as well. This can only be done with the help of volunteers like you.  If you have any questions about this requirement or anything else relating to target and range sports please email Adventure@AlamoAreaScouting.org

Upcoming Target and Range Events:

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.

FAQs Regarding Program Updates 9/1/24

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: 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.

Cub Scout and Webelos Scout FAQs

Q: What range and target activities can Cub Scouts participate in?

A: Cub Scouts can participate in shooting sports programs in a council or district event only and is not approved as a unit event. Please refer to the National Range and Target Activities Manual and the Guide to Safe Scouting Age Appropriate chart for details.

Q: What shooting sports programs can Webelos and Arrow of Lights participate in?
A: Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts can use pellet rifles, BB-gun rifles, slingshots, and archery, under the proper supervision, which must be conducted ONLY as part of a council or district event. Unit-level shooting sports programs are NOT APPROVED. Appropriate catapults can be used during a unit-organized event. (Refer to the Guide to Safe Scouting for specific guidelines) 

Q: How do I find a range officer for my Cub Scout pack?

A: Cub Scout range and target activities must be conducted at a council or district level and is not approved as a unit activity. If your pack is interested in helping to organize a BB-gun or archery event, please contact your local council’s RATA chairman or Range Activities Director for information on the council’s year-round RATA events schedule.