Welcome to the home page for Range & Target Activities in the National Capital Area Council!
What are Range & Target Activities?
From Cub Scouts to Venturers, Range & Target Activities are some of the most popular parts of the Scouting program.
Range & Target Activities teach archery, firearms, and throwing sports safety while introducing Scouts to a variety of fun, interactive program experiences. Range & Target Activities are developed and implemented through safe, well-planned, and carefully supervised age-appropriate programs for each Scout who chooses to participate. Range & Target Activities have formed the basis for lifelong hobbies and opportunities for generations of Scouts.
Range & Target Activities include District and Council-level Cub Scout Adventures in archery, BBs, and slingshots. In Scouts BSA and older Scout programs, Range & Target Activities include the Archery, Rifle Shooting, and Shotgun Shooting Merit Badges, as well as Unit, District, Council, and National High Adventure Base programs in archery, rifle target shooting, shotgun clay sports, black powder muzzleloading, and tomahawk and knife throwing. Some Council camps and National high adventure bases may offer additional programs such as the NRA FIRST Steps Pistol Orientation, Cowboy Action Shooting, Sporting Arrows, and other opportunities (not all of these programs are available in NCAC).
Mandatory Range & Target Activity Approvals
Scouting America requires advance Council review and approval of all Unit and District Range & Target Activities.
All Range & Target Activities in the National Capital Area Council at any program level must fully comply with the requirements and procedures set forth in the current Scouting America National Range & Target Activities Manual. Council-level camp activities are additionally governed by Scouting America’s National Camp Accreditation Program standards. In NCAC, the Council Range & Target Activities Committee reviews proposed Unit and District events to ensure qualified supervision, appropriate planning, approved ranges, and proper equipment. ALL Unit and District events must be approved in advance by the Chair of the Committee. The Committee also supports Council camps and events, leader training, and can assist with Unit and District events upon request.
Units and Districts must submit a completed request to approve their proposed activity at least 60 days prior to the date of the event (more time is needed if it is a large event or direct committee support is required). Please use the current Unit/District Event Approval Form and Instructions to submit your event for approval.
Contact for Questions and Further Assistance
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of your District’s Range & Target Activities Committee Coordinators or any of the Committee Officers with questions or for assistance:
Let us help YOU to promote range & target activities and safety in YOUR PROGRAM!
Helpful Forms and Links:
NCAC Unit/District R&TA Event Approval Form and Instructions
Scouting America R&TA Resource Page
Scouting America National Range and Target Activities Manual
Guide to Safe Scouting (Sports & Activities)
