New Birth of Freedom Council adheres to the Boy Scouts of America’s longstanding policy of teaching its youth and adult members the safe, responsible, intelligent handling, care, and use of firearms, tomahawks, BB guns, slingshots, and archery equipment in planned, carefully managed, and supervised programs. Scouting America range sports covered in the Shooting Sports Manual include: Archery, BB, Slingshot, Catapult, Rifle, Shotgun, Pistols, Tomahawk, and Knife Throwing.
From Cub Scouting to Venturing and Sea Scouting, all program divisions use responsible outdoor activities to promote character development and values-based leadership training. Shooting sports have the ability to attract and retain youth in the movement. Millions of young people participate in one or more sports annually, guided by adult volunteers who have the training and knowledge to provide quality programs safely and effectively. The Range & Target Activities (RATA) Committee verifies that qualified supervision, appropriate planning, approved ranges, and proper equipment are available for all shooting sports events. The committee supports the Council’s goals of ensuring training opportunities for leaders to help them support safe and authorized marksmanship activities.
Let us help YOU to promote range sports and safety in YOUR PROGRAM CALENDAR!
Range & Target Activities Committee:
Chairman: Nicholas Naugle
Staff Advisor: Ron Gardner
Vice-Chair Training: Fred Gellert
Vice-Chair Hidden Valley Equipment: Don Lincoln
Committee Members: Dale Geesaman, Clyde Keller, Chris Lontz, Noah Moreland, Dave Stark
Events Supported: All Council events (Resident Camps, Day/Twilight Camps, Cub Leader Range Master Courses), Order of the Arrow events, Exploring and Venturing events, and District Camporees. Reviews and planning take time, so please get in touch with us well in advance of your planned event (at least 60 days prior).
All requests to allow or support a shooting sport (archery, rifle, pistol, shotgun, slingshot, BB, tomahawk/knife throwing, or other range sports) at ANY event held in New Birth of Freedom Council (Council or District) must be authorized by the Council Range and Target Activities Committee.
By Scouting America standards, the event is not authorized for shooting sports activities unless event approval is received from the Council Range and Target Activities Committee.
