Knox Scout Reservation
Shooting Sports Merit Badge Programs
Sharpen your skills, build confidence, and experience the thrill of marksmanship in a safe, structured environment led by trained instructors.
Archery
Scouts will receive instruction in class and on the range. This will include safety instructions, types of equipment, and construction of archery equipment. Scouts must also shoot a minimum score to qualify for their merit badge.
- Restrictions: Restricted to 10 Scouts per session
- Age: All ages
- Difficulty: Moderate
Rifle Shooting
Sharpen your aim, build confidence, and learn valuable marksmanship skills through Knox Scout Reservation’s Rifle Shooting Merit Badge program. Under the guidance of NRA certified instructors and range safety officers, and within a structured, safety-focused environment, Scouts learn the fundamentals of rifle safety, shooting techniques, equipment care, and responsible firearm handling. Participants have the opportunity to improve their accuracy, develop patience and concentration, and work toward achieving recognized shooting proficiency standards. Whether you're new to the shooting sports or looking to refine your skills, the Rifle Shooting Merit Badge offers an engaging and rewarding experience that combines education, personal growth, and outdoor adventure.
- Fee: $30
- Restrictions: Restricted to 12 Scouts per session
- Age: All ages
- Difficulty: Moderate
Shotgun Shooting
Experience the excitement and challenge of clay target shooting with Knox Scout Reservation’s Shotgun Shooting Merit Badge program. Guided by NRA certified instructors and Range Safety Officers, and built around a strong commitment to safety, this program teaches Scouts the fundamentals of shotgun operation, safe firearm handling, shooting techniques, and sportsmanship. As participants develop their skills, they gain confidence, improve focus and coordination, and learn the importance of responsibility both on and off the shotgun field. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced shooter, the Shotgun Shooting Merit Badge offers a fun, rewarding opportunity to test your abilities, achieve personal goals, and enjoy one of Scouting’s most engaging outdoor activities.
- Fee: $30
- Restrictions: Restricted to 6 Scouts per session
- Age: All ages
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Fee: $10
- Prerequisite: Scouts must have already earned the Archery Merit Badge
- Restrictions: Restricted to 6 Scouts per session
- Age: All ages; must meet ability requirements
- Difficulty: Difficult
Advanced Rifle (NRA Rimfire Marksmanship Qualification Program)Take your shooting skills to the next level with Knox Scout Reservation’s NRA Rimfire Marksmanship Qualification Program, a nationally recognized training and achievement program designed for shooters of all experience levels. Using .22 caliber rimfire rifles, participants progress through a series of skill-based levels that reward accuracy, consistency, and safe firearm handling. The program provides clear goals, structured practice, and earned awards that recognize personal improvement and accomplishment. Whether you're just learning the fundamentals or striving to refine your marksmanship, the NRA Rimfire Marksmanship Qualification Program offers a fun, challenging, and rewarding pathway to becoming a more confident and proficient marksman.
- Fee: $30
- Prerequisite: Scouts must have earned the Rifle Shooting Merit Badge
- Age: All ages; must meet ability requirements
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Fee: $30
- Prerequisite: Must have earned the Shotgun Shooting Merit Badge
- Age: All ages; must meet ability requirements
- Difficulty: Difficult
NRA First Steps PistolDiscover the fundamentals of safe and responsible handgun shooting in this introductory course, offered in both semiautomatic .22LR and 9mm. Designed for new shooters, the program provides a strong foundation in pistol safety, proper handling, shooting fundamentals, and range etiquette. Scouts who have previously completed the program with a .22LR may further challenge themselves with the 9mm option.
- Fee: $30
- Prerequisite: Requires written parental/guardian permission prior to the start of camp (Permission Slip included in the Leader’s Guide)
- Age: Must be 14 years old, or 13 and have completed 8th grade
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Step into the spirit of the Old West at Camp Knox’s Cowboy Action Shooting event!This exciting program lets participants experience the skills, discipline, and traditions of frontier-era marksmanship in a safe, supervised environment. Guided by trained NRA instructors and held to strict safety standards, Scouts build confidence, improve focus, and develop responsible shooting sports skills while enjoying friendly competition. Participants shoot a lever-action rifle, single-action revolver, and break-action shotgun in an authentic Old West setting.Whether you’re a seasoned shooting sports enthusiast or trying it for the first time, Cowboy Action Shooting offers a unique blend of history, adventure, and hands-on fun that creates lasting memories.
Time: Monday evening, 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Prerequisite: Signed permission form required
Age: Scouts must be 14 years old, or 13 and have completed 8th grade
Difficulty: Moderate
Take your outdoor leadership skills to the next level at the Knox Scout Reservation Leader’s Challenge in Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting, and Archery. This program gives adult leaders the chance to experience the same shooting sports disciplines that Scouts enjoy while building your own skills, confidence, and understanding of safe range operations. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced marksman, you’ll find a fun, supportive environment to learn, improve, and earn recognition for your achievements. By participating, you’ll become a more effective mentor, gain valuable insight into Scouting’s shooting sports programs, and set a positive example of lifelong learning for the youth you serve. Step up to the line, accept the challenge, and discover how rewarding it can be to lead by example.
Time: Wednesday evening, 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Prerequisite: Adult leader in camp with your troop, crew, or ship.
Fees:
- $1.00 for 10 rounds of .22LR
- $4.00 for 10 shotgun shells
Open Shoot (Rifle / Shotgun / Archery)
Scouts and leaders are invited to step onto the range for Open Shoot in Rifle, Shotgun, and Archery!
This free-time activity gives Scouts the chance to hone their skills in different shooting sports disciplines, work on merit badge requirements, or simply enjoy time on the range in a safe, supervised setting. All ranges are supervised by NRA- or USA Archery-certified instructors and Range Safety Officers.
Time: Monday–Friday afternoons during free time
Fees:
- $1.00 for 10 rounds of .22LR
- $4.00 for 10 shotgun shells
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