RANGE & TARGET ACTIVITES
Range and Target Activities (RATA) in Scouting provide youth with safe, structured opportunities to experience shooting sports and target-based programs such as archery, BB and rifle shooting, shotgun, and throwing sports. Through these activities, Scouts build confidence, learn new skills, and enjoy memorable experiences in a safe and supportive environment. By preparing leaders to manage ranges and follow national safety standards, RATA helps deliver high-quality experiences that combine adventure with skill development.
Adult Training Opportunities
Scouting provides a safe, structured, and exciting way for youth to experience target-based activities. To ensure that these programs are delivered safely and with the highest standards, leaders and volunteers can take part in Range and Target Activities (RATA) trainings.
These trainings equip Scouters with the knowledge and certifications needed to supervise, instruct, and facilitate a wide range of target activities.
Upcoming Trainings
NRA Rifle Basic Instructor Training:
Cost $125
Friday January 30th, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Greeley)
Saturday January 31st, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm (Greeley)
Sunday February 1st, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm (BDSR, Red Feather Lakes)
REGISTER HERE
- Cub Scout Rangemaster Training.
- Cub Scout Rangemaster Training certifies adult volunteers to run safe and engaging BB gun, slingshot, and archery ranges for Cub Scouts. This certification is required for anyone supervising shooting sports at district or council-level events, as these activities are not allowed at the pack level.
- USA Archery level 1
- USA Archery Level 1 is a blended online and in-person certification course that teaches you the fundamentals of safely operating an archery range and teaching beginner archery programs to people of all ages and abilities.
- Rifle Instructor Training.
- Rifle instructor training is a certification process that equips experienced rifle shooters with the knowledge, skills, and teaching techniques to effectively and safely train new shooters. The training combines classroom learning with practical, live-fire range exercises.
- Shotgun Instructor Training.
- Shotgun instructor training is a certification process that focuses not just on personal shooting skills but on the knowledge, skills, and attitude needed to teach others safely. It involves classroom and range components, including demonstrating teaching ability, passing written and practical safety exams, and a shooting qualification.
- Pistol Instructor Training.
- Pistol instructor training teaches experienced shooters how to teach others safe and effective pistol handling. The training involves both classroom instruction on firearm safety, operation, and shooting fundamentals, and hands-on range time to develop coaching and teaching skills.
- Muzzleloader Coop Instructor Training
- Muzzleloader Cooperative (Co-Op) Instructor Training is a certification program that teaches experienced shooters how to become qualified instructors for basic muzzleloader shooting courses.
- Range Safety Officer
- Range Safety Officer (RSO) training, such as the NRA course, teaches individuals the knowledge, skills, and attitude to safely supervise shooting activities and manage range operations. The training covers RSO roles, range SOPs, inspection, rules, safety briefings, and emergency procedures, including firearm stoppages.
- Chief Range Safety Officer
- Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO) training is an instructor-level course for individuals to teach and certify NRA Range Safety Officers (RSOs) and oversee range safety operations. The training covers range standard operating procedures, range inspections, developing SOPs, supervising RSOs, and handling range emergencies.
- Home Firearm Safety
- Home firearm safety training teaches the fundamental principles and practices for the safe handling, storage, and responsible use of firearms and ammunition in the home, focusing on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to prevent accidents and ensure safety for yourself and others.
RATA Programs
Range and Target Activities from the Adventure West Council let Scouts have fun aiming for adventure with programs like archery, BB guns, slingshots, throwing sports, and even shotgun and rifle shooting, all in a safe and exciting environment.
Annual event at Camp Laramie Peak!
For Scouts BSA & Arrow of Lights! A weekend event full of fun and adventure!
BDSR Range Challenge
Test your skills at Range and Target Activities as you compete against your fellow Scouts. Weekend Campout with Awards Banquet.
Partner Pal
Fun, family focused event where you work with your parent with a combined score to take home the prize!
Held in October at Camp Nicol.
Get ready for a spooktacular time at camp! Shooting sports, games, hay rides, and more! An adventure the whole family will enjoy!
Jolly Jamboree
Ring in the holiday season with the awesome Cub Scout Event! Seasonal crafts, games, and Range Activities!
Activity Days
The RATA Team puts on various Range activities throughout the year from Cub Activity Days to Range Challenges!
Join our Team
We’re looking for enthusiastic adults to join our leadership team and help make Range and Target Activities (RATA) events possible for our Scouts! By volunteering, you’ll play a key role in creating safe, exciting opportunities for youth to experience archery, BB guns, slingshots, throwing sports, and more. No prior experience is required, just a willingness to learn, have fun, and help Scouts aim for adventure while building skills and confidence.
Contact our Leadership Team
Ken Craft – rata.chair@awbsa.org – (970) 590-0026
Dan Yee – rata.cochair@awbsa.org – (970) 988-6762