NRA Co-Op Muzzleloading Rifle Instructor Course

September 18–20, 2026 - Camp Loud Thunder in Illinois City, Illinois

Take your muzzleloading skills to the next level by becoming a certified NRA Co-Op Muzzleloading Rifle Instructor. Hosted by the Illowa Council Range & Target Activities Committee, this intensive weekend course prepares participants to safely teach and supervise muzzleloading rifle programs while earning NRA instructor certification.

The course begins Friday evening with check-in at 6:30 PM and concludes Sunday at approximately 4:00 PM. Throughout the weekend, participants will receive classroom instruction and hands-on training covering safe firearm handling, teaching methods, coaching techniques, and the knowledge required to lead NRA Co-Op Muzzleloading Rifle programs. Course fees include NRA training materials, lodging, meals, and load components. Participants who successfully complete the course will be eligible for NRA certification, which requires an additional certification fee.

Prerequisites

The NRA requires all instructor candidates to have successfully completed the NRA Co-Op Muzzleloading Rifle Basic Course before attending this instructor course, regardless of prior shooting experience.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Scouting America volunteers interested in staffing Range & Target Activities events
• Current or prospective range instructors
• Adults ages 15 and older seeking NRA Muzzleloading Rifle Instructor certification

Scouting America members are asked to sign a commitment letter to volunteer at 3–4 Illowa Council Range & Target Activities events during the upcoming program year.

Course Information

• Date: September 18–20, 2026
• Location: Camp Loud Thunder, Illinois City, IL
• Check-In: Friday at 6:30 PM
• Course Begins: Friday at 7:00 PM
• Ends: Sunday at approximately 4:00 PM

Cost:

• $125 – Scouters
• $280 – Non-Scouters

Age Requirement: 15 years or older
Maximum Enrollment: 10 participants

Registration

Registration is open now and closes September 7, 2026, at midnight. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Questions:

• Event Contact: Harold Cover, 563-320-5372 or hcoverjr@aol.com
• Registration Questions: Illowa Council Service Center, 563-388-7233 or reservations@loudthunder.org