Merit Badge Saturday

Hosted by the Illowa Council Range & Target Activities Committee

Give your Scout the opportunity to earn a complete merit badge in a single day at Camp Loud Thunder! Merit Badge Saturday offers hands-on instruction from qualified volunteers in three exciting Range & Target Activities merit badges: Archery, Rifle Shooting, and Shotgun Shooting. This event is designed specifically for Scouts BSA youth who want to learn safe firearm and archery practices while working toward earning a new merit badge.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
• Check-In: 7:30 AM
• Program Begins: 8:00 AM
• Program Ends: 5:00 PM
• Location: Camp Loud Thunder, 9906 175th St W, Illinois City, IL

Merit Badge Options

• Archery Merit Badge
  • Cost: $10
  • Maximum Capacity: 8 Scouts
  • Minimum Age: 11
• Rifle Shooting Merit Badge
  • Cost: $10
  • Maximum Capacity: 12 Scouts
  • Minimum Age: 11
  • Includes 55 rounds of ammunition and targets.
  • Additional ammunition and targets are available for purchase ($4 per 25 rounds).
• Shotgun Shooting Merit Badge
  • Cost: $35
  • Maximum Capacity: 10 Scouts
  • Minimum Age: 13
  • Includes 55 shotgun shells and targets.
  • Additional shotgun shells and targets are available for purchase ($15 per 25 rounds).

About This Event

This is a complete merit badge opportunity, allowing Scouts to earn an entire merit badge during the event. It is not intended for Scouts who have already started one of these merit badges and are looking to complete remaining requirements.

For the safety of all participants, personal firearms and ammunition are not permitted.

What to Bring

• A Blue Card
• A packed lunch: Lunch is not provided, so participants should plan accordingly.
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Water bottle
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn!

Registration

Registration is open through Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at midnight. Space is limited, and each merit badge has a maximum enrollment, so early registration is encouraged.

Questions?

Course Questions: Harold Cover
hcoverjr@aol.com
563-320-5372

Registration Questions: Illowa Council Service Center
reservations@loudthunder.org
563-388-7233