WHO:  Any Adult Leader that is interested in serving as a Rangemaster or Assistant Rangemaster at District or Council Cub Scout, Scouting America, and Venturer Range and Target Activities that include archery, BB gun, catapult, rockets, wrist rockets, sling shots, and other devices designed to launch items through the air. 

WHAT:  This course will teach you how to serve as a BSA Rangemaster.  There is no live fire during this course.  The course syllabus will cover everything you need to know to operate a safe District or Council Range and Target activity.  A Cub Rangemaster Is in charge of the firing line at any time it is in operation; responsibilities include the setup and operation of a safe BB Gun or Archery range for Cub Scout, Scout, Venturing or Sea Scouting programs, Archery merit badge instruction, and management of an archery staff at camp. 

WHERE:  Hawk Mountain Council Scout Reservation, 402 Blue Mountain Road, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.  Camp Office (570) 754-7552.  Report to the Welcome Center upon arrival. 

WHEN:  3-4 April 2026.  Report for check-in by 1800 on Friday evening.  Training begins promptly at 1830.  The course is approximately 8 hours long.  It will consist of a 2 hour block of instruction on Friday and be completed by 1430 on Saturday. 

WHY:  To strengthen our Range and Target Activities across the Council by providing qualified instructors! 

The fee for this course will be covered by the council with the expectation that those atttending volunteer at least twice for council level events. 

Cracker Barrel on Friday evening, Continental Breakfast and Lunch (picnic fare) Saturday are included. 

We will hold most of the course indoors, but some elements of the training will require us to be outdoors; so wear clothing appropriate to both environments. 

Bring with you:  Pencils, pens, highlighters, note pad, and a good attitude. 

Overnight Stay Required:  In order to provide a meaningful and comprehensive training event, we ask that you come prepared to stay overnight at HMSR.  We will all stay in a cabin, which will only require you to bring sleeping gear to stay on a cot and a hygiene kit so you can freshen up Saturday morning.  We expect to release all of you on Saturday by 1430. 

Once qualified, we are asking that participants commit themselves to run ranges a minimum of two times for select District and Council events. 

Upon completion, you will receive a BSA Training Card that will remain valid for 2 years. 

A friendly reminder to Scouters who work with Cub Scout Packs:  BB Gun, Slingshot and Archery ARE NOT A DEN OR PACK APPROVED ACTIVITY.  They may only be conducted at District or Council events i.e. Day Camp, District Camporees, Council Camporee, Cub Adventure Day at Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation or other Council approved ranges. Those trained will not be able to run the ranges for their own units. Council policy requires a rangemaster have no connections with the group using the ranges.   

For questions about Rangemaster training contact: Matt Hensinger, HMC Range And Target Activities Team And Trainers Committee Chair at (484) 772-0440 via text or matthew.hensinger@yahoo.com