To keep the long tradition of safe, ethical, and responsible firearm use an integral part of the Scouting experience at our Bay-Lakes Council Camps, we need trained, responsible adults who may be willing to assist in the delivery of this exciting programming. Cost has always been a barrier to this goal as the required courses usually cost more than $100 each.

John Techmeier, who served as the Summer Camp Range and Target Activities Director at Bear Paw Scout Camp in both 2024 and 2025, has generously agreed to run a series of NRA Firearm Safety Training Courses this Fall at drastically discounted rates. These courses are the best way to start your journey towards obtaining the necessary certifications needed to effectively assist with safe firearm instruction at our camps or with your units. Based on the interest in the basic courses, which are prerequisite for the instructor courses, we will offer instructor courses in the spring, again at discounted rates. If you have been thinking about taking the first step towards obtaining NRA certifications necessary to assist with Range and Target Activities in Scouting, or simply want to take these courses for your own knowledge and experience, please take this opportunity to get started now!

Please register to join us at the Oertle Range Complex at Bear Paw Scout Camp for one or all the scheduled sessions:

NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting (09/20/2025),

NRA Basics of Rifle Shooting (10/18/2025),

NRA Basics of Shotgun Shooting (11/08/2025).

John will do his best to make the instruction effective, safe, and fun! We've kept the participant costs much lower than are typically charged for these courses outside of Scouting because we want to attract adults who may be able to help us at our camps in the future; however, all are welcome.   

Things to Bring:

• A Great Ready-to-Learn Attitude
• A Bag Lunch
• Water Bottle (or other non-alcholic beverage)
• Pen and Paper
• Personal Ear and Eye Protection (we'll provide it if you don't have your own)

Please DO NOT Bring Privately Owned Firearms (as of 09/01/2024, Scouting America rules do not allow privately owned firearms on Scouting America properties - We will provide all necessary firearms needed for training)   

Space is limited. Sign up today!