Updated BSA documents including The Guide to Safe Scouting, BSA National Shooting Sports Manual and National Camp Standards now compliment each other and completely describe authorized shooting sports programs and requirements. One may simply read the table of contents to select topics of interest for complete information.

From the 2022 Guide to Safe Scouting

The Boy Scouts of America adheres to its longstanding policy of teaching its youth and adult members the safe, responsible, and intelligent handling, care, and use of firearms, air rifles, BB guns, and archery equipment in planned, carefully managed, and supervised programs.

Except for law enforcement officers required to carry firearms within their jurisdiction, firearms shall not be brought on camping, hiking, backpacking, or other Scouting activities except those specifically planned for target shooting under the supervision of a currently certified BSA national shooting sports director or National Rifle Association firearms instructor.

All shooting sports activities held during a day camp, short-term camp, or long-term camp will follow the current National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) standards. All shooting sports activities held outside of a council’s camp will follow the program as outlined in the BSA National Shooting Sports Manual.

The BSA National Shooting Sports Manual includes all of the information you will need pertaining to appropriate guns used at each level of Scouting, the required range supervision, and training that youth need to safely participate in the shooting sports program.