Archery, Rifle & Shotgun Ranges

Program overview

Archery, rifle and shotgun on supervised ranges, plus a BMX bike track for Scouts who like to ride.

Shooting sports are among the most popular activities at any Scout camp, and Camp Perry offers a full set of ranges. According to the Rio Grande Council's Camp Perry page, the camp has an archery range, a rifle range and a shotgun range, all operated under Scouting America's shooting sports standards with certified instructors and range safety officers. The ¡Adelante Con Camp Perry! campaign set aside funds for a three-structure shooting complex to support these programs.

For many Scouts, the range is where focus and self-discipline click. Learning to follow range commands, handle equipment safely and track steady improvement on a target builds skills that carry well beyond camp. During summer camp, Scouts can work toward the Archery, Rifle Shooting and Shotgun Shooting merit badges, while open range times give everyone a chance to practice.

Age rules matter here. Under Scouting America policy, Cub Scouts are limited to archery, BB guns and slingshots at council-approved programs, while rifle and shotgun shooting are for Scouts BSA members and older program participants. For weekend units, the council lists shotgun as a $5 per person add-on and asks groups to contact the council for rifle pricing. Camp Perry also has a BMX bike track, listed as a $5 per person add-on, which gives Scouts a different kind of adventure between range sessions.

All prices and availability come from the council and can change. This independent site does not book ranges or collect payments, so please confirm details with the Rio Grande Council. To see where the ranges sit on the property, visit the camp map and facilities page.

Highlights

What’s included

Archery range

The archery range welcomes Scouts of all levels, from Cub Scouts drawing a bow for the first time to Scouts BSA members working on the Archery merit badge requirements.

Rifle range

Scouts BSA members learn safe firearm handling, shooting positions and marksmanship fundamentals on the rifle range. Weekend units should contact the council for current rifle pricing.

Shotgun range

Shotgun shooting introduces Scouts to moving targets and a new set of safety skills. The council lists shotgun as an add-on at $5 per person for visiting units.

Certified range staff

Every range is run by certified instructors and range safety officers, as Scouting America requires. They control the line, give commands and coach shooters one on one.

BMX bike track

The BMX bike track adds some two-wheeled adventure to a camp visit. Riders wear helmets, and the council lists BMX as a $5 per person add-on for units.

Merit badges

During camp sessions, Scouts can work toward the Archery, Rifle Shooting and Shotgun Shooting merit badges. Check the current merit badge list, as offerings change each season.

Details

Plan with confidence

A representative sample — actual schedules are published by camp leadership each season.

8:30 AMRange safety briefing and equipment check
9:00 AMArchery merit badge session
10:30 AMRifle Shooting merit badge session
12:00 PMRanges close for lunch and the midday rest period
2:00 PMShotgun Shooting merit badge session
3:30 PMBMX bike track session with helmets and staff supervision
4:00 PMOpen archery and open range times by age and program
5:30 PMRanges close; equipment secured and inventoried

How to take part

Four steps to camp

Talk to your unit leader

Find out whether your troop or pack is planning range time, which activities fit your Scouts' ages, and whether merit badge sessions or open range time are the goal.

Check with the council

Range scheduling, add-on pricing and certified staff availability are arranged through the Rio Grande Council. Contact the council for rifle pricing; this site does not book activities.

Complete the forms

Make sure each participant's health form is current and that any activity permission forms required by the council or unit are signed and ready to bring.

Prepare shooters

Review basic safety rules at home, pack closed-toe shoes and water, and remind Scouts that range staff have the final word on every command and every session.

FAQ

Shooting Sports questions

No. Under Scouting America policy, Cub Scouts may take part in archery, BB guns and slingshots only, and only at council-approved programs with trained range staff. Rifle and shotgun shooting are reserved for Scouts BSA members and other older program participants who meet the age requirements set in Scouting America's shooting sports rules.

The Rio Grande Council's Camp Perry page lists shotgun and BMX bikes as add-ons at $5 per person, and asks groups to contact the council for rifle pricing. Pricing can change, and summer camp fees may already include range time, so confirm current details directly with the council when planning your trip.

Scouting America requires shooting sports to be supervised by certified instructors and range safety officers. At Camp Perry, the council notes that shooting sports require certified staff. Units visiting on weekends should confirm with the council whether camp staff will be provided or whether the unit needs its own qualified range personnel.

Personal equipment policies are set by the council and the camp, and ranges typically provide the firearms, bows and ammunition used in programs. Do not bring personal firearms or bows to camp unless the council has specifically approved it. Ask the council in advance if you have questions about equipment.

Not exactly. The BMX bike track is a separate adventure activity listed by the council alongside the range add-ons at $5 per person. It is included on this page because units often plan range time and BMX together. Helmets are required, and closed-toe shoes and long pants are strongly recommended.

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