Thank you for your interest in the Scouting Target And Range Sports (STARS) training program. This program certifies you to participate in and create your own STARS program activities such as: the Rifle, Shotgun & Archery Merit Badges, helping run the ranges during camporees, Jamborees, and yes, even your own unit level events. It also supports Council & District level Cub Scout events such as BB’s, Archery, and Sling Shots.

The NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) course is a primary gateway on your training journey to become an NRA certified RSO as required by BSA to run STARS programs and activities. Most ranges require RSO and an Instructor to be able to operate safely. The RSO certification leads to your goal of facilitating STARS program for our youth we serve. This is the most versatile certification as it allows you to participate in all STARS range events for Scouts BSA, Cub Scouts, Venturing and Sea Scouts. RSO training is available for those 21yrs old and above.

The RSO training is a 9-hour classroom-based course designed to develop NRA Certified Range Safety Officers who possess the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to supervise range operations by following the Standard Operating Procedures of the range you are on. Range Safety Officer candidates will learn roles and responsibilities of an RSO; Range Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); range inspection; range rules; range briefings; emergency procedures; and firearm stoppages and malfunctions. This enables you to supervise ranges safely and effectively.

RSO is a required prerequisite for individuals wishing to take a Chief Range Safety Officer instructor level course and GCC Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) course. It is strongly recommended that you take the SOP course which trains RSO’s on the Standard operations policies of the Greater Colorado Council’s GCC ranges

All courses include the required NRA documentation, instructor guides, student packets, instruction and follow up support

Please arrive at least 20 minutes early to sign in and receive course materials. Park on the NE side of HQ away from the Scout Shop parking area.

Bring a 3-ring binder, pen, pencil, highlighter, and notepaper.

Please bring your own lunch, snacks, and beverages. No lunch provided

To be eligible for the 50% off, RATA Event Discount, Scouts are Trustworthy and agree to the following terms:

• Sign up for as many of the RATA Training classes that you want to take in 2025, before or after the events you help with.
• Actually help fun ranges at any 2 Council/District RATA events in 2025. One day at two events or two days at one event.
• Shootzenbest, Fall Camporees, Summer Camp, Open Shoots, Merit Badges, RATA Program, Cowboy Actions, etc.
• If for any reason you do not help, you agree to pay back all (0 days help) or half (1 day help) of the training discounts.

Please remember NRA Instructor Courses are performance-based courses. Instructor Candidates must possess the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for this level of training. You do not attend and automatically pass Instructor training. You attend to have the opportunity to pass. We will make every effort to help you be successful.