STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL SHOOTING SPORTS PROGRAMS Northeast Illinois Council, Boy Scouts of America 2745 Skokie Valley Road, Highland Park, IL 60035 Phone: (847) 433-1813 Fax: (847) 433-2036 Version 4.0 - Revision Date: 6/28/2017
Table of Contents 1.0 Revision History 3 2.0 Preface 3 3.0 Abbreviations 4 4.0 References 4 5.0 Approved In-Council Shooting Sports Range Facilities 4 6.0 Council Shooting Sports Committee Organizational Chart 5 7.0 Authorized and Prohibited Firearms 5 8.0 Supervision 6 9.0 Range Use 7 10.0 Personal Firearms and Bows on Council Property 7 11.0 Transportation of Firearms 7 12.0 Council Owned Firearm Use 8 APPENDIX A - MaKaJaWan Scout Reservation Procedures 9 A.1 Approved In-Council Shooting Sports Range Facilities 9 A.2 Range Opening Procedures 9 A.3 Range Operating Procedures 9 A.4 Medical Support 10 A.3 Responsibilities Camp Season 11 A.5 Program / Hours 13 A.6 Range Closing Procedures 13 APPENDIX B - Camp Oakarro Camp Procedures 15 B.1 Approved Camp Shooting Sports Range Facilities 15 B.2 Range Opening Procedures 15 B.3 Range Operating Procedures 15 B.4 Medical Support 16 B.3 Responsibilities Camp Season 17 B.5 Program / Hours 18 B.6 Range Closing Procedures 19 Appendix C - Standard Operating Procedure Forms 20 C.1 Shooting Sports Range Inspection Checklist - Form A General Items 20 C.2 Shooting Sports Range Inspection Checklist - Form B - Rifle/BBs Range 21 C.3 Shooting Sports Range Inspection Checklist - Form C Shotgun Range 22 NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 2
C.4 Shooting Sports Range Inspection Checklist - Form D - Archery Range 23 C.5 Range Safety Briefing Outline 24 C.6 Firearm Safety Training Card Procedures 25 Appendix D - Future Procedure Topics 26 D.1 Non-Council Properties 26 D.2 Range Sign in Procedure / Data Collection Information 26 D.3 Shooting Sports Parental Permission Form 26 D.4 TRS Setup Takedown 26 D.5 Instructor Request for Event Procedures 26 D.6 Camp Season Leadership Quality Control Form - Signatures 26 Appendix E Shooting Program Guidelines 27 E.1 Advancement Chair Procedures 27 E.2 Cub Scout Shooting Sports Award Program 27 1.0 Revision History Version Date Author Notes 1.0 June 2002 Victor Radin Original 2.0 June 2008 Victor Radin Revised 3.0 March 2013 Kevin Baldwin Expansion to all MSR ranges 4.0 June 2017 Kevin Baldwin Expansion to all NEIC ranges 2.0 Preface The Boy Scouts of America adheres to its longstanding policy of teaching its youth and adult members the safe, responsible, intelligent handling, care, and use of firearms, airguns, and BB guns in planned, carefully managed, and supervised programs. The Shooting Sports program within the Northeast Illinois Council is designed to allow Scouts the opportunity to learn safe firearm handling and use through the Archery and BB Gun program designed for Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and their parents; Archery, Rifle Shooting, and Shotgun Shooting Merit Badge programs for Boy Scouts; and the associated activities for the Venturing Program. The purpose of this document is to address any and all Northeast Illinois Council shooting sports program and event, whether on or off council property. NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 3
3.0 Abbreviations BSA CRSO MSR NCS NEIC NFAA NRA RA RO RSO USAA Boy Scouts of America Chief Range Safety Officer MaKaJaWan Scout Reservation National Camp School Northeast Illinois Council National Field Archery Association National Rifle Association Range Assistant Range Officer Range Safety Officer United States Archery Association 4.0 References These standard operating procedures are set in place to be guidelines specific to the camp shooting range facilities and programs within the Northeast Illinois Council. These facilities shall adhere to the latest edition of the: BSA Guidelines established in the Guide to Safe Scouting [No. 34-416, Section VII] BSA National Camp Program & Property Management [No. 20-290B, Section VI] National Camp Accreditation Program National Camp Standards [430-056] BSA National Shooting Sports Manual [430-029 / No. 30-931] Cub Scout Shooting Sports Guide [510-322] NRA Range Safety Officer Course Manual Youth Protection Guidelines [No. 46-221 / 25-026] 5.0 Approved In-Council Shooting Sports Range Facilities Rifle Range of East Camp MaKaJaWan Scout Reservation, Pearson, WI Shotgun Range of East Camp MaKaJaWan Scout Reservation, Pearson, WI Archery Range of East Camp MaKaJaWan Scout Reservation, Pearson, WI Rifle West Camp MaKaJaWan Scout Reservation, Pearson, WI Shotgun Range of West Camp MaKaJaWan Scout Reservation, Pearson, WI Archery Range of West Camp MaKaJaWan Scout Reservation, Pearson, WI Air Rifle Range of Camp Oakarro, Wadsworth, IL Archery Range of Camp Oakarro, Wadsworth, IL NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 4
6.0 Council Shooting Sports Committee Organizational Chart 7.0 Authorized and Prohibited Firearms NEIC authorized firearms are specified in the following documents: BSA National Shooting Sports Manual [430-029 / No. 30-931] Cub Scout Shooting Sports Guide [510-322] 1. Cub Scouts: Archery and BB gun shooting are restricted to Day Camps, Cub Scout/Webelos Scout Resident Camps, council-managed family camping programs, or to council activities where there are properly trained supervisors and all standards for BSA Shooting Sport are enforced. Archery and BB gun shooting are not to be done at the Pack level. Cub Scouts are not permitted to use any other type of handgun or firearm. Webelos may use air-rifles (pellet) following current BSA Camp Standards. 2. Boy Scouts: Boy Scouts are permitted to use bows with arrows, BB guns,.22 caliber bolt action single-shot rifles; air rifles, shotguns and muzzle-loading long guns. Handguns may not be used as a part of the Boy Scout program. 3. Venturers/Explorers may use the guns listed above, rimfire and centerfire handguns, and centerfire rifles. 4. Prohibited Arms: The following are not allowed for use by BSA youth members at any time a. Flintlock muzzleloader b. Cannons c. Fully Automatic firearms d. Crossbows (true compound bows are also not recommended) 5. Compliance with Guidelines: All guns used will comply with the guidelines, as applicable; in the National Camp Standards and the BSA National Shooting Sports Manual (see 5 Levels of Shooting Activities). NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 5
6. Archery: a. Recommended draw weights are: Cub Scouts 15 to 20 pounds, Boy Scouts 20 to 25 pounds, Venturers 20 to 35 pounds. The Mathews-brand Genesis bow is recommended. True compound bows are not recommended. b. Only target arrows with appropriate tips may be used. Broadheads or other hunting tips are not allowed. c. Proper safety equipment must be worn by all participants. d. Crossbows are not allowed. 7. Catapults: a. Catapults may be assembled and used at NEIC Camps during all Boy Scout and Venturing Crew events. b. All Catapults must be inspected by a Designated Shooting Sports Director before commencing of any competition. c. The objects flung by approved Catapults will be pre-approved including the size and weight of the object, before the event. 8. Range Safety Officers: NEIC Range Safety Officers (RSOs) shall reserve the right to not allow Scouts to participate in shooting activities based on physical inability to handle a bow or firearm safely or confidently. 9. Proper Attitude on the Range: The Attitude of the shooter, parent, guardian or any on-lookers on or around the range needs to be a priority of the RSO/Firearms Instructor. Those displaying inappropriate behavior on or around the range will be asked to leave the area. If the behavior persists, the RSO/Firearms Instructor shall report the person to the Professional Scouter, Reservation Director, and/or Chief Event Volunteer Scout in charge of the camp or event for disciplinary action. 8.0 Supervision Guidelines and further clarification of approved Range Personnel is found in the Guide to Safe Scouting, National Camp Standards and the BSA National Shooting Sports Manual Chapter 1 Qualified Supervision. Prior to supervising shooting ranges, copies of current certifications must be provided to the NEIC Shooting Sports Committee, as well as being on their person while operating the range. All youth must have written documentation with them of any shooting sports Merit Badges earned, NRA First Steps training, or NRA Basic courses completed for the shooting discipline they are participating in for verification of that training. The BSA SS Decision Tree, Appendix 4, in the BSA National Shooting Sports Manual will identify standards that apply to a specific shooting activity. NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 6
9.0 Range Use 1. The shooting ranges may be available for BSA chartered groups and other organizations approved by the NEIC Shooting Sports Committee on a pre-arranged basis. All ranges must be under the supervision of NEIC certified RSOs and Instructors for the firearm discipline being used, or certified RSOs and Instructors approved by the NEIC Shooting Sports Committee. 2. The management of the availability of the ranges will be done through the Reservation Director or Camp Director and/or the Camp Ranger and will be approved by the Shooting Sports Chairman or their designee. 3. The request for use must be made at least four (4) weeks prior to the day of the event. During summer camp operations, the range availability is at the discretion of the RSO or Shooting Sports Director, under the supervision of the Reservation Director. 4. All firearms used on the ranges must meet the previously defined standards and be approved for use by the RSO in charge. 10.0 Personal Firearms and Bows on Council Property Personal firearms and archery equipment are NOT allowed on Council properties. Exception: Police Officers who are required by their agency to carry firearms when traveling must inform the Camp Ranger and the Chair of the Council Shooting Sports Committee, before arrival at the council property that they will be doing so and arrangements must be made for the firearm to be secured at camp. Under no circumstances will concealed-carry be permitted on Council properties. Should a personal firearm or bow be brought on a Council Property, it will be surrendered to the Camp Ranger who will lock the firearm in the property s firearm safe and will return it when the owner is leaving camp at the end of their stay. At NO time will the firearm or bow be allowed to be used during summer camp. 11.0 Transportation of Firearms Any NEIC professional staff or Volunteer must have all required state / federal credentials involving transporting firearms before proceeding. Transporting of firearms must abide by all state and federal laws. Transporter must check-in with the Chair of the Council Shooting Sports Committee before firearms relocate with the following information: - Name - Phone Number - Explanation of Program the firearms are needed for - Duration of Event / Duration how long the firearms are to be in the transporter s possession All firearms must be unloaded, in a carrying case, and under supervision of an adult being transported to and from camp and while on council property along with abiding by all other state and federal laws for transportation of firearms. NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 7
12.0 Council Owned Firearm Use The council will provide the use of guns on the ranges as a part of the camp use fee as noted on Shooting Sport Range Use Application Form. All firearms shall be cleaned and functioning (or with defects noted) and returned at the end of the shooting period. To clean the arms, lubricate the action, but do not disassemble the arm, wipe the exterior with appropriate oil and run cleaning and lubricating patches through the bore. Cleaning of all council guns, in the off-season, is to be performed under the supervision of a NEIC Rangemaster and Certified Instructors for that discipline. Council owned air rifles and archery equipment are available for use in an OFF-SITE Event by reservation for District and Council events..22 rifles and shotguns are available for off-site reservation for Council use but shall be cared for and transported to and from the event by a Council Shooting Sport designate. NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 8
APPENDIX A - MaKaJaWan Scout Reservation Procedures A.1 Approved In-Council Shooting Sports Range Facilities Rifle Range of East Camp MaKaJaWan Scout Reservation, Pearson, WI Shotgun Range of East Camp MaKaJaWan Scout Reservation, Pearson, WI Archery Range of East Camp MaKaJaWan Scout Reservation, Pearson, WI Rifle West Camp MaKaJaWan Scout Reservation, Pearson, WI Shotgun Range of West Camp MaKaJaWan Scout Reservation, Pearson, WI Archery Range of West Camp MaKaJaWan Scout Reservation, Pearson, WI A.2 Range Opening Procedures 1. Check in at the camp office with the Reservation Director, Camp Director and Ranger 2. Pick up: Standard Operating Procedures & Checklists, communications equipment, range keys, first aid kit. 3. Camp Shooting Sports Director to conduct Range Inspections in all areas of the shooting sports program See Inspection Checklists in Appendices. These inspections shall be done prior to Junior Staff Week training to be able to utilize the ranges for training the rest of the staff. 4. When checklists are complete, please turn checklist in to Reservation Director to then be forwarded to the Chairman of the Shooting Sports Committee. Please use the appropriate form for the correct program area within Shooting Sports. A.3 Range Operating Procedures Range operating procedures will be posted in a highly visible manner on the range. A. NRA GUN SAFETY RULES 1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. 2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. 3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. B. Rules for Using or Storing a Gun 1. Know your target and what is beyond. 2. Be sure the gun is safe to operate. 3. Know how to use the gun safely. 4. Use only the correct ammunition for your gun. 5. Wear eye and ear protection. 6. Never use alcohol or drugs (including prescription and over the counter medications) before or while shooting 7. Store Guns and Ammunition, so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons. 8. Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions. NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 9
C. General Range Safety Rules 1. Know and obey all range rules. 2. Know where others are at all times. 3. Shoot only at authorized targets. 4. Malfunctions. a. Gun Malfunction signal the Range Officer for assistance. b. Ammunition Malfunction signal the Range Officer for assistance. 5. Do not handle a gun or stand at the firing line where guns are present while others are downrange. 6. Stop shooting immediately upon the command Cease Firing!. NOTE, anyone one the range can call for an appropriate, Cease Fire. 7. Hygiene Guidelines: a. Refrain from eating, drinking, smoking or placing your hands in proximity to your mouth or nose while on the range or cleaning a gun. b. Wash hands with soap and cold water and change and wash clothing after a shooting or gun cleaning sessions to minimize exposure to airborne particulate lead or solvent and cleaning product residues. 8. Physical contact always ask permission before touching any student, or shooter. 9. Please store safety equipment, armories equipment and materials organized and in its designated location. 10. When event is over, store the folded chairs, posters stored (at the rifle range), archery stands (under the shelter roof), archery matts stacked in the armory at the archery range; at the shotgun range, store the sporting clays and launcher in its designated location, ammunition in the tower armory in its designated lock box, and all firearms stored in their locked safe. 11. BSA policy prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages and or drugs on BSA property. The RSO, or Shooting Sports Director shall deny range access to anyone in violation, and report the incident to the Camp Director and Reservation Director as soon as possible. Shooters under the influence of legal (prescription) perception, mood, or personality altering drugs should be instructed to discretely inform the RSO to prevent potential issues during a course of live fire. A.4 Medical Support 1. Each range shall have an emergency first aid kit. 2. Each range shall have a means of emergency transportation designated for that purpose. a. During summer camp, there shall be a council or staff owned vehicle on site. b. For any program held at camp other than Summer Camp, shall have a designated emergency vehicle shall be parked in proximity to the shooting range. 2. Range Emergency Communication: a. During summer camp, each range shall have a camp radio that will allow them to communicate with the Camp Office / Reservation Director / Camp Medic where a telephone will be manned during shooting hours. b. In the off season, in case of an emergency and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is needed, dial 911 on a camp telephone or a cell phone. 3. In Case of Injury: a. RSO & Staff to take charge of the situation and secure the gun(s) and ammunition or bows NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 10
and arrows. b. Give immediate first aid to the victim. c. During summer camp, call the Health Lodge. d. During the off-season, call 911, if deemed necessary. e. Ask them to send EMS to the main entrance of the camp property. f. Inform the Campmaster and/or Reservation Director of the situation g. Immediately send two (2) adults in a vehicle to the camp entrance to meet the EMS. If First Responders arrive, one adult should go with the First Responders to the victim; the other adult should wait for the EMS and take them to the victim. h. After the victim is taken care of, contact the Scout Executive (or Assistant Scout Executive) and the NEIC Shooting Sport Committee Chairman immediately. During an event or activity, contact the professional advisor for that activity. i. Keep everyone that was at the activity together and ask them not to discuss the incident until someone from the Scout Office is contacted. j. Do not talk to the media at all. The Scout Executive or their designee is the spokesperson for the Council. All media contact should be through the Scout Executive or their designee. A.3 Responsibilities Camp Season 1. Range Safety Officer a. Maintain Standard Operating Procedures b. Maintain Range Facilities and Coordinate Program Directives with Camp Director, Reservation Director, Reservation Ranger, and Shooting Sports Directors at each range complex. c. Ensure that each Range Officer and Shooting Sports Director understands and can execute live-fire procedures. d. Review Range inspection reports, bi-weekly inventories, injury, and accident reports. e. Verify opening and closing inventories of all reservation equipment. 2. Shooting Sports Director a. Conduct range complex inspections, ammo, firearm, and equipment inventories using the forms found in the appendices on the following schedule: i. Opening ii. End of Week 2 iii. End of Week 4 iv. End of Week 6 v. Closing b. Know all safety regulations related to muzzleloading, rifle, archery, and shotgun shooting. c. Set up all areas in a practical and inviting manner. d. Make sure proper storage and locking of equipment when not in use. Ammunition is to be stored separate from firearms. e. Train staff on safety and operations in all sports areas. f. Regulate and schedule staff in daily routine. g. Provide qualified supervision in each area at all times when in use. h. Check performance and safety aspects of all areas. i. Maintain strict safety regulations relating to archery, rifle, shotgun, and muzzleloader NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 11
shooting. j. Report and document any and all operational, personnel problems to Camp Director and Reservation Director. k. Restrict use of area to any person who does not follow instructions regarding safety. l. Train all campers and leaders in safety fundamentals. m. Serve as counselor for related merit badges. n. Keep adequate stock of rifle, archery, shotgun, and muzzleloader materials on hand. o. Organize and promote individual and group competition. p. Set an example of Scout-like conduct regarding uniforming and general bearing. q. Make reports regarding NRA awards, postal rifle match, Scout merit badges, and others as required. r. Sign-in Sheet Data to NEIC Shooting Sport Committee Chair. 3. Range Assistants a. Maintain cleanliness of the Range complex. b. Assist Shooting Sports Director as needed. c. Operate trap on shotgun range as required. d. Assist in range security and safety. e. Assist in the distribution of firearms from the locker. f. Distribute ammunition to shooters. g. Assist with range user sign-in procedures. 4. Archery Director a. Know all safety regulations related to Archery b. Setup archery area in a practical and inviting manner. 5. Range User a. All shooters must check in with Range Assistant before moving to the firing line. b. Merit Badge candidates MUST check in before working on a merit badge. c. Shooters will conduct themselves in an orderly manner at all times, and will be responsible for the conduct of any guests they bring. d. All shooters are responsible for the proper care and treatment of reservation and range property. e. Firearms that are on the firing line and not being fired must be benched. (Action open and facing up, chambers empty, muzzles pointing downrange, and safety on) f. Only load firearms on the firing line after the RO has given the command to load. g. Fire at your target only. h. Give the command when an unsafe condition exists. i. Follow all instructions from the RO. j. Assist in the policing the area of brass and other debris. k. In the event of a misfire of any type, the shooter shall raise his hand and wait with the muzzle pointed downrange until the RO arrives. NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 12
A.5 Program / Hours MSR range complexes shall follow the general Summer Camp Program Schedules as follows: MORNINGS A BLOCK B BLOCK M/W 9:00a to 11:00a Archery, Rifle, Shotgun Merit Badge Instruction M/W 11:00a to 12:00p Open Shoot F 9:00a to 10:00a Archery, Rifle, Shotgun Merit Badge Instruction F 10:00a to 12:00p Area Closed to Scouts for Camp-Wide Game F 10:00a to 12:00p Adult Shoot Program Archery,.22 Caliber Rifles, Muzzleloader, 20 GA Shotguns NO PERSONAL FIREARMS ALLOWED. T/Th 9:00a to 12:00a Archery, Rifle, Shotgun Merit Badge Instruction AFTERNOONS Hour 1 M/T/W/Th/F 2:00p to 3:00p Archery, Rifle, Shotgun Merit Badge Instruction Hour 2 M/T/W/Th/F Open Shoot Hour 3 M/T/W/Th/F Open Shoot EVENINGS Extra Program / Open Shoot at the discretion of the RSO and/or Shooting Sports Director SATURDAY Open Shoot at the discretion of the RSO and/or Shooting Sports Director SUNDAY All Ranges Closed A.6 Range Closing Procedures For closedown, make sure that you get as much done as possible during week 6. Take any guns and bows you don t need for the rest of the week and put them in the B room. Apply the appropriate grease/lubricate on the guns (take off the stocks and get the bottoms of the barrels and actions). During the Staff vs. Scoutmaster Shoot on Friday, take down archery and have a staff member or two clean all of the guns and remove scopes. While the staff member or two is cleaning guns, get all the foam targets and put them in the rafters. Next, fold up the target stands and put them under the archery shelter. Get the rest of the bows in a truck and get ready to transport to the barn. Police archery and then lock it up. NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 13
For rifle, get all the ammo to the barn and take down the targets. Sweep the range and place the shooting benches on their fronts (as you see them when you first arrive). Put all the foam blocks, shooting stands, eyes, and ears in the box in the center of the range and lock it up. Clean up any loose materials and move on to shotgun. For shotgun, clean all the guns not in use in the shoot then clean the guns as they come off the shooting line permanently. Load up the truck as soon as possible and transport camp s guns to the barn. Lock up any loose stuff in the outside cabinets (gray and white cabinets). All ammo goes to the barn and stays there for the winter. CLEAN THE CANNON AFTER ALL FLAG CEREMONIES ARE DONE AND GET IT TO TRENT ASAP!!! THIS IS EASY TO FORGET BECAUSE IT ISN T AT THE RANGE!!! Clean up and put away any additional items that you added and make sure it s safe for the winter. IMPORTANT: Report all inventories, firearms or equipment in need of repair, program ideas, and updates to the Chair of the Shooting Sports Committee at the close of the summer season. This helps with preparations for the next season. NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 14
APPENDIX B - Camp Oakarro Camp Procedures B.1 Approved Camp Shooting Sports Range Facilities Air Rifle Range of Camp Oakarro, Wadsworth, IL Archery Range of Camp Oakarro, Wadsworth, IL B.2 Range Opening Procedures 1. Check in at the camp office with the Reservation Director, Camp Director and Ranger 2. Pick up: Standard Operating Procedures & Checklists, communications equipment, range keys, first aid kit. 3. Camp Shooting Sports Director to conduct Range Inspections in all areas of the shooting sports program See Inspection Checklists in Appendices. These inspections shall be done prior to Junior Staff Week training to be able to utilize the ranges for training the rest of the staff. 4. When checklists are complete, please turn checklist in to Reservation Director to then be forwarded to the Chairman of the Shooting Sports Committee. Please use the appropriate form for the correct program area within Shooting Sports. B.3 Range Operating Procedures Range operating procedures will be posted in a highly visible manner on the range. A. NRA GUN SAFETY RULES 1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. 2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. 3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. B. Rules for Using or Storing a Gun 1. Know your target and what is beyond. 2. Be sure the gun is safe to operate. 3. Know how to use the gun safely. 4. Use only the correct ammunition for your gun. 5. Wear eye and ear protection. 6. Never use alcohol or drugs (including prescription and over the counter medications) before or while shooting 7. Store Guns and Ammunition, so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons. 8. Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions. C. General Range Safety Rules 1. Know and obey all range rules. 2. Know where others are at all times. NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 15
3. Shoot only at authorized targets. 4. Malfunctions. a. Gun Malfunction signal the Range Officer for assistance. b. Ammunition Malfunction signal the Range Officer for assistance. 5. Do not handle a gun or stand at the firing line where guns are present while others are downrange. 6. Stop shooting immediately upon the command Cease Firing!. NOTE, anyone one the range can call for an appropriate, Cease Fire. 7. Hygiene Guidelines: a. Refrain from eating, drinking, smoking or placing your hands in proximity to your mouth or nose while on the range or cleaning a gun. b. Wash hands with soap and cold water and change and wash clothing after a shooting or gun cleaning sessions to minimize exposure to airborne particulate lead or solvent and cleaning product residues. 8. Physical contact always ask permission before touching any student, or shooter. 9. Please store safety equipment, armories equipment and materials organized and in its designated location. 10. When event is over, store the folded chairs, posters stored (at the rifle range), archery stands (under the shelter roof), archery matts stacked in the armory at the archery range; at the shotgun range, store the sporting clays and launcher in its designated location, ammunition in the tower armory in its designated lock box, and all firearms stored in their locked safe. 11. BSA policy prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages and or drugs on BSA property. The RSO, or Shooting Sports Director shall deny range access to anyone in violation, and report the incident to the Camp Director and Reservation Director as soon as possible. Shooters under the influence of legal (prescription) perception, mood, or personality altering drugs should be instructed to discretely inform the RSO to prevent potential issues during a course of live fire. B.4 Medical Support 1. Each range shall have an emergency first aid kit. 2. Each range shall have a means of emergency transportation designated for that purpose. a. During camp, there shall be a council or staff owned vehicle on site. b. For any program held at camp other than Summer Camp, shall have a designated emergency vehicle shall be parked in proximity to the shooting range. 2. Range Emergency Communication: a. Each range shall have a mobile telephone. b. Each range shall have a camp radio that will allow them to communicate with the Camp Director / Camp Medic where a telephone will be manned during shooting hours. c. In case of an emergency and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is needed, dial 911 on a camp telephone or a cell phone. 3. In Case of Injury: a. RSO & Staff to take charge of the situation and secure the gun(s) and ammunition or bows and arrows. b. Give immediate first aid to the victim. c. During summer camp, call the Health Lodge. d. During the off-season, call 911, if deemed necessary. NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 16
e. Ask them to send EMS to the main entrance of the camp property. f. Inform the Campmaster and/or Camp Director of the situation g. Immediately send two (2) adults in a vehicle to the camp entrance to meet the EMS. If First Responders arrive, one adult should go with the First Responders to the victim; the other adult should wait for the EMS and take them to the victim. h. After the victim is taken care of, contact the Scout Executive (or Assistant Scout Executive) and the NEIC Shooting Sport Committee Chairman immediately. During an event or activity, contact the professional advisor for that activity. i. Keep everyone that was at the activity together and ask them not to discuss the incident until someone from the Scout Office is contacted. j. Do not talk to the media at all. The Scout Executive or their designee is the spokesperson for the Council. All media contact should be through the Scout Executive or their designee. B.3 Responsibilities Camp Season 1. Range Safety Officer a. Maintain Standard Operating Procedures b. Maintain Range Facilities and Coordinate Program Directives with Camp Director, Camp Ranger, and Shooting Sports Directors at each range complex. c. Ensure that each Range Officer and Shooting Sports Director understands and can execute live-fire procedures. d. Review Range inspection reports, inventories, injury, and accident reports. e. Verify opening and closing inventories of all reservation equipment. 2. Shooting Sports Director a. Conduct range complex inspections, ammo, firearm, and equipment inventories using the forms found in the appendices before and after each weekly session i. Opening ii. End of Session 1 iii. End of Session 2 iv. End of Session 3 v. End of Session 4 vi. Closing b. Know all safety regulations related to BB guns, and archery shooting. c. Set up all areas in a practical and inviting manner. d. Make sure proper storage and locking of equipment when not in use. Ammunition is to be stored separate from firearms. e. Train staff on safety and operations in all sports areas. f. Regulate and schedule staff in daily routine. g. Provide qualified supervision in each area at all times when in use. h. Check performance and safety aspects of all areas. i. Maintain strict safety regulations relating to archery, rifle, shotgun, and muzzleloader shooting. j. Report and document any and all operational, personnel problems to Camp Director and Reservation Director. k. Restrict use of area to any person who does not follow instructions regarding safety. NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 17
l. Train all campers and leaders in safety fundamentals. m. Serve as counselor for related merit badges. n. Keep adequate stock of rifle, archery, shotgun, and muzzleloader materials on hand. o. Organize and promote individual and group competition. p. Set an example of Scout-like conduct regarding uniforming and general bearing. q. Make reports regarding NRA awards, postal rifle match, Scout merit badges, and others as required. r. Sign-in Sheet Data to NEIC Shooting Sport Committee Chair. 3. Range Assistants a. Maintain cleanliness of the Range complex. b. Assist Shooting Sports Director as needed. c. Operate trap on shotgun range as required. d. Assist in range security and safety. e. Assist in the distribution of firearms from the locker. f. Distribute ammunition to shooters. g. Assist with range user sign-in procedures. 4. Archery Director a. Know all safety regulations related to Archery b. Setup archery area in a practical and inviting manner. 5. Range User a. All shooters must check in with Range Assistant before moving to the firing line. b. Merit Badge candidates MUST check in before working on a merit badge. c. Shooters will conduct themselves in an orderly manner at all times, and will be responsible for the conduct of any guests they bring. d. All shooters are responsible for the proper care and treatment of reservation and range property. e. Firearms that are on the firing line and not being fired must be benched. (Action open and facing up, chambers empty, muzzles pointing downrange, and safety on) f. Only load firearms on the firing line after the RO has given the command to load. g. Fire at your target only. h. Give the command when an unsafe condition exists. i. Follow all instructions from the RO. j. Assist in the policing the area of brass and other debris. k. In the event of a misfire of any type, the shooter shall raise his hand and wait with the muzzle pointed downrange until the RO arrives. B.5 Program / Hours Camp Oakarro range complexes shall follow the general Day Camp Program Schedules as follows: 7:30 am Begin Early Drop off Separate Program and Snack 8:30 am- 8:45 am Medical Check-in 9:00 am Opening Flag Ceremony 9:15 am 12:00 pm Program NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 18
12:00 am 12:30 pm Lunch (Please Bring a Lunch Daily) 12:35 pm 3:25 pm Program 3:30 pm 3:45 pm Closing Flag Ceremony 3:45 pm Pick up/check out with Den Advisors 3:45 pm 5:30 pm Begin Late Pick up Separate Program and Snack B.6 Range Closing Procedures All BB gun and Archery Equipment must be inspected, cleaned, torn down, and relocated to the storage shelter at the front of camp near the Ranger s House. Police the range for any debris and check-in with Camp Director & Camp Ranger before leaving the area. Clean up and put away any additional items that you added and make sure it s safe for the winter. IMPORTANT: Report all inventories, firearms or equipment in need of repair, program ideas, and updates to the Chair of the Shooting Sports Committee at the close of the summer season. This helps with preparations for the next season. NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 19
Appendix C - Standard Operating Procedure Forms C.1 Shooting Sports Range Inspection Checklist - Form A General Items Inspected By: Camp: Date: Week: ITEM YES NO N/A Pick up Program Area Keys Check Entire Area for any damage before proceeding Common Areas Mowed Clean Common Area of Debris Clean Firearm Storage Room (B Room) Inventory Firearms Shooting Sports Trailhead Sign and Flag Displayed Range Rules Posted Entry Trail Clean, free of debris, and clearly marked Check all Controlled Access / Fencing / Gates in the Area Spectator Areas Designated Check Supplies available - Requisition materials ASAP as required RSO Control Area Centralized Emergency Communications Working First Aid Kit Filled and Accessible Check Fire Extinguisher Current and Accessible Empty Trash Receptacles Available and Marked Latrine Clean and Neat Wash Area Functioning, Identified, and Soap Available Fire Pit / Burn Area Identified and Safe Fire Buckets Available Check Area Picnic Tables In Good Repair and Clean Comments ** After Completing this form, turn into to Camp Director to then forward to NEIC SS Chair ** NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 20
C.2 Shooting Sports Range Inspection Checklist - Form B - Rifle/BBs Range Inspected By: Camp: Date: Week: ITEM YES NO N/A Pick up Program Area Keys Rifle Range Firing Line Cleaned Storage Shed Cleaned Backstop / Impact Area Inspected & Cleaned Check all Controlled Access / Fencing / Gates in the Area Left & Right Range Limits Displayed Number Boards Painted and Visible Target Frames / Mounts in Good Repair Firing Line Marked Firing Points Cleaned Inspect & Clean Shooting Benches / Tables Sandbags / Gun Rest on Hand Ready Line / Area Marked Range Rules Posted Gun Racks Available Scoring Area Established Check Supplies available - Requisition materials ASAP as required Adequate Supply of Hearing Protection available Adequate Supply of Eye Protection available Muzzleloading Equipment Inspected Brass / Hull / Dud Containers Labeled Lockable Storage for Firearms Lockable Storage for Rifle & Shotgun Ammunition Separate Lockable Storage for Blasting Caps / Black Powder Sign-In Sheet Clipboard Setup Target Retrieval System Installed Ammo Table Setup Ammo Ticketing Procedure Established Coordinate with Trading Post Comments ** After Completing this form, turn into to Camp Director to then forward to NEIC SS Chair ** NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 21
C.3 Shooting Sports Range Inspection Checklist - Form C Shotgun Range Inspected By: Camp: Date: Week: ITEM YES NO N/A Pick up Program Area Keys Shotgun Range Firing Line Cleaned Storage Shed Cleaned Downrange Area Inspected & Cleaned Check all Controlled Access / Fencing / Gates in the Area Left & Right Range Limits Displayed Trap Inspected Spectator Area Cleaned Firing Line Marked Shell Bins Cleaned Ready Line / Area Marked Range Rules Posted Gun Racks Available Scoring Area Established Check Supplies available - Requisition materials ASAP as required Adequate Supply of Hearing Protection available Adequate Supply of Eye Protection available Lockable Storage for Firearms Lockable Storage for Rifle & Shotgun Ammunition Separate Lockable Storage for Blasting Caps / Black Powder Sign-In Sheet Clipboard Setup Ammo Table Setup Ammo Ticketing Procedure Established Coordinate with Trading Post Comments ** After Completing this form, turn into to Camp Director to then forward to NEIC SS Chair ** NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 22
C.4 Shooting Sports Range Inspection Checklist - Form D - Archery Range Inspected By: Camp: Date: Week: ITEM YES NO N/A Pick up Program Area Keys Check all Controlled Access / Fencing / Gates in the Area Storage Shed Cleaned Downrange Area Inspected & Cleaned Left & Right Range Limits Displayed Target Stands Installed Spectator Area Cleaned Firing Line Marked Inspect Bows Inspect Arrows Ready Line / Area Marked Range Rules Posted Substitute Bow Rack Available Scoring Area Established Check Supplies available - Requisition materials ASAP as required Lockable Storage for Firearms Sign-In Sheet Clipboard Setup Comments ** After Completing this form, turn into to Camp Director to then forward to NEIC SS Chair ** NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 23
C.5 Range Safety Briefing Outline Follow this outline when conducting range safety briefings. Conduct the briefing on the range immediately prior to range use. Stand where posted rules, demonstrations, and explanations of range equipment can be included in the briefing. Involve the range users. Have them read the rules from posters or charts. Ask questions to reinforce understanding. Introduction Introduce yourself, with name, position. Welcome shooters to the range facility Introduce your staff by name and position. (note: CITs should be introduced as 'Range Assistants') Explain where Range Personnel are located Indicate how they may be identified, e. g., Blaze vest or hat, other ID Purpose of the Shooting Event: State the purpose- i.e.: Merit Badge work, Open Shoot, Troop Shoot, etc. State the number of rounds and time available Range Layout and Limits - Point out key areas: Spectator Area Waiting Area Ready Area Firing Points Backstop Cleaning Area Merit Badge Book-Work Area When Applicable - state rules for moving downrange o First man out to call "Man Downrange", verified and repeated by Range Officer. o Last man leaving range to call "Range Clear", verified and repeated by Range Officer. Basic NRA Firearm Safety Rules 1. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. 2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. 3. Always keep the action open and firearm unloaded until ready to shoot. Rules for Safe Use Know your target and what is beyond Be sure the firearm is safe to operate. Know how to use the firearm safely. Explain how to use the Target Retrieval System. Use only the correct ammunition for your firearm. Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate. Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting. General Range Safety Rules Know and obey all range commands. Know where others are at all times. Shoot only at authorized targets. Do not handle a firearm or stand at the firing line when others are downrange. Stop shooting immediately upon the command of "Cease Firing". Wash hands with soap and water immediately after shooting or cleaning firearms Site Specific Rules Review posted site-specific rules and the safety reasons why they must be followed. Firing Line Commands State and explain standard range commands that will be used. Emergency Procedures State and explain the command "Cease Firing". Explain the procedure for emergency evacuation of the range complex during weather or other emergency. NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 24
C.6 Firearm Safety Training Card Procedures Firearm Safety Training - The idea of the FST cards is to streamline the process for scouts to have more opportunities (time) to shoot while at MSR and at other Council events year-round. All scouts and scouters who come through the MSR ranges need to go through the necessary safety briefing for each discipline offered. In the past, we have gone through the safety briefings for both Rifle and Shotgun right off the bat so kids can be ready for the week (and most of the material is the same for these 2). How you present the safety briefing is up to you but the content of and structure must abide by the NRA guidelines. In the NEIC SOP is an outline of things to go over for your review. Once the scouts and scouts have finished the briefing, they are to be issue a card just like this one: 1) Database of Scout Information to be kept at Council Level 2) This Card is proof of the scout s accomplishments regarding the Firearm Safety Training Card program. In future SS events, the NEIC is using these cards to make sure these scouts have been trained before participating. Please fill out the appropriate information in the Google Doc so we can keep track accordingly. Firearm Safety Training LINK Or send a spreadsheet to the Chairman of the Shooting Sports Committee with names and the FST #, that is fine too. FST # is real easy, YEAR-CAMP LOCATION (E-East W-West C-Council)-FST# FST Cards are good for 2 years. Check the tabs for years so you can check off if a scout has done the training or not. Scouts must have their cards to be able to shoot - plain and simple. NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 25
Appendix D - Future Procedure Topics D.1 Non-Council Properties The Range will be open as shown in the schedule of program event on the shooting dates. Event Shooting Sports Coordinator with a Shooting Sports Director Certification will have the overall responsible for the management of the shooting sports program events. All Shooting Sports Program Event Ranges will be run by certified RSO/Instructors. The ranges includes Archery, Air-Rifle, Shotgun and.22lr Single-Shot Rifle for Cub Scout Boy Scout and Venturing Crew members. All shoots begin with a Range Safety Orientation. The Range Safety Orientation has been developed by those who are certified RSO s for off- site temporary range or will be developed by the Shooting Sports Committee. There will be no range operation in bad weather conditions, beyond sunset or at the discretion of the Range Safety Officer (RSO) and the Shooting Sports Director in charge of the off- site event, for good cause. D.2 Range Sign in Procedure / Data Collection Information D.3 Shooting Sports Parental Permission Form D.4 TRS Setup Takedown D.5 Instructor Request for Event Procedures D.6 Camp Season Leadership Quality Control Form - Signatures NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 26
Appendix E Shooting Program Guidelines E.1 Advancement Chair Procedures E.2 Cub Scout Shooting Sports Award Program REFERENCE GUIDE [510-322] Award Requirements available at NEIC District or Council Level Events. Only NEIC Designated Rangemasters are allowed to fill out Award Cards. Rangemaster Certification Procedures 1) Database of Scout Information to be kept at Council Level 2) This Card is proof of the scout s accomplishments regarding the Cub Scout Shooting Sports Award program. Present to Unit Advancement Chair for processing and award patch/pin purchase. NORTHEAST ILLINOIS COUNCIL #129 PAGE 27