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 Basic Instructor Training (BIT) course is the beginning of your training journey to become an NRA certified instructor as required by BSA to run STARS programs and activities. BIT is the prerequisite which opens the doors to all the NRA Instructor certifications that lead to your goal to facilitate STARS program for our youth we serve. Additional discipline-specific instructor training is required to certify candidates to teach specific courses. To become a certified instructor after taking BIT, you must successfully complete the Basic and Instructor courses in the discipline you are training for (such as Rifle or Shotgun). NRA Instructor Training is available for those 13yrs old and above. Candidates from 13 to 20 years old will be an apprentice or assistant instructor.

The BIT training is an 8-hour classroom-based course designed to develop NRA Certified Instructors who possess the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to conduct NRA Basic Firearm Training Courses and run Scouting STARS events. This course teaches you the policies and procedures for becoming an NRA instructor as well as effective teaching methods for training students.

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

All the STARS Training is 50% off in 2024 with the JAMBO Combo Discount! The GCC is hosting a regional Colorado Jamboree at McNeil Scout ranch at Peaceful Valley on September 27-29, 2024. To be eligible for the 50% off JAMBO COMBO STARS Training Discount, Scouts are Trustworthy and must do ALL the following:

• Commit to and actually help run the JAMBO STARS program on the ranges for a minimum of 2 full days.
• Sign up for and attend the Colorado Jamboree at McNeil Scout Ranch as STARS Staff. (You can sign up later)
• If you do not help with the Colorado Jamboree ranges for any reason, you agree to pay back the 50% training discounts.
• You may sign up for multiple discounted 2024 STARS classes, even those after the Colorado Jamboree.