Another New Counselor Question

[odin]

I recently applied for and was approved as a MB counselor in my state. My areas of expertise are in the shooting sports. My question leans towards the responsibilities of the scout looking to earn the merit badge. Specifically, when a scout wants to earn his/her shotgun shooting merit badge, is it the responsibility of the scout to supply the shotgun, ammo, and clay birds, or is the expectation that the counselor provides those?

What have been your experiences?

Thanks!

odin

[Scouting179]

The scout should pay for the ammo. You may, but are not required to, let him use a shotgun/rifle you have; that is totally up to you.

[cballman]

odin look at it this way. if you bought the shells and birds. then had 10 boys that wanted the merit badge. how much would you have to spend just for these ten boys? if I was rich instead of so good looking then I would buy them but since I am not then i would let the boys and parents pay for them.
just a little help from ASM and merit MBC.

[odin]

Thank you all for your input. That's the way I was leaning, but I've been known to "sponsor" some people who didn't have the means in other things I volunteer for.

I may spring for a scout or two, but 10 would be too many! I'm not rich nor handsome so I'll play it by ear!

Thanks again!

[Lynda J]

The counselor that does these badges for our troop has guns he prefers to use. He knows the condition of them and how they shoot. He does require the boys to pay a fee for amo and targest but it isn't much.

[BM_Crawford]

I was lucky, the guy I took the badge from was big into a gun club so the club donated our amo. I suppose we were pretty lucky with that.

[deweylure]

I would definitly have the scout pay for any fees associated with the badge
especially clay targets and ammo. Range fees if applicable. The exception for me is if the scout has a financial hardship.


Deweylure

[ICanCanoeCanU]

Why not purchase bulk supplies, figure out about how many are needed to fufill the badge requirements, divide the cost per quanity and charge the boys a fee for supplies only?
Of course, I understand you won't know how many boys will be contacting you to use the supplies, but I would think you could estimate for 10 - 20 even if you have to carry the stock.

[odin]

I'm an avid shooter, so ammo or guns is not an issue with me as far as the Rifle Shooting MB is concerned. Also, the gun clubs I belong to are willing to help when they can. As I haven't counseled my first scouts yet, I was just wondering what the norm was.

I'm also following the thread on whether to allow scouts to use optical sights or not. It's an interesting take of opinions, but the rules are the rules. If you've ever watched most people try to zero a scope, I think the rules would change. There is definitely a small percentage of shooters who can do that efficiently. Also, any movement in the shooting position is magnified by the power of the scope, so a scope may actually be a hindrance in this case. Besides, when it comes to shooting guns, I like to hear people say "Can I try it again?"

[Mick Scouter]

At summer camp or merit badge groups the boys pay in one way or another. I would expect them to contribute.

[longhorneagle]

If you have gone through a NRA certification course with your lcoal council they will have more information.

Hear is a copy of the Shotgun policy from G2SS:

1. It is recommended that either 20-, 16-, or 12-gauge semiautomatic shotguns be used. Gas operated shotguns are recommended.
2. Ammunition containing No. 8 shot or smaller is recommended on ranges with a protected down range of 600 feet. Additional down range distance of 150 feet (total 750) is required for No. 6 shot size. Shot larger than No. 6 is not to be used.
3. Shooting safety glasses and ear protectors must be worn on shotgun ranges.
4. All training and shooting activities must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified shotgun instructor or coach who is 21 years of age or older.