Archer Scout Interest Badge

The Archer Scout Interest Badge gives Scouts the opportunity to develop real archery skills while learning how bows, arrows and archery equipment are used safely and effectively. Scouts will learn about the history of archery, range safety, shooting technique, equipment care and different forms of competition. Through regular practice and participation in an archery activity or competition, Scouts will develop concentration, discipline, confidence and control while enjoying a challenging outdoor sport.

Badge Requirements

Explore the Bow
Choose one of the following:
- Longbow
- Recurve bow
- Compound bow
- Crossbow
Describe to your examiner how your chosen bow has developed over time, including significant changes in its design, materials and uses.
Safety First
Know and demonstrate the safety rules for the type of bow and archery discipline you are using.
Demonstrate that you can:
- Handle your bow and arrows safely;
- Follow range etiquette and safety procedures;
- Respond correctly to range commands and safety procedures, including:
- "Commence firing"
- "Cease fire"
- "Retrieve arrows safely"
- Whistle commands, where used at your club.
- Respond appropriately to an equipment malfunction; and
- Follow the range's emergency stop procedure.
Know Your Equipment
Identify eight items of archery equipment selected by your examiner and describe:
- What each item is;
- What it is used for;
- How it contributes to safe or effective shooting.
Note: The items must be relevant to the type of bow and archery discipline you are using and must include the essential equipment you use when shooting.
Develop Your Shooting Form
Under suitable supervision, demonstrate the correct shooting sequence for your chosen bow, including:
- Adopt a stable and balanced stance.
- Nock or load the arrow safely and correctly.
- Draw or cock the bow smoothly and under control.
- Establish a consistent anchor point.
- Aim while maintaining control of the bow.
- Release the string or operate the release mechanism correctly; and
- Complete the follow-through, where applicable, while keeping the bow under control.
Repeat the sequence to demonstrate safe, controlled and consistent shooting technique.
Choose the Right Draw Weight
Describe what draw weight means and demonstrate how choosing an unsuitable draw weight can affect:
- Safety;
- Fatigue;
- Control;
- Accuracy.
Describe why an archer should use a bow and equipment appropriate to their age, strength, experience and archery discipline.
Maintain Your Gear
Under the guidance of a suitably experienced archer, demonstrate how to maintain and care for archery equipment over a period of at least three months. (The same three-month period as Requirement 7)
During this period, demonstrate your ability to:
- Safely string and unstring a recurve bow, where applicable, or safely prepare, inspect and handle a compound bow for use;
- Check the limbs, riser and other bow components for damage;
- Inspect arrows for damage and safe use;
- Wax the bowstring, where applicable;
- Make simple adjustments appropriate to the equipment being used, such as sight adjustments where applicable; and
- Store equipment safely.
Note: The equipment may be your own, borrowed or loaned, provided you have regular access to it and can personally demonstrate the required maintenance and care.
Develop Your Skill
Practise archery regularly for at least three months and keep a simple record of your progress.
For each practice session, record:
- The date;
- The approximate number of arrows shot;
- Your score, where appropriate; and
- One observation about your technique or progress.
At the end of the three-month period, identify one aspect of your shooting that you have improved and describe how your practice helped you improve.
Explore Archery
Describe the target and scoring system used in three recognised forms of archery, choosing from:
- Outdoor target archery;
- Indoor target archery;
- Field archery; and
- 3D archery.
On Target Challenge
Shoot six arrows at a 60 cm target face from a distance of 10 metres. Achieve a minimum score of 24 points.
Demonstrate:
- Safe shooting;
- Consistent shooting form;
- Controlled breathing;
- Controlled release and follow-through; and
- Concentration throughout the end.
Where the Scout's chosen bow or archery discipline uses different equipment or target arrangements, the examiner may set an equivalent practical challenge that tests the same level of shooting skill.
Take Part in an Archery Event
Participate in an organised archery event or activity appropriate to your chosen bow and archery discipline.
During the event, demonstrate:
- Safe range practice;
- Appropriate shooting technique;
- Range etiquette; and
- Good sportsmanship.
Share Your Skill
Teach the basic safe use of your chosen bow to your Patrol, under the supervision of a suitably experienced archer.
Your teaching must include:
- Safe handling of the bow and arrows;
- Basic range safety and commands;
- The correct shooting sequence; and
- Safe arrow retrieval.
Then lead your Patrol in a simple archery challenge or competition that allows the Scouts to practise the skills you have taught. The competition may be based on achieving the highest score, provided it is conducted safely and according to the applicable range rules and under the supervision of the suitably experienced archer.
You must personally demonstrate the skills you are teaching and ensure that all activities are conducted safely.

Recommended Age Range: The Archer Scout Interest Badge is recommended for Scouts aged 14 to 17 years. The badge requires sustained practice, safe handling of archery equipment, participation in competition and increasing independence. These expectations are appropriate for older Scouts who are developing concentration, self-discipline, responsibility and practical sporting skills.

Badge Examiner: Training and examination for this badge must be conducted by a suitably qualified individual who has relevant experience or formal training in the specific field of expertise being assessed. The ideal examiner is a qualified or accredited archery coach, recognised archery instructor, or experienced club archer who is competent in the bow type and archery discipline being assessed. A Troop Scouter, Assistant Troop Scouter, Rover Scouter or other Adult Leader may act as examiner where they hold the necessary archery qualifications or recognised competence. The examiner should be able to assess safe range practice, shooting technique, equipment care and competition participation fairly and consistently.

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

Archer Scout Interest Badge (PDF)

Last Update

August 2026

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