Archery and the Trail to Eagle
Archery is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Archery Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 5 main requirements for Archery. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Do the following:
- a.Explain what a projectile is, and why any device that shoots a projectile at high speed must be handled with care and respect, and used only in approved locations.
- b.Explain the five range safety rules.
- c.Explain the four whistle commands used on the range.
- d.Explain how to safely remove arrows from the target and return them to your quiver.
- e.Tell your counselor about your local and state laws for owning and using archery equipment.
- 2
Do the following:
- a.Name and point to the parts of an arrow.
- b.Describe three or more different types of arrows.
- c.Name the four principal materials for making arrow shafts.
- d.Do ONE of the following: (1) Make a complete arrow from a bare shaft, or (2) demonstrate arrow repair.
- e.Explain how to properly care for and store arrows.
- 3
Do the following:
- a.Explain the proper use, care, and storage of tabs, arm guards, shooting gloves, and quivers.
- b.Explain the following terms: draw length, draw weight, mechanical release, barebow.
- 4
Explain the following:
- a.The difference between an end and a round.
- b.The differences among field, target, and 3-D archery.
- c.How the five-color World Archery Federation target is scored.
- d.How NFAA black-and-white field targets and blue indoor targets are scored.
- 5
Working under the supervision of a certified instructor, do ONE of the following options: Option A: Recurve Bow or Longbow, or Option B: Compound Bow.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Archery Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Archery, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Archery is usually earned summer camp or outdoor event. Summer camp and merit badge weekends are the most common places to finish it.
3. Budget the time
Expect about 2 weeks for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 21 Archery requirements for you.
Archery Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Archery merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Archery is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Archery merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Archery in about 2 weeks, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Archery merit badge?
Archery is most often earned summer camp or outdoor event. Any registered merit badge counselor for Archery can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Archery merit badge have?
Archery has 5 main requirements with 16 sub-requirements, for 21 items in total.
