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Edition 2026Active Merit Badge
Archery
Official Requirements & Fillable Workbook · 2026 Edition
Archery is mostly done on a range, under a certified instructor. Requirement 5 is where the badge is won or lost: you pick recurve/longbow or compound, learn the 11 Steps of Shooting, and then post a qualifying score. Bring this sheet to the range and record scores as you shoot — reconstructing an end from memory afterward does not work.
Key Requirements Covered:
- Archery Safety & Range Rules
- Bow & Arrow Anatomy & Maintenance
- Shooting Technique & Proper Form
- Scored Qualifying Rounds
11Printable Pages
5Requirements
2025Reqs Revised
What is on the worksheet: Archery Requirements
Every requirement for the Archery merit badge, word for word as published, with room to write under each one on the printed worksheet.
1Range Safety
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.
- 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:
- e Explain how to properly care for and store arrows.
3Accessories and Terms
Do the following:
- a Explain the proper use, care, and storage of, as well as the reasons for using tabs, arm guards, shooting gloves, and quivers.
- b Explain the following terms: draw length, draw weight, mechanical release, and barebow.
4Rounds, Styles, and Scoring
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 the National Field Archery Association (NFAA) black-and-white field targets and blue indoor targets are scored
5Shooting
Working under the supervision of a certified USA Archery Level 1 Instructor or a certified long-term camp staff member (i.e., a National Camping School [NCS] Range Activities Director; or a Rangemaster over age 18 who is trained by a NCS Range Activities Director or by a USA Archery Level 1 Instructor), do ONE of the following options:
- Option A—Recurve Bow or Longbow. Do ALL of the following:
- Option B—Compound Bow. Do ALL of the following:
Two dates, two different things
Requirements Revision vs. Worksheet Date
Scouting America last revised the Archery requirements in 2025. That is the badge, not this sheet — an older year does not mean the worksheet is out of date.
Verbatim Fidelity & Verification
This worksheet was checked against https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/archery/ in Aug 2026 and reproduces the requirements word for word. Both dates are printed on the sheet, so a copy in a binder can always be placed in time.
Requirement text is © Scouting America, reproduced verbatim. The worksheet layout and design are original to this project.
Spotted a discrepancy on this sheet? Tell us and we will re-check it against the official requirements.
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