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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.

1

Range 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.
2

Arrows

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:
  • e Explain how to properly care for and store arrows.
3

Accessories 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.
4

Rounds, 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
5

Shooting

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.

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