British Association for Shooting and Conservation is the UK’s largest shooting association, with 150,000 volunteer members. They use expertise from trained professionals to deliver hundreds of lessons in all types of shooting every day. For example, here at EIJ 2024 they have provided an impressive 1,280 lessons over the last 2 days! On the contrary to the stereotypical nature of shooting, this association is very environmentally aware and active in their research and wildlife management conservation.

Dr Pete Marshall is overseeing the safety down at the range at EIJ 2024, showing us the proper procedures when participants are shooting - for example handling of equipment and the tutors always having one hand on the gun. Shotgun trainers reside in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England, showing a vast effort to get both Scout and Guide leaders involved in the sport.

Scout and Guide leaders who obtain a Shotgun certificate have to undertake 2 years of training to become qualified to deliver sessions across the UK, but it's a challenge that's more than worth it for their volunteers. Isabella Camilleri from Fgura Scouts Group; Malta said “I love to volunteer, I have been a part of this association for 24 years. It has given me something to do in my spare time”.

To help support the mission of getting more Guide and Scout leaders to become trainers, the association has set up a legacy fund where previous members can leave a donation to financially support the future generations.

If you're interested in finding out more about BASC and their mission, you can visit basc.org.uk or pop down to see them in person in the On Target zone.