Merit Badges for Scouts

Hot Shot Training Academy lead instructor Michelangelo Scafidi has been instructing youth on firearm safety, handling and shooting since 2004. Since that time Michelangelo has had over 400 youth students successfully go through the annual weekend youth program. Each year in May, in conjunction with Venture Crew 1220, an annual "Hot Shot" weekend of events is held. The youth compete in Rifle Shooting, Trap Shooting, Archery, and Tomahawk Throwing. The youth also camp and fish all weekend long.

Michelangelo is a merit badge counselor for the Boy Scouts of America, Three Fires Council. Michelangelo serves as a merit badge counselor for the following merit badges: Archery. Art. Backpacking, Camping, Cooking, Entrepreneur, Fishing, Hiking, Law, Leatherwork, Public Speaking, Rifle Shooting, Salesmanship, Shotgun Shooting and Water Sports.

Michelangelo is currently the Nominating Chairman for the Northern Trail District of Three Fires Council. Michelangelo has been awarded the Northern Trail District Award of Merit (2008), the Northern Trail District, Venture Crew 1220, Bronze Compass Award (2008) and the James A. West Endowment Fund Award (2013). Michelangelo has been an avid scouter since 2007 and continues to volunteer his shooting sports skills with Venture Crew 1220.

Bob Schwab (left) Frank Leo (middle) and Pat Minogue (right) are avid trap shooters and members of the Maywood Sportsmen's Club. Bob and Pat are Certified NRA Pistol, Shotgun, Rifle, Personal Protection outside the Home and NRA Range Safety Officers. Frank Leo is a NRA Certified Range Safety Officer. These fine shooters bring 100 years of experience and offer the Shotgun Merit Badge Clinic at the Maywood Sportsmen's Club every month. Sign your youth up now on the schedule page of our web site. You do not have to be a Boy Scout to sign up for the Clinic. Anyone who wants to learn trap shooting is eligible to register.