NOW ACCEPTING NEW SCOUTS! Please email Andy Delosky at...Pack007@embryhillsumc.org
(5th Grade | Ages 10–11)
The Arrow of Light is the highest rank in Cub Scouting—and the final step before crossing over into Scouts BSA. It represents achievement, leadership, and readiness for the next level of Scouting.
Scouts in this phase are more independent, capable, and confident. They build on everything they've learned in previous years and prepare to take on new adventures with a Scouts BSA troop.
Arrow of Light Scouts continue to participate in fun, challenging adventures—with a strong focus on:
Leadership and responsibility
Outdoor and camping skills
First aid and emergency readiness
Physical fitness and goal-setting
Understanding the Scouts BSA program
They still meet with their Den and participate in Pack activities, but begin to spend time with local Scouts BSA troops to learn what life in a troop is like.
Some of the required adventures include:
Building a Better World – citizenship, community service, and being a good neighbor
Outdoorsman – camping skills, gear use, and outdoor safety (two options: with or without an overnight campout)
Scouting Adventure – an introduction to Scouts BSA, including knots, Scout ranks, and troop structure
Duty to God in Action – continuing personal growth and reflection
Scouts also choose from a variety of elective adventures based on their interests, just like in previous ranks.
To earn the Arrow of Light badge, a Scout must:
âś… Complete 4 required adventures
âś… Complete at least 1 elective adventure
âś… Visit a Scouts BSA troop and learn about its program
âś… Understand and live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law
âś… Show leadership and participation in their Den and Pack
The Arrow of Light badge is the only Cub Scout rank that can be worn on the Scouts BSA uniform—a symbol of accomplishment and readiness.
One of the highlights of the Arrow of Light year is the Crossover Ceremony, where Scouts officially transition into a Scouts BSA troop.
This ceremony celebrates all they’ve achieved and welcomes them into the next phase of their Scouting journey, where they’ll pursue merit badges, leadership positions, and ultimately, the Eagle Scout rank.
While Arrow of Light Scouts are expected to be more independent, family support is still key, especially during the transition to Scouts BSA. Den Leaders and parents help guide Scouts in making connections with troops and preparing for what's next.
Arrow of Light is the capstone experience of Cub Scouting. It helps Scouts:
Become confident and self-reliant
Learn leadership and teamwork
Gain outdoor and life skills
Feel prepared and excited to join a Scouts BSA troop
Celebrate years of growth, fun, and friendship
Adventure: Webelos Walkabout or Adventures in Leadership
Objective: Develop leadership skills and teamwork by solving challenges.
Activity:
Set up a leadership obstacle course or series of challenges that require teamwork and decision-making. Examples of challenges include:
Blindfolded Maze: One Scout is blindfolded while another gives directions to help them navigate through a course.
Tarp Flip: Scouts must flip a large tarp over without stepping off or touching the ground
Trust Fall: A Scout falls backward into the arms of their team, building trust.
Assign different Scouts as leaders for each challenge and give them the responsibility of leading the team through each task.
After completing each challenge, gather the group for a discussion on what leadership qualities were demonstrated, how the team worked together, and what they learned about communication and trust.
Materials Needed:
Blindfolds
Tarp or large sheet
Cones or markers to set up obstacle courses
A safe area to perform challenges
Scouting Purpose: Teaches leadership, trust, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Adventure: First Responder or Emergency Preparedness
Objective: Practice advanced first aid techniques and emergency response.
Activity:
Set up realistic first aid scenarios where Scouts can practice their skills in a controlled, hands-on environment. Some examples of scenarios:
Wound Care: A Scout "pretends" to have a deep cut, and the team must assess the injury and provide appropriate first aid (bandages, gauze, etc.).
CPR and AED: Practice CPR techniques and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on a training mannequin.
Triage: Create a mock disaster scene with several "injured" Scouts (using makeup or bandages), and the Scouts must prioritize who gets care first.
Invite an EMT or paramedic (if available) to help with instruction and provide real-world context to the activity.
Materials Needed:
First aid kits
Training mannequins (for CPR practice)
Fake blood or makeup for mock injuries
AED trainer (if available)
Scouting Purpose: Reinforces emergency preparedness, first aid knowledge, and leadership under pressure.
Adventure: Outdoor Cooking or Cooking
Objective: Master advanced outdoor cooking techniques and encourage teamwork.
Activity:
Divide Scouts into small teams and challenge them to prepare a meal over an open fire or camping stove. They should demonstrate the skills needed to safely cook outdoors while using minimal equipment.
Options include:
Foil packet meals: Scouts create a meal wrapped in foil, cooked over the fire (e.g., meat, potatoes, and vegetables).
Dutch oven cooking: Scouts prepare a simple stew, chili, or dessert using a Dutch oven over coals.
Campfire skewers: Cooking sausages, vegetables, or marshmallows on skewers.
Encourage creativity by allowing the Scouts to choose their ingredients, plan the meal, and work as a team to cook and clean up.
After the meal is prepared, have a "tasting" session where each team shares their dish, and the group votes on the most creative or best-prepared dish.
Materials Needed:
Cooking supplies (Dutch ovens, skewers, foil, pots, and pans)
Ingredients for meals
Firepit or safe cooking area
Cooking utensils (tongs, spoons, knives)
Scouting Purpose: Builds outdoor cooking skills, teamwork, and responsibility in maintaining fire safety.