Camping and Arrow of Light

Camping is now a required part of the Arrow of Light program. In the past, Cub Scouts could finish their ranks without ever sleeping in a tent. That has changed. Now, they need to plan and take part in a real overnight campout. This new adventure helps them get ready for Scouts BSA, where camping is an important part of the program. It teaches skills and habits they will use later on.

Many leaders and parents may not know about this change. They may think it is just like the old Webelos and Arrow of Light program. But the new program asks Scouts to go beyond just talking about the outdoors. They need to get outside and learn by doing. This hands-on approach helps them remember what they learn. It also gives them a better idea of what Scouts BSA will be like.

The camping requirement is part of the Outdoor Adventurer adventure. It includes learning about gear, packing, setting up a campsite, food safety, and cleanup. It also includes working as a team with other Scouts. Arrow of Light Scouts must do this campout with a patrol or with a Scouts BSA troop. That means they cannot just go camping with their family.

Camping at this level may be new for some Cub Scouts. Some of them may not have camped before. That’s okay. The goal is to help them take the next step. This adventure is meant to guide them through the process in a safe and fun way. It builds skills and confidence for what comes next.

This campout gives Scouts a clear goal. It’s not just about checking off a requirement. It’s about giving them a full experience. They get to take part in planning, setup, cooking, and reflection. These are key parts of outdoor life in Scouts BSA. When they finish, they will have something real to show for their work.

Camping is now a required part of the Arrow of Light program. In the past, Cub Scouts could finish their ranks without ever sleeping in a tent. That has changed. Now, they need to plan and take part in a real overnight campout. This updated adventure helps them get ready for Scouts BSA, where camping is an important part of the program. It teaches skills and habits they will use later on.

Many leaders and parents may not know about this change. They may think it is just like the old Webelos and Arrow of Light program. But the new program asks Scouts to go beyond just talking about the outdoors. They need to get outside and learn by doing. This hands-on approach helps them remember what they learn. It also gives them a better idea of what Scouts BSA will be like.

The camping requirement is part of the Outdoor Adventurer adventure. It includes learning about gear, packing, setting up a campsite, food safety, and cleanup. It also includes working as a team with other Scouts. Arrow of Light Scouts must do this campout with a patrol or with a Scouts BSA troop. That means they cannot just go camping with their family.

Camping at this level may be new for some Cub Scouts. Some of them may not have camped before. That’s okay. The goal is to help them take the next step. This adventure is meant to guide them through the process in a safe and fun way. It builds skills and confidence for what comes next.

This campout gives Scouts a clear goal. It’s not just about checking off a requirement. It’s about giving them a full experience. They get to take part in planning, setup, cooking, and reflection. These are key parts of outdoor life in Scouts BSA. When they finish, they will have something real to show for their work.

Learn more about the Outdoor Adventurer adventure here.

Planning is the key to a good Arrow of Light campout. Start by choosing a safe and simple location. A state park or Scout camp is a good place. Make sure it has bathrooms and water. Try to find a spot not too far from home. This helps Scouts and families feel more comfortable.

Look at the weather forecast before the trip. If it will be very cold or rainy, you may need to choose a different weekend. Safety comes first. Scouts should be able to enjoy the campout and learn something new. If the weather is bad, they may not have a good experience.

Plan the trip with your Scouts. Help them decide what gear to bring. Talk about food, clothes, and how to stay warm or cool. Show them how to pack. Let them carry their own gear if possible. This teaches them independence and pride in doing things for themselves.

Go over the rules for behavior, safety, and working together. Let Scouts know what to expect. Keep it simple. They should know when meals are, when lights-out is, and what jobs they will help with. Clear expectations help everyone have a good time.

During the trip, give Scouts jobs to do. They can help cook, clean up, and set up tents. They can help carry things and gather firewood if allowed. These small jobs help them feel like part of the group. They also learn skills that will help in Scouts BSA.

After the trip, talk about what went well. Let each Scout share something they learned. This reflection helps them remember what they did. It also gives you a chance to praise their effort. This helps build excitement for the next step in Scouting.

Camping with a Scouts BSA troop gives Arrow of Light Scouts a great experience. It shows them what the next level of Scouting is like. They get to see how a patrol works and how older Scouts take the lead. This helps them understand what will be expected of them soon.

Start by talking to local troop leaders. Ask if your den can join them for a weekend campout. Most troops are happy to help. They may already have a plan in place. Joining their event makes it easier for your den. It also helps the troop get to know your Cub Scouts.

Make sure the Scouts know they are guests. They should follow directions and be polite. They may not get to do everything the troop does. That’s okay. The goal is to learn and take part in age-appropriate ways. Leaders should help make sure everyone is included and safe.

Encourage your Scouts to ask questions. Let them talk to older Scouts and learn what they like about Scouts BSA. This builds interest and gives them a clear picture of what comes next. Many Scouts get excited after seeing what the older Scouts are doing.

Camping with a troop also helps families. Parents get to see what Scouts BSA is like. They learn how the program works and what kind of support is needed. This can help parents feel more ready when their child crosses over to a troop.

If a troop is not available, you can still hold a campout with just the Arrow of Light den. But you must organize it as a patrol experience, not a family camp. Scouts must work together to set up, cook, clean, and reflect as a group.

Arrow of Light Scouts need to learn how to camp safely. The SAFE checklist is a tool that helps. It covers four areas: Supervision, Assessment, Fitness and Skill, and Equipment and Environment. These are simple ideas, but they help prevent accidents and injuries. Go over each one before your campout.

Supervision means adults are always watching and guiding. Adults should know the plan and stay alert. Assessment means checking for risks. This could be weather, unsafe gear, or wildlife. Fitness and Skill means checking that each Scout is ready. Equipment and Environment means gear works well and the area is safe.

Arrow of Light Scouts also learn about the Outdoor Code. This is a short pledge about being clean, careful, and considerate outdoors. They also learn Leave No Trace for Kids. These are simple rules to protect nature. Things like staying on trails, picking up trash, and respecting wildlife.

Leaders can teach these ideas during den meetings before the trip. Use games, role play, and group discussions. Keep it fun and simple. Scouts remember more when they enjoy the lesson. Review the ideas again when you arrive at the campout.

During the campout, look for chances to point out good behavior. If a Scout picks up trash or helps a friend, praise that choice. These small moments help teach values. They also help the Scouts feel proud of their actions.

After the trip, talk about how your den did. Ask what parts of Leave No Trace they followed. Ask how they showed respect for others. These talks help the ideas stick. They also help Scouts get ready for more outdoor adventures in Scouts BSA.

The last part of the Outdoor Adventurer adventure is reflection. After the campout, Scouts meet with their patrol to talk about what happened. They share what went well and what they would do differently next time. This is a simple but important step.

Reflection helps Scouts learn from their experience. It gives them time to think. They might say they liked cooking, or that setting up a tent was hard. They might say they want to bring a warmer sleeping bag next time. These are all good lessons.

Leaders should guide the conversation but not take over. Ask open questions. Let each Scout speak. Try not to judge or correct. Just listen and thank them for sharing. This helps build confidence and trust.

Reflection also gives Scouts a chance to talk about the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace. Ask them how they followed those principles. Ask if there were any problems and how they handled them. This connects behavior to Scouting values.

You can write down what the Scouts say. This helps you plan better for next time. It also helps you see how your den is growing. Each campout will get easier. The Scouts will get better at working together and solving problems.

This kind of reflection is a big part of Scouts BSA. Starting now helps Arrow of Light Scouts get ready. They learn that every adventure is also a time to learn and grow. And that’s what Scouting is all about.

The Scout Law

The Scout Law has twelve points. A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. These are values Scouts try to live by each day. When Arrow of Light Scouts go camping, they get a chance to practice these points in real life. They learn to share gear, follow directions, and be kind to others. Camping gives Scouts a place to grow and learn while living out the Scout Law.

During a campout, Scouts show loyalty and helpfulness by working with their patrol. They set up camp, cook, and clean together. They show bravery by trying new things and sleeping outside. They stay clean and take care of the environment. They also show reverence by respecting nature and being quiet in the outdoors. The campout helps Scouts see how the Scout Law can guide their actions, not just in meetings, but everywhere they go.

Scout Law Video: A Guiding Principle for Life

Is camping required for Arrow of Light Scouts now?

Yes. Camping is now part of the required Outdoor Adventurer adventure. Each Arrow of Light Scout must take part in an overnight campout with a patrol or a Scouts BSA troop.

Can an Arrow of Light Scout camp with just their family to meet the requirement?

No. The requirement says the Scout must camp with a patrol or with a Scouts BSA troop. Family camping does not meet the requirement.

What if our den cannot find a Scouts BSA troop to camp with?

The den can camp on its own if needed. But the experience must follow the patrol method. Scouts must work together to set up, cook, clean, and reflect. This is not a family campout.

Can Webelos Scouts do this requirement early?

No. The Outdoor Adventurer adventure is for Arrow of Light Scouts. It should be done after the Scout begins working on Arrow of Light.

What if a Scout misses the den campout?

Try to find another chance for the Scout to camp with a patrol or a troop. They must complete the whole requirement. Make-up opportunities are allowed if needed.

Do we have to teach everything before the campout?

Yes. Scouts should learn about the gear, safety rules, map reading, and food safety before going. This helps them be ready and safe.

What if the weather is bad?

Always put safety first. If the weather is not safe, reschedule the trip. The goal is a safe and fun campout, not just checking a box.

Can we do this at a Cub Scout family camp?

Not for this requirement. Family camps are good, but this campout must be done with a patrol or a Scouts BSA troop. It is meant to help prepare for Scouts BSA.

Camping as part of the Arrow of Light program is a big step. It teaches skills. It builds teamwork. It gives Scouts a real outdoor experience. Most of all, it helps them get ready for Scouts BSA. This isn’t just about sleeping in a tent. It’s about learning to work with others and care for the world around them.

Some Scouts may feel nervous at first. That’s okay. Leaders and parents can help by planning well and giving support. A little preparation goes a long way. Teach the skills. Practice ahead of time. Keep things simple. Let the Scouts help with planning. They will feel proud of what they’ve done.

Don’t forget that camping should be fun. Let the Scouts enjoy it. Play a game. Share stories around the campfire. Maybe even roast a marshmallow or two. This experience can build confidence and excitement for what’s next.

Arrow of Light Scouts who camp as a team learn valuable lessons. They gain new skills. They start to understand what it means to be part of a patrol. And when it’s time to cross over to a Scouts BSA troop, they will feel ready. That’s the goal. And it all starts with one good campout.