An Unconventional Arrow of Light Award

Time: 45–60 minutes
Best For: Arrow of Light, Scouts BSA
Group Size: Small groups, individual
Advancement: Arrow of Light ceremony
Supplies: Decorative arrow, EL wire kit, craft wire, heat shrink tubing, scissors, hair dryer
Prep Level: High
Mess Level: Low
Skills Learned: Planning, tool use, patience, problem-solving

The Arrow of Light is an important step in Cub Scouting. It marks the transition from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA. Families often look for a special way to recognize this moment. A ceremonial arrow is a common choice. It gives the Scout something to keep and remember. This project builds on that tradition while allowing room for creativity and personal meaning.

This light-up Arrow of Light project fits well into Cub Scout and Webelos programs. It connects advancement with hands-on learning. Scouts see that effort and growth are worth celebrating. Leaders can use this idea to talk about progress, skills, and taking the next step forward in Scouting. It works well for ceremonies held indoors or outdoors.

The project also supports the Scout method of personal achievement. Each arrow can reflect the Scout who earned it. Some arrows may be simple. Others may include special details tied to the Scout’s journey. This approach respects tradition while allowing families to adapt it to their situation. It helps make the ceremony feel thoughtful and planned.

I like projects like this because they bring families into the program. Parents can help build the arrow and learn alongside their Scout. Leaders can encourage safe, age-appropriate help. The result is a meaningful keepsake tied to a key Scouting milestone. It reminds Scouts that their time in Cub Scouting matters as they move forward.

Ceremonial arrows have been part of Arrow of Light ceremonies for many years. They often include colors or markings that stand for ranks and adventures. Families sometimes make them by hand, while others use kits. Each arrow serves the same purpose. It marks the end of Cub Scouting and the move toward Scouts BSA.

This project from Stephen adds a modern idea to a long tradition. The light-up feature draws attention without changing the meaning of the award. Light has often been used in Scouting ceremonies to show growth, guidance, and moving forward. A glowing arrow fits well with those themes and works well for evening ceremonies.

Electroluminescent wire, often called EL wire, has been used in crafts for years. It became popular in costumes and signs because it stays cool and is safe to touch. Using it on an Arrow of Light keeps the project safe and simple while adding a visual effect that Scouts remember.

Some Scouts enjoy knowing small details about their awards. A light-up arrow often becomes a talking point after the ceremony. Younger Cub Scouts notice it and start asking questions. This can help build excitement about staying in the program and working toward their own Arrow of Light.

This project helps Scouts see how effort leads to results. Wrapping the wire takes time and care. Rushing the work makes the arrow look messy or causes problems. Scouts learn that slowing down and paying attention matters.

Scouts also learn basic planning skills. The builder must think about where the battery pack will go and how to hide wires. This encourages simple problem solving. These skills connect well to later Scouts BSA activities.

Working on the arrow can build confidence. When the lights turn on, Scouts see proof that they did the job right. That feeling matters. It shows that their hands and ideas can create something meaningful.

This project also supports teamwork and family involvement. Parents may help with tools or steps that need extra care. Scouts still guide the process. This teaches them how to ask for help and work with others, which is an important part of Scouting.

Materials And Equipment

• You will need one decorative arrow. It should already have a shaft, arrowhead, and fletching.
• You will need an EL wire starter kit with battery pack and inverter.
• You will need gold craft wire or thin beading wire.
• You will need clear heat shrink tubing long enough to cover the arrow shaft.
• You will need scissors and wire cutters.
• You will need a hair dryer for shrinking the tubing.
• You may also want zip ties for extra support.

Step By Step Directions

1. Lay the arrow on a flat surface. Check that it is clean and dry.
2. Plug in the EL wire and turn it on to make sure it works before you begin.
3. Starting near the arrowhead, tightly coil the EL wire around the shaft. Keep the spacing even.
4. Stop the coil near the fletching. Make sure the wire is snug and straight.
5. Use gold craft wire to secure the EL wire near the arrowhead. Twist it tight.
6. Stretch the EL wire connector end toward the fletching. Keep it close to the shaft.
7. Secure the connector end near the fletching with more craft wire.
8. Slide the clear heat shrink tubing over the arrow so it covers the EL wire.
9. Use a hair dryer to shrink the tubing evenly along the shaft.
10. Attach the battery pack near the fletching. Use the belt clip or zip ties to hold it in place.
11. Turn on the lights again and check that everything works.

Safety And Project Notes

• This project should be done with adult help. Heat shrink tubing can get warm during use. Keep hands clear while heating. Do not use open flames. Only use a hair dryer or heat tool on a low setting.
• The arrow is for display only. It should never be shot or used as sports equipment. Remove or secure sharp arrowheads if needed.
• You can change colors by using different EL wire. You can also leave part of the arrow unlit for a simpler look. Some families decorate the fletching or add beads before shrinking the tubing.
• Always test the lights before the ceremony. Bring extra batteries just in case.

Click here for a printable copy of Instructions for a Light Up Arrow of Light

Projects for Scouts

If you enjoyed this Arrow of Light project, you may want to explore other project ideas as well. My page includes many hands-on projects for Scouts of different ages. These projects support Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing programs. Each project is designed to be simple and useful. Many can be adapted for den meetings, pack events, or family activities. You can find the full list of project ideas here.

My website is a good place to look when you need a new project. Some ideas focus on crafts, while others build outdoor or practical skills. Many projects work well with advancement or ceremonies. Leaders and parents can use these ideas to add variety to the program. Take some time to look through the project list and save ideas for later.

Crafting Connections: The Importance of Creative Projects in Scouting

Can Scouts build this project themselves?

Scouts can help with many steps. An adult should handle tools like wire cutters and heat shrink tubing. Younger Scouts can help wrap the wire and test the lights. Adult help keeps the project safe and neat.

Is the light-up arrow safe to use?

EL wire stays cool when it is on. It does not get hot. The battery pack is low power. The arrow should only be used for display. It should never be shot or used for games.

How long does the project take?

Most arrows can be finished in about one hour. Extra time may be needed for careful wrapping or decoration. Testing the lights during the process helps avoid delays.

Can I use a different type of arrow?

Yes. Many types of decorative arrows will work. Make sure the shaft is smooth and straight. Avoid arrows meant for shooting. Display arrows are the best choice.

What if the lights stop working?

Check the battery first. Make sure all connections are tight. Test the EL wire before the ceremony. Bringing spare batteries is a good idea.

Can this be done for a group ceremony?

Yes. Each arrow can be made a little different. Colors or spacing can vary. This keeps the project personal while still working for a pack or den ceremony.

This project shows a creative way to present the Arrow of Light. It keeps the meaning of the award while adding a simple light effect. The glowing arrow stands out during a ceremony and helps Scouts remember the moment. It works well for evening events and outdoor settings.

The project uses EL wire, which is safe and easy to handle with adult help. Wrapping the wire takes patience, but the steps are simple. Families can adjust colors and spacing to fit each Scout. The finished arrow becomes a keepsake that Scouts often keep for years.

Leaders may find this project helpful for building excitement in Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts. Younger Cub Scouts often notice the arrow and ask questions. This can help them look ahead to their own goals. The project fits well with ceremonies, family involvement, and hands-on learning.

Overall, the light-up arrow adds interest without changing tradition. It respects the importance of the Arrow of Light while giving families a way to personalize the award. It shows that small efforts can create strong memories.