Arrow of Light Outdoor Adventurer Adventure
Adventure Type: Required
Number of Requirements: 8
Typical Time to Complete: 1 den meeting plus 1 campout
Parent Involvement: Help gather gear, attend campout if needed, assist with transportation
Preparation Needed: Campout planning, campsite reservations, maps, gear check
Activity Level: Moderate to high
Indoor or Outdoor: Both
Special Requirements: Overnight campout, work with a patrol or Scouts BSA troop
Supplies Snapshot: Scout Basic Essentials, backpack, camping gear, map, tent, sleeping bag, patrol gear, cooking supplies, food, cleanup supplies
The Arrow of Light Outdoor Adventurer Adventure helps Cub Scouts get ready for camping and other outdoor activities. Scouts learn the basic skills they need to be safe, prepared, and comfortable outside. These lessons also help them get ready for the transition to Scouts BSA.
As they complete this adventure, Scouts practice setting up camp, choosing the right gear, and following good outdoor habits. They learn to work as a team, care for the environment, and solve problems together. By the end of the adventure, they will have the confidence to enjoy many future outdoor experiences.
Requirements for the Arrow of Light Outdoor Adventurer Adventure
Arrow of Light Outdoor Adventurer Adventure Requirements
- Learn about the Scout Basic Essentials.
- Determine what you will bring on an overnight campout including a tent, sleeping bag/gear and how you will carry your gear.
- Review the 4 points of the BSA SAFE Checklist and how you will apply them. on the campout.
- Locate the campsite where you will be camping on a map.
- With your patrol or a Scouts BSA troop, participate in a campout.
- Upon arrival at the campout determine where to set up your campsite; kitchen, eating area, tents, and firepit. Help the patrol set up the patrol gear before setting up your own tent.
- Explain how to keep food safe and the kitchen area sanitary at the campsite. Demonstrate your knowledge during the campout.
- After your campout, discuss with your patrol what went well and what you would do differently next time. Include how you followed the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace Principles for Kids.
Printable requirements for the Arrow of Light Outdoor Adventurer Adventure
Printable checkoff sheet for the Arrow of Light Rank (for den or individual use)
Resources for the Arrow of Light Outdoor Adventurer Adventure
Outdoor Adventurer Den Meeting Plan
This Arrow of Light den meeting helps Scouts prepare for their upcoming campout by teaching key outdoor skills. Scouts learn about the Scout Basic Essentials, how to pack a backpack, and how to stay safe using the BSA SAFE Checklist. They also practice map reading to locate the campsite and plan routes. Each activity is hands-on and designed to build confidence and readiness for the campout.
The meeting includes fun elements like a relay game and creating trail mix, keeping Scouts engaged while they learn. It wraps up with reflections on the Scout Law and a motivational message to inspire them. By the end of the meeting, Scouts will feel excited and prepared for their outdoor adventure, understanding what it means to be responsible and ready in the outdoors. This plan sets the foundation for a successful campout experience.
More Ways to Complete the Requirements
Requirement 1: Learn the Scout Basic Essentials
Learn about the Scout Basic Essentials.
Scouts should know what the Scout Basic Essentials are and why each item is important. Let them handle the gear instead of just looking at pictures. They will remember the items much better if they can see and use them.
Easy option: Set out the ten essentials on a table. Have Scouts pick up each item, explain what it is used for, and then pack everything into a backpack. See Scout Basic Essentials.
Scout Basic Essentials List:
- Pocketknife – Useful for various tasks around the campsite.
- Rain Gear – Essential for protection against rain.
- Trail Food – Provides energy during long hikes.
- Flashlight – Important for seeing in the dark.
- Extra Clothing – To stay warm and dry in changing weather.
- First Aid Kit – To handle minor injuries or emergencies.
- Sun Protection – Includes sunscreen and a hat to protect from the sun.
- Map and Compass – For navigation, ensuring Scouts can find their way.
- Matches and Fire Starters – For campfires and emergency warmth.
- Water Bottle – Staying hydrated is crucial.
Here are more options:
- Scout Basic Essentials Backpack: Cub Scouts play a relay game to learn about the Scout Basic Essentials.
- Scouts BSA Visitor: Cub Scouts learn the Scout Basic Essentials from a Scouts BSA member.
Requirement 2: Plan and Pack for an Overnight Campout
Determine what you will bring on an overnight campout — including a tent and sleeping bag/gear — and how you will carry your gear.
This requirement is about making thoughtful choices, not bringing every piece of camping gear. Encourage Scouts to pack their own backpacks and carry them so they can see if the load is comfortable.
Easy option: Hold a “gear shakedown.” Scouts bring their packed backpacks to a den meeting, and everyone checks together for missing or unnecessary items.
See a printable personal gear list here.
Essential Gear List:
- Backpack – Large enough to carry all gear but light enough for the Scout to carry.
- Sleeping Bag – Should be suitable for the temperature to keep warm at night.
- Sleeping Pad – Provides insulation and comfort from the ground.
- Eating Kit – A mess kit, or a plate, cup, bowl, and utensils in an appropriate container
- Personal Items – Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other personal hygiene products.
- Clothing – Weather-appropriate clothing including an extra set in case of getting wet.
- Tent (if needed) – A sturdy tent that fits the weather conditions of the camping area.
- Cooking Supplies (if needed) – Portable stove, fuel, and cooking utensils if preparing hot meals.
More ideas:
- IOLS Shakedown: Cub Scouts have a camping gear shakedown with an IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills) trained leader.
- Troop Shakedown: Cub Scouts attend a Scout BSA troop meeting for a camping gear shakedown
Requirement 3: Review the SAFE Checklist
Review the four points of the Scouting America SAFE Checklist and how you will apply them. on the campout.
Instead of memorizing the SAFE Checklist, help Scouts see how it applies to their own campout. Talk through your upcoming trip and ask where each point fits into the planning.
Easy option: Use a simple discussion. Write the four SAFE points on a poster and let Scouts give one real example for each. See SAFE Checklist.
Requirement 4: Find the Campsite on a Map
Locate the campsite where you will be camping on a map.
Help Scouts become familiar with where they are going before they arrive. Looking at the map ahead of time makes the campground feel less confusing and helps them build confidence.
Easy option: Display the campground map and have each Scout point to the campsite, parking area, restrooms, and another important location. See Digital Map or Paper Map.
Requirement 5: Participate in a Campout
With your patrol or a Scouts BSA troop, participate in a campout.
This requirement works best when Arrow of Light Scouts camp with a Scouts BSA troop. They get to see older Scouts leading, working together, and using outdoor skills. A pack campout also meets the requirement if troop camping is not available.
Easy option: Coordinate with a local Scouts BSA troop and have your den join one of its campouts. See Troop Campout.
Another option:
- Den Campout: Cub Scouts camp with their den.
Requirement 6: Set Up the Campsite
Upon arrival at the campout determine where to set up your campsite: kitchen, eating area, tents, and firepit. Help the patrol set up the patrol gear before setting up your own tent.
Remind Scouts that the shared camp areas come before personal tents. This helps everyone work together and gets the campsite ready faster. Let Scouts help decide where different areas should go instead of making all of the decisions for them.
Easy option: Walk around the campsite together before unloading gear. Ask Scouts where they think the tents, kitchen, eating area, and firepit should be located and discuss the reasons. See Campsite Setup.
Requirement 7: Practice Food Safety
Explain how to keep food safe and the kitchen area sanitary at the campsite. Demonstrate your knowledge during the campout.
Food safety is easy to overlook when everyone is excited to cook and eat. Keep reminding Scouts to wash their hands, keep food covered, and clean up right away. They learn these habits by doing them.
Easy option: Let Scouts help with the three-pot dishwashing method after a meal. It gives them hands-on practice with campsite sanitation. See Safe Food Handling and Clean Up.
Requirement 8: Reflect After the Campout
After your campout, discuss with your patrol what went well and what you would do differently next time. Include how you followed the Outdoor Code and Leave Not Trace Principles for Kids.
Keep the discussion positive and short. Let every Scout share one thing that went well and one thing they would change next time. Finish by talking about how the group followed the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace Principles for Kids.
Easy option: Use a simple “Start, Stop, Continue” discussion. Ask Scouts what the den should start doing, stop doing, and continue doing on future campouts. See Start, Stop, Continue.
The Outdoor Code: The Outdoor Code is an essential part of Arrow of Light Outdoor Adventurer. By following this code, Scouts are able to develop a deeper appreciation for the outdoors and a sense of responsibility to protect it for future generations.
Leave No Trace Guidelines: Leave No Trace is another important concept that is emphasized throughout Arrow of Light Outdoor Adventurer. These principles help Scouts develop a greater appreciation for the environment and instill in them a sense of responsibility to protect it for the future.
Camping Packing List: A camping packing list is a crucial aspect of Outdoor Adventurer. By creating and using a camping packing list, Arrow of Light Scouts are able to develop important organizational and planning skills, as well as a greater appreciation for the importance of being prepared in the outdoors. Download a suggested list of personal camping gear.
Weather Hazards Online Course: The Scouting America Weather Hazards course is an online training program designed to educate Scouts and leaders about severe weather and how to stay safe during outdoor activities. By completing the course, Cub Scout leaders are better equipped to stay safe and prepared during their outdoor adventures.
Easy Recipes for Camp Cooking: As Webelos plan and participate in a campout, they are required to bring and prepare their own food. This provides an opportunity for Scouts to develop important cooking skills and learn how to prepare healthy and delicious meals in the outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Arrow of Light Outdoor Adventurer Adventure
What should Scouts bring on the Outdoor Adventurer campout?
Scouts should bring a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, personal clothing, a water bottle, flashlight, and a first aid kit. They will also need food and cooking supplies if preparing meals.
How do Scouts choose a good campsite location for the Outdoor Adventurer campout?
Look for level ground that’s free of rocks and roots. Make sure it’s not in a low area that could collect water. The site should be safe from hazards and close enough to water and restroom facilities but not too close.
What are the Scout Basic Essentials for Outdoor Adventurer requirement 1?
The Scout Basic Essentials include a pocketknife, first aid kit, extra clothing, rain gear, water bottle, flashlight, trail food, matches or fire starters, sun protection, and a map and compass.
Why is it important to practice Leave No Trace for Outdoor Adventurer?
Leave No Trace principles help protect nature and ensure we can enjoy it in the future. Scouts learn to camp in a way that minimizes their impact on the environment.
How can Scouts ensure food safety during the Outdoor Adventurer campout?
Keep perishable foods in coolers with ice packs, use separate containers for raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination, and always wash hands before handling food.
What should Scouts do after the campout?
After the campout, Scouts should discuss what went well and what could be improved for next time. They should talk about how they followed the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace principles during the campout.
Outdoor Skills Boot Camp
The Arrow of Light Outdoor Adventurer Adventure is a critical part of the Cub Scout program. It is designed for Arrow of Light Scouts to learn and practice essential outdoor skills. This adventure prepares Scouts for future participation in Scouts BSA by introducing them to basic camping skills, teamwork, and outdoor ethics.
Scouts start by learning the Scout Basic Essentials, a list of items needed for any outdoor activity. They learn to pack these items and understand why each is important. Next, they explore how to choose and set up a campsite, focusing on where to place tents, the kitchen, and a firepit. They also practice setting up the equipment with their patrol, prioritizing community gear before personal setups.
Safety is a major component of Outdoor Adventurer. Scouts review the BSA SAFE Checklist to ensure everyone knows how to maintain a safe environment. They apply these safety measures during their campout, learning about proper food handling and camp cleanliness. Additionally, navigating using a map and compass teaches them how to find their way and understand their surroundings.
Outdoor Adventurer culminates in a group discussion about the campout. Scouts talk about what went well and what could be improved. This reflection helps them internalize the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace principles, reinforcing the importance of respecting nature.
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