The Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure offers Cub Scouts a unique chance to explore nature and learn about trees. This adventure is part of the Arrow of Light rank, the highest level in Cub Scouting. By taking part in this adventure, Scouts develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and the importance of conserving it.
During this adventure, Scouts visit a natural area to observe different types of trees and plants. They choose one tree to study closely. This hands-on experience helps Scouts learn about tree characteristics, their role in the ecosystem, and how they support wildlife.
The adventure also introduces Scouts to STEM concepts related to botany and ecology. They learn to identify whether a tree is deciduous or evergreen and if it is native to their area. This knowledge helps them understand biodiversity and the impact of non-native species.
Overall, the Into the Woods Adventure teaches Scouts about environmental stewardship. It encourages them to think about how they can help protect and preserve nature. By completing this adventure, Scouts not only fulfill requirements for their rank but also gain respect and appreciation for the environment.
Requirements for the Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure
Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure Requirements
- Visit an area with trees and plants and conduct a tree inventory. Select one tree and complete the remaining requirements based on that tree.
- Determine if your tree is deciduous or evergreen.
- Identify a tree and determine if the tree is native or was introduced to your area.
- Find out how your tree deals with wildfire.
- Learn how wildlife uses your tree.
Printable requirements for the Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure
Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure
Resources for the Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure
Tree Inventory
Visit an area with trees and plants and conduct a tree inventory. Select one tree and complete the remaining requirements based on that tree.
For the Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure, Scouts need to find a good spot with various trees and plants. This setting is vital because they will do a tree inventory and study one tree closely. Good places for this adventure are nearby:
- Local Parks: Many parks have a variety of trees and often have signs that tell you about the different types of trees.
- Nature Reserves: These areas are protected and provide a natural environment where Scouts can learn about native species.
- Botanical Gardens: These gardens usually have a wide range of trees, including both native and non-native species, and are great for learning about different tree types.
- Forest Trails: Walking a trail in a forest gives Scouts a chance to see trees in their natural setting.
- School Campuses: Many schools have diverse plant life and can be easily accessible for a Scout group.
Choosing any of these locations will provide a rich learning experience for the Scouts as they engage with the natural world.
Here is an option for fulfilling Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure requirement 1:
- Tree Inventory
- Cub Scouts visit a park to conduct a tree inventory and select a tree to study.
- Supplies: Activity Consent Form, Tree Inventory worksheet, pencils, clipboards, plastic baggies
- requires travel, high energy, more than a week prep
Deciduous or Evergreen?
Determine if your tree is deciduous or evergreen.
To find out if a tree is deciduous or evergreen, Cub Scouts can look at the tree’s leaves. Deciduous trees have leaves that change color and fall off during autumn. These trees are usually bare in the winter. Evergreen trees, on the other hand, keep their leaves all year round. Their leaves are often needle-like or scaly.
A simple way to remember is that deciduous trees “decide” to drop their leaves, while evergreens stay “ever green.” When visiting a tree, Scouts can observe the leaves. If the leaves are flat and broad, it’s likely a deciduous tree. If the tree has needles or its leaves feel waxy or thick, it’s probably an evergreen. This observation helps Scouts learn about the tree’s adaptations to its environment.
Here are some options for fulfilling Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure requirement 2:
- Leaf Rubbing
- Cub Scouts make a rubbing of the leaf or needles from their chosen tree.
- Supplies: paper, pencils, leaves or needles collected in requirement 1, tree inventory from requirement 1, tree identification resource
- indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
- Leaf Snapshot
- Cub Scouts photograph their leaf and enlarge the image to determine if it is deciduous or coniferous.
- Supplies: smart devices with cameras, leaves or needles collected in requirement 1, tree inventory from requirement 1, tree identification resource
- indoor, very low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
- Under the Microscope
- Cub Scouts use a pocket microscope to examine their leaf.
- Supplies: pocket microscope, leaves or needles collected in requirement 1, tree inventory from requirement 1, tree identification resource
- indoor, very low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
Native or Non-Native?
Determine if your tree is native or was introduced to your area.
To determine if a tree is native or was introduced to an area, Cub Scouts can use a few resources. A native tree is one that naturally grows in the area without human introduction. A non-native tree has been brought to the area by people, often from different regions or countries.
Scouts can start by using a tree identification guidebook or a mobile app designed for identifying plants. These tools often tell whether a tree is native to the area. Another helpful resource is speaking with local park rangers or visiting a nature center, where experts can provide information about the local flora.
Observing the surroundings can also give clues. If a tree is seen frequently in an area and appears in natural, undeveloped places, it is likely native. If it’s only found in landscaped areas like gardens or parks, it might be non-native. This activity helps Scouts understand the impact of native and non-native species on local ecosystems.
Here is an option for fulfilling Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure requirement 3:
- Native, Introduced, Or Invasive
- Cub Scouts determine whether their tree is native, introduced, or invasive.
- Supplies: leaves or needles collected in requirement 1, tree inventory from requirement 1, tree identification resource
- indoor, very low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
Trees and Wildfires
Find out how your tree deals with wildfire.
Trees have different ways to cope with wildfires, and learning about these can be a fascinating part of the Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure. Some trees are adapted to survive or even thrive after a wildfire. Here are a few common strategies:
- Thick Bark: Trees like the sequoia have very thick bark, which can protect the inner core of the tree from the heat of a fire.
- High Crown: Some trees have crowns (the top part with leaves) that sit high above the ground, keeping vital parts away from the fire’s reach.
- Resprouting: Certain trees can sprout new growth quickly after a fire. This ability allows them to recover even if the tree’s upper parts are damaged.
- Fire-Activated Seeds: Some species, like the lodgepole pine, have seeds that are released or germinate in response to the heat of a fire.
By studying how their chosen tree deals with wildfire, Scouts learn about the resilience of nature and the importance of fire in some ecosystems. This knowledge emphasizes the role of fire in maintaining healthy forests and the adaptations that allow trees to endure or even depend on it.
Here are some options for fulfilling Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure requirement 4:
- Burning Questions
- Cub Scouts will observe how different types of wood burn.
- Supplies: tree cookie samples from different types of wood with bark intact, matches or lighter, fire resistant surface or container, fire extinguisher or method, protective clothing and gloves, Burning Questions worksheet
- outdoor, moderate energy, 1 to 3 days prep
- Forestry Visit
- Cub Scouts talk with a Fire Management Officer to learn about wildfires and prescribed burns.
- Supplies: none
- indoor, low energy, one week prep
Wildlife and Trees
Learn how wildlife uses your tree.
Trees play a crucial role in supporting wildlife, providing a variety of resources and habitats. During the Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure, Cub Scouts can discover how different animals depend on trees. Here are some common ways wildlife uses trees:
- Shelter: Trees offer homes to many animals, from birds nesting in the branches to squirrels living in hollows. Even insects find refuge under the bark.
- Food: Trees provide food in many forms, including leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, and nuts. Each part of a tree might feed a different type of animal.
- Safety: Trees can be safe places for animals to hide from predators. The height of trees allows many smaller animals to stay out of reach.
- Breeding Sites: Many species use trees for breeding. Some birds build nests on branches, while certain mammals may nest in the cavities of old trees.
By exploring how their selected tree benefits local wildlife, Scouts gain insights into the ecosystem’s balance and learn about the interdependence of plants and animals. This understanding helps them appreciate the importance of conserving natural habitats.
Here is an option for fulfilling Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure requirement 5:
- Trees As Habitats
- Cub Scouts investigate the relationships between trees and wildlife.
- Supplies: Tree inventory from requirement 1
- indoor, very low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
Tree Identification Resources:
- Websites: What Tree is This, Interactive Tree Identification Key
- Apps: PlantNet, LeafSnap, iNaturalist, and Seek
Seed Neckerchief Slide Craft: The base of the slide is a tree branch slice and the decorative elements are seeds. Makes a great craft to go with the Into the Woods adventure.
Rice Crispy Treat Trees Recipe: Make fun tree shaped treats as a snack for your Into the Woods meeting.
Tree Ring Worksheet: This worksheet provides a structured way to understand the complex anatomy of a tree’s trunk, as well as the significance of its growth rings.
Draw the Layers of the Forest: This printable introduces the concept of forest stratification by describing the different layers, from the canopy down to the forest floor.
Before any activity, check the SAFE Checklist to make sure everyone is safe. Everyone involved in Scouting America activities should know the Guide to Safe Scouting and other relevant guides or books. Also follow any state or local rules that are more strict than Scouting America rules and guidelines.
Before starting this Adventure, review Digital Safety and Online Scouting Activities.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure
What should we bring on our visit to the woods?
Bring a notebook, a pencil, a tree identification guide or app, water, snacks, and wear comfortable walking shoes.
How do we choose a tree to study?
Look for a tree that stands out to you, either because of its size, shape, or the type of leaves. Make sure it’s accessible so you can observe it closely.
Can we complete this Into the Woods adventure in one day?
Yes, you can complete it in one day. Plan to spend some time in the area to observe and learn about your chosen tree.
What if we can’t tell if a tree is deciduous or evergreen?
You can ask a park ranger, use a tree identification app, or take pictures and research when you get home.
Is it okay to take samples from the tree?
Do not harm the tree. It’s better to take photos or notes instead of parts of the tree.
What are tree cookie samples?
These are thin slices of wood. You can cut your own from downed branches or purchase them.
Branching Out
The Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure invites Cub Scouts to explore the natural world by studying trees and their ecosystems. It is a chance for Scouts to connect with nature and understand the importance of trees in the environment. This adventure is designed for Arrow of Light Scouts, the final rank before transitioning to Scouts BSA.
Scouts start by visiting a natural area where they can find a variety of trees. They pick one tree to focus on and learn about its type, whether it’s deciduous or evergreen, and whether it’s native to the area or introduced. Scouts also explore how the tree responds to challenges like wildfire and what role it plays in supporting wildlife.
The Into the Woods adventure includes hands-on activities that help Scouts develop skills in observation and research. They learn to use resources like guidebooks and apps to identify trees and understand their characteristics. The knowledge gained from this adventure encourages respect for nature and teaches the importance of conservation.
This is not just about meeting badge requirements; it’s about fostering a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and learning how every part of an ecosystem is connected. It’s a fun and educational experience that leaves a lasting impact on young Scouts.
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