Arrow of Light Award for Cub Scouts (2024 Preview)

Printable Arrow of Light Cub Scout requirements

Printable checkoff sheet for the Arrow of Light Award (for den or individual use)

Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure

The Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure is the first activity for AOL Scouts each year. It teaches important skills like teamwork, leadership, and the basics of Scouts BSA. In this adventure, Scouts choose a patrol name, elect a leader, and learn the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

This adventure sets a strong foundation for character and leadership in Scouts. They also create a Code of Conduct together and practice Scouts BSA traditions like the salute and handshake. Visiting a Scouts BSA troop and learning about child safety at home are also key parts.

See more information about this Arrow of Light adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, ideas for fun activities, and more information about the patrol method and Scouts BSA.

Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure Requirements

1. Demonstrate the patrol method by choosing a Patrol name and electing a patrol leader. Discuss the benefits of using the patrol method.   
2. Get to know members of your patrol.
3. Recite the Scout Oath and Scout Law with your patrol.  
4. With your patrol create a Code of Conduct. 
5. Demonstrate the Scout sign, Scout salute and Scout handshake used by Scouts BSA.  Show how each are used. 
6. Learn the Scouts BSA slogan and motto.
7. With your patrol, or with your parent/legal guardian, visit a Scouts BSA troop. 
8. At home, with your parent or legal guardian do the activities in the booklet “How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide.” 

Citizenship Adventure

The Arrow of Light Citizenship adventure teaches Cub Scouts about helping their community. Scouts plan and do a service project. They learn how to choose a project that helps people and how to plan it safely. They must work on the project for at least two hours.

This adventure teaches Scouts about being good citizens and helping others. It shows them that they can make a difference in their community. The experience helps Scouts learn teamwork, planning, and the importance of giving back. This adventure is important for building responsible and caring young people.

See more information about this Arrow of Light adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, and ideas for service projects.

Citizenship Adventure Requirements

1. Identify a community service project that your patrol or pack could accomplish.  Use the BSA SAFE Checklist and develop a plan to conduct the service project safely.
2. Participate in a service project for a minimum of 2 hours or multiple service projects for a total of 2 hours.

Duty to God Adventure Requirements

This Adventure may be earned by completing the requirements below OR by completing a Religious Emblem of the Cub Scouts family’s choosing.

1. Discuss with your parent or legal guardian about your family’s faith traditions or one of your choosing.  Choose a view value of that faith tradition that is related to the Scout Law. Discuss with your family how each family member demonstrates this value.
2. Meet with a representative of a faith based organization in your local community that provides a service that assists people in crisis regardless of their faith.  Identify who they help and how.
3. Discuss with our parent, legal guardian, or adult leader what “Duty to God” means to you.  Tell how you practice your Duty to God in your daily life. 

Printable requirements

Check off sheet to keep track of your den’s progress

First Aid Adventure

The Arrow of Light First Aid adventure teaches important safety skills to Cub Scouts. Scouts learn to handle emergencies like severe bleeding, heart attacks, and choking. They also practice treating burns, cuts, and bites. Watching a safety video helps them recognize dangers and protect themselves. Additionally, Scouts build a first aid kit and learn how to use each item correctly.

This adventure not only increases their knowledge of first aid but also boosts their confidence and readiness to act in emergencies, truly embodying the Scout motto to “Be Prepared.”

See more information about this Arrow of Light adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, basic first aid instructions, and ideas for what to put in a first aid kit.

First Aid Adventure Requirements

1. With permission from your parent or legal guardian, watch the Protect Yourself Rules video for the Arrow of Light rank. 
2. Explain what you should do if you encounter someone in need of first aid.
3. Demonstrate what to do for hurry cases of first aid: serious bleeding, heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest, stopped breathing, stroke, poisoning. 
4. Demonstrate how to help a choking victim. 
5. Demonstrate how to treat shock. 
6. Demonstrate how to treat the following: cuts and scratches, burns and scalds, bites and stings of insects and animals, and nosebleed.
7. Make a personal first aid kit.  Demonstrate the proper use of each item.

Outdoor Adventurer Adventure Requirements

1. Learn about the Scout Basic Essentials. 
2. Determine what you will bring on an overnight campout including a tent, sleeping bag/gear and how you will carry your gear.
3. Review the 4 points of the BSA SAFE Checklist and how you will apply them. on the campout.
4. Locate the campsite where you will be camping on a map.
5. With your patrol or a Scouts BSA troop, participate in a campout. 
6. 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. 
7. Explain how to keep food safe and the kitchen area sanitary at the campsite.  Demonstrate your knowledge during the campout.
8. 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

Check off sheet to keep track of your den’s progress

Personal Fitness Adventure

The Arrow of Light Personal Fitness adventure teaches Scouts about staying healthy through physical activities and nutrition. Scouts plan and cook a balanced meal using camping gear, learning about the importance of good nutrition. They also engage in physical activities, tracking their exercise over two weeks and participating in group fitness with others. Additionally, Scouts review their health records with a parent or guardian to understand their medical needs and limits.

This adventure helps Scouts appreciate the importance of personal fitness and encourages them to adopt healthy habits for life. It’s a practical and fun way to learn about health.

See more information about this Arrow of Light adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, ideas for camping recipes, and fun ways to stay fit.

Personal Fitness Adventure Requirements

1. Plan a balanced meal that you would eat when camping.  Prepare that meal using the gear you would use on a campout. 
2. Examine what it is to be  physically fit and how you incorporate this in your life.  Track the number of times you are active for 30 minutes or longer over a 14-day period.  Share with your patrol or family what you enjoyed and if you feel you are living up to the Scout Oath of being physically fit.
3. Be active for 30 minutes with your patrol, a younger den, or at least 1 other person, that includes both stretching and moving.
4. Review your BSA Annual Health and Medical record with your parent or guardian.  Discuss your ability to participate in pack and den activities.

Champions for Nature Adventure

The Arrow of Light Champions for Nature adventure teaches AOL Scouts about food and the environment. Scouts explore local foods, learn the benefits of buying local, and understand food availability in different areas. They find out how to reduce food waste and participate in activities like community garden visits. The adventure also includes a conservation service project, where Scouts work together to improve their community’s natural spaces.

This program helps Scouts make informed choices about food and conservation, teaching them valuable lessons on environmental stewardship and community involvement.

See more information about this Arrow of Light adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, ideas for activities, and conservation project suggestions.

Champions for Nature Adventure Requirements

1. Identify foods grown or processed in your state.
2. Determine the benefits of purchasing food that is locally grown or processed.
3. Explore the concept of a food desert.
4. Learn how individuals can reduce food waste.
5. Examine how your community can reduce food waste.
6. Participate in a conservation service project.

Cycling Adventure

The Arrow of Light Cycling Adventure is designed for AOL Scouts to learn cycling skills and safety. Scouts start by selecting the right gear for a long bike ride. They learn how different bike gears work and the benefits of each. The adventure includes practical skills like lubricating a bike chain and fixing a flat tire. Scouts also plan and carry out a 10-mile bike ride with their group, using maps and the buddy system for safety.

This adventure helps Scouts build teamwork, navigation skills, and a greater appreciation for outdoor activities and physical fitness.

See more information about this Arrow of Light adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, background information, and tips.

Cycling Adventure Requirements

1. Decide on gear and supplies you should bring might bring for a long bike ride.  Determine how to safely carry the gear. 
2. Discover how multi-gear bicycles work and the benefit. 
3. Practice how to lube a chain.
4. Review different bicycle locks. Demonstrate the operation of locks and, how to secure your bicycle with a lock. 
5. Repair a flat tire.
6. With your family, den, or pack, use a map and plan a bicycle ride that is at least 10 miles.
7. With your buddy, go on bicycle ride that is a minimum of 10 miles.

Engineer Adventure

The Engineer adventure is designed for Arrow of Light Cub Scouts to explore engineering. Scouts learn about civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. They choose one area to focus on, examine real blueprints, and understand how engineers plan and build things. Scouts then select and complete a project, following the engineering process of designing, building, and testing.

This adventure teaches them critical thinking, problem-solving, and the importance of precision in engineering tasks. Through hands-on activities, Scouts gain a deeper appreciation for how things are made and how engineering affects everyday life.

See more information about this Arrow of Light adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, and ideas for projects.

Engineer Adventure Requirements

1. Learn the focus, related sciences, and products of civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers.
2. Pick one of the engineering fields from requirement 1 to complete the following requirements. 
3. Examine a set of blueprints or specifications used by your choice of engineer.
4. Identify a project that you would like to build.
5. Using the engineering process, build your project. 

Estimations Adventure

The Arrow of Light Estimations Adventure teaches AOL Scouts to use basic math in real-life situations. Scouts practice estimating food amounts, time, distances, and heights. This adventure enhances their math skills by applying them to everyday challenges, like planning meals or navigating during hikes. It also boosts their confidence and problem-solving abilities. Working together on these tasks, Scouts learn the value of teamwork.

This adventure is part of earning the Arrow of Light rank, the highest honor in Cub Scouting, preparing them for future challenges in Scouts BSA. Through fun activities, Scouts see how math is useful outside the classroom.

See more information about this Arrow of Light adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, and methods for estimating.

Estimations Adventure Requirements

1. Estimate the amount of food needed for a meal.
2. Estimate the time of day.
3. Estimate the height of a distant object.
4. Estimate the distance between two points.

Fishing Adventure

The Arrow of Light Fishing Adventure is an outdoor journey for Scouts to learn about fishing. Scouts plan a fishing trip, choosing where to go and what fish to catch. They use a checklist to pack the right gear and explore fish habitats. Scouts learn to tie knots, set up fishing rods, and follow safety rules. With adult supervision, they spend an hour fishing, following local regulations. It’s all about enjoying nature and gaining valuable skills.

The adventure teaches AOL Scouts about fish, habitats, and safe fishing practices while fostering a love for the outdoors.

See more information about this Arrow of Light adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, links to resources, and tips for each requirement.

Fishing Adventure Requirements

1. Make a plan to go fishing. Determine where you will go and what type of fish you plan to catch. All of the following requirements are to be completed based on your choice.
2. Use the BSA SAFE Checklist to plan what you need for your fishing experience. 
3. Describe the environment where the fish might be found.
4. Make a list of the equipment and materials you will need to fish.  
5. Determine the best type of knot to tie your hook and tie it.
6. On your own, set up the appropriate type of fishing rod and tackle you will be using.  Have an adult review your gear.
7. Using what you have learned about fish and fishing equipment, spend at least an hour fishing following local guidelines and regulations.

High Tech Outdoors Adventure

The High Tech Outdoors Adventure is designed for Cub Scouts to explore how technology can be used in outdoor activities. It includes checking weather forecasts, learning knots through an app, discussing technological improvements in camping gear, and brainstorming future tech innovations for outdoor equipment.

This adventure teaches planning, safety, and creative thinking, integrating traditional Scouting with modern technology. It’s a fun way for Scouts to see how tech can make outdoor adventures even better.

See more information about this Arrow of Light adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, links to resources, and suggestions for outdoor apps.

High Tech Outdoors Adventure Requirements

1. With an adult, use a weather app to see the forecast for your outdoor adventure and discuss any preparation needed to accommodate the weather.
2. With an adult, find a knot tying app.  Select one knot to learn and tie it using the app.
3. Discuss how technology has improved camping gear.
4. Think of a way technology can improve camping gear used on one of your outdoor Adventures.

Into the Wild Adventure Requirements

1. Visit a place with a variety of wild animals.  Select one of the animals and observe its behavior.  Use your selected animal to complete the remaining requirements.
2. Create a model of your animal’s ecosystem.
3. Investigate how your animal coexists with other animals  in the wild. 
4. Describe how humans interact with your chosen animal’s ecosystem
5. Discover how wildlife management benefits your animal.

Printable requirements

Check off sheet to keep track of your den’s progress

Into the Woods Adventure Requirements

1.  Visit an area with trees and plants and conduct a tree inventory.  Select one tree and complete the remaining requirements based on that tree. 
2. Determine if your tree is deciduous or evergreen.  
3. Identify a tree and determine if the tree is native or was introduced to your area.
4. Find out how your tree deals with wildfire.
5. Learn how wildlife uses your tree.

Printable requirements

Check off sheet to keep track of your den’s progress

Knife Safety Adventure

The Arrow of Light Knife Safety Adventure equips Scouts with essential skills for handling and caring for knives safely. Scouts start by learning and promising to follow strict safety rules. They practice creating a safety circle to keep a safe space around them while using a knife. The adventure includes demonstrations on knife care, and proper use of different types of knives for cooking and crafting.

This training builds their confidence and teaches responsibility, preparing them for safe knife use at home and during Scout activities.

See more information about this Arrow of Light adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, and safety guidelines.

Knife Safety Adventure Requirements

1. Read, understand, and promise to abide by the “Cub Scout Knife Safety Rules.”
2. Demonstrate the knife safety circle.
3. Demonstrate that you know how to care for and use a knife safely. 
4. Demonstrate the proper use of a pocketknife to make a useful object on a campout.
5. Choose the correct cooking knife and demonstrate how to properly slice, chop, and mince. 

Paddle Craft Adventure

The Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure offers AOL Scouts a chance to explore paddling sports like canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. First, Scouts must pass the BSA swimmer test to ensure they can safely participate in water activities. They then learn key safety practices, including how to wear a life jacket and manage their craft. The adventure covers essential paddle strokes and what to do if the craft tips over.

By spending at least 30 minutes on the water, Scouts practice their new skills and gain confidence, all while enjoying the beauty and challenge of paddle sports.

See more information about this Arrow of Light adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, and safety guidelines.

Paddle Craft Adventure Requirements

1. Before attempting requirements 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 for this Adventure, you must pass the BSA swimmer test.    
2. Pick a paddle craft for which to complete all requirements: canoe, kayak or SUP.
3. Review Safety Afloat.
4. Demonstrate how to identify and properly wear a life jacket that is the correct size. 
5. Jump feet first into water over your head.  Swim 25 feet wearing a life jacket.
6. Discuss how to enter and exit a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddle board (SUP) safely.  
7. Discuss what to do if your canoe or kayak tips over or you fall off your SUP. 
8. Learn 2 paddle strokes: power stroke and the sweep. 
9. Have 30 minutes, or more, of canoe, kayak or SUP paddle time. 

Race Time Adventure

The Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure is a Cub Scout activity for AOL Scouts, focusing on building, learning, and competing. Scouts choose to construct either a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat. They learn the specific rules for their chosen race and are tasked with mentoring younger Scouts in their racing preparations. The adventure emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship through discussion and practice.

This adventure allows AOL Scouts to demonstrate their craftsmanship, understanding of fair play, and leadership skills, making it a valuable and enjoyable part of the Scouting experience.

See more information about this Arrow of Light adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, and race guidelines.

Race Time Adventure Requirements

1. With adult supervision, build either a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat.
2. Learn the rules of the race for the vehicle chosen in requirement 1.
3. Mentor a younger den to prepare for the race.
4. Before the race, discuss with your den how you will demonstrate good sportsmanship during the race.
5. Participate in a Pinewood Derby or a Raingutter Regatta.

Summertime Fun Adventure

Arrow of Light Scouts can earn the Summertime Fun Adventure. They must participate in three Cub Scout activities from May to August. These could include leading a service project or participating in camps.

Upon finishing these activities, they receive a pin, which symbolizes their readiness for future Scouting adventures and their continuous involvement throughout the summer.

See more information about this Arrow of Light adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, and ideas for summertime activities.

Summertime Fun Adventure Requirements

1. Anytime during May through August participate in a total of 3 Cub Scout activities.

Swimming Adventure

The Arrow of Light Swimming Adventure teaches AOL Scouts about swimming safety and skills. Scouts start by reviewing Safe Swim Defense principles to ensure everyone knows how to be safe around water. They learn and practice rescue techniques from land, then take on the BSA swimmer test to demonstrate their swimming capabilities. During free swim time, Scouts use the buddy system and stay within designated areas suited to their swimming skills. Supervisors conduct regular buddy checks.

This adventure improves swimming abilities, enhances safety awareness, and promotes teamwork, making it a valuable and enjoyable part of the Scouting experience.

See more information about this Arrow of Light adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, order of rescue, Safe Swim Defense, and fun games to play in the water.

Swimming Adventure Requirements

1. Review the Safe Swim Defense. 
2. Explain the meaning of “order of rescue” and demonstrate the reach and throw rescue techniques from land. 
3. Attempt the BSA swimmer test.
4. Have 30 minutes, or more, of free swim time where you practice the Buddy System and stay within your ability group.  The qualified adult supervision should do at least three buddy checks per half hour swimming. 

Archery Adventure Requirements

Shooting sports adventures can only be completed at district and council events.

1. Identify and wear the appropriate safety gear.
2. Demonstrate the archery range safety rules and whistle commands.
3. Demonstrate proper range commands and explain them to an adult or another Scout.
4. Identify the main parts of your shooting equipment and how to properly use them.
5. Demonstrate proper stance and shooting techniques.
6. Shoot 5 arrows at a target. Repeat four times and do your best to improve your score each time. Shoot at least 25 arrows.
7. Demonstrate how to safely retrieve your arrows.

BB Guns Adventure Requirements

Shooting sports adventures can only be completed at district and council events.

1. Identify and wear the appropriate safety gear.
2. Recite the 4 safety reminders.
3. Demonstrate proper range commands and explain them to an adult or another Scout.
4. Show how to use the safety mechanism.
5. Demonstrate how to properly load, fire, and secure your BB gun.
6. Demonstrate the prone, bench, and sitting positions for shooting a BB gun.
7. Fire 5 BBs at the target and score your target. Repeat three times and do your best to improve your score. Fire at least 20 BBs.
8. Demonstrate how to put away and properly store your BB gun and shooting equipment after use.

Slingshot Adventure Requirements

Shooting sports adventures can only be completed at district and council events.

1. Identify and wear the appropriate safety gear.
2. Recite the safety rules for using a slingshot.
3. Demonstrate proper range commands and explain them to an adult or another Scout.
4. Explore the parts of a slingshot and their usage.
5. Discover the types of ammunition that may be used and types that may not be used.
6. Discover the types of targets that may be used and types that may not be used.
7. Shoot 5 shots at a target. Repeat twice and do your best to improve your score each time. Shoot at least 15 shots.
8. Following the directions of the range master, shoot at least 5 shots at your target with your non-dominant hand.
9. Demonstrate how to put away and properly store your slingshot and shooting equipment after use.

Arrow of Light Overview (Video)