Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure for 2024

Get to Know the Patrol

Helping AOL Scouts get to know each other for Arrow of Light Bobcat requirement 2 builds teamwork and friendship. Here are some simple activities to use:

• Memory Game: Each Scout says their name and a favorite thing (like an animal, color, or food). The next Scout must repeat the previous Scouts’ names and favorites, adding their own.
• Two Truths and a Lie: Each Scout tells two true things about themselves and one false thing. The rest of the group guesses which one is the lie. This game is good for laughter and learning about each other.
• Group Interviews: Pair up Scouts and have them ask each other basic questions like their favorite food, sport, or book. Then, each Scout introduces their partner to the rest of the patrol with what they learned.
• Would You Rather: Play a game of Would You Rather with choices that reveal preferences and personalities. Print some questions here.

These activities should be done in a relaxed and fun way. Encourage the Scouts to be open and respectful. This will help them feel more comfortable with each other.

The Scout Oath and Law

Teaching AOL Scouts to recite the Scout Oath and Scout Law is important for Arrow of Light Bobcat requirement 3.

• Read about the Scout Oath
• Read about the Scout Law

Here are simple ways to make this learning effective and memorable:

• Oath and Law Echo: Divide the Scouts into two groups. One group says a line of the Oath or Law, and the other group echoes it back. This reinforces learning through repetition and listening.
• Create Hand Signs: Develop hand signs or gestures for each part of the Oath and Law. This visual aid can help Scouts remember the words.
• Scout Law Skits: Have Scouts create short skits or role-plays that demonstrate each point of the Scout Law. This helps them understand and remember what each point means.
• Scout Oath Relay: Set up a relay race where Scouts run to a station, recite a line of the Oath, and run back. Combine physical activity with learning to make it more engaging.

These activities will not only help Scouts memorize the Scout Oath and Law for the Arrow of Light Bobcat adventure, but also understand and appreciate their meanings. Make sure to encourage them and give positive feedback as they learn.

Code of Conduct

Creating a Code of Conduct for Arrow of Light Bobcat requirement 4 teaches the Scouts about rules and respect. Here’s a simple way to guide them through this requirement:

1. Discussion: Start by explaining what a Code of Conduct is — a set of rules that everyone agrees to follow. Ask the Scouts why it might be important to have one.
2. Brainstorming: Have each Scout suggest one rule they think should be included. Write all the suggestions on a board or paper. Here are some examples:
   • Respect Everyone: Treat all patrol members and leaders with respect at all times.
   • Listen When Others Speak: Do not interrupt; everyone should have a chance to speak and be heard.
   • Be Punctual: Arrive on time for meetings and activities.
   • Participate Actively: Join in activities and discussions.
   • Follow Directions: Listen to and follow the instructions from the den leader or any adult volunteers.
   • Keep Promises: Be reliable, do what you say you will do.
   • Help Others: Offer to help your fellow Scouts and leaders without being asked.
   • Stay Safe: Follow safety rules during all activities.
   • Take Care of Gear and Environment: Respect all property, and clean up after meetings and events.
   • Be Honest: Always tell the truth and be fair in all you do.
3. Group Decisions: Discuss each suggested rule as a group. Decide together which rules are the most important and should be included. This teaches compromise and decision-making.
4. Finalize and Commit: Once you have agreed on the rules, write them down clearly. Have all Scouts sign the document to show they agree to follow the rules. This makes it official and gives them a sense of responsibility.
5. Review Regularly: In future meetings, briefly review the Code of Conduct to remind the Scouts of their commitments and discuss any changes that might be needed.

This activity for the Arrow of Light Bobcat adventure helps Scouts learn the value of rules and respect for each other, which are important parts of being in a Scout group.

Scout Sign, Salute, and Handshake

Teaching AOL Scouts the Scouts BSA sign, salute, and handshake is important for their transition to Scouts BSA. Here’s how to guide them effectively in this requirement for Arrow of Light Bobcat:

Scouts BSA Sign

Show the Scouts how to make the sign by raising their right hand level with the shoulder, elbow bent, and forming the Scout sign with their first three fingers together and the thumb holding down the pinkie. Explain that the sign is used when saying the Scout Oath or Scout Law. It is also used as an indication that it is time to pay attention and listen.

Scouts BSA Salute

Teach them to salute by using the same hand position as the sign, but bringing their index finger to the brim of their forehead when wearing a cap, or to their eyebrow if not. Tell them the salute is used to show respect to the flag during ceremonies like the Pledge of Allegiance.

Scouts BSA Handshake

Explain that the proper handshake in Scouts BSA is done with the left hand. Demonstrate by extending your left hand to another person and firmly grasping their left hand. The left hand, the one nearest to your heart, symbolizes friendship and respect. Explain that this handshake is used when meeting other Scouts or when receiving awards.

Practice these with the Scouts several times during your meeting. Make sure each Scout demonstrates each sign, salute, and handshake correctly. Praise them for their efforts to make the learning positive and engaging.

Scout Motto and Slogan

Teaching AOL Scouts the Scouts BSA slogan and motto for the Arrow of Light Bobcat adventure helps instill important values. Here’s how you can make this learning effective:

• Explain the Motto: Start with the Scouts BSA motto, “Be Prepared.” Explain that it means being ready in mind and body for anything that comes your way. Discuss examples of being prepared at home, at school, and in Scouting.
• Discuss the Slogan: Move on to the Scouts BSA slogan, “Do a Good Turn Daily.” Explain that this means helping others without expecting anything in return. Encourage Scouts to share ideas or examples of good deeds they can do every day.
• Role-Playing: Have Scouts act out scenarios where they need to “Be Prepared” or where they “Do a Good Turn Daily”. This active engagement can help solidify the concepts in their minds.
• Challenge: Challenge each Scout to come up with one way they can “Be Prepared” and one good turn they could do the following week. At your next meeting, have Scouts share what they did and how it felt.

Keep the discussions light and interactive to encourage participation and understanding. This not only helps Scouts memorize the motto and slogan but also helps them understand the importance of these principles in their daily lives.

Visit a Scouts BSA Troop

Visiting a Scouts BSA troop is a great way for AOL Scouts to see what awaits them in Scouts BSA. Here’s a simple guide on how to organize this visit for the Arrow of Light Bobcat adventure:

1. Choose a Troop: Pick a local Scouts BSA troop to visit. You can contact the troop leader to arrange a good time for your visit.
2. Prepare Scouts: Before the visit, talk to your Scouts about what to expect. Explain that they will see how a troop meeting is run and what older Scouts do.
3. Attend a Meeting: During the troop visit, encourage your Scouts to observe and ask questions. They can watch troop activities and see different leadership roles in action.
4. Meet and Greet: Arrange for your Scouts to meet some of the troop members and leaders. This interaction can help them feel more comfortable and excited about joining Scouts BSA.
5. Discuss the Visit: After the visit, have a discussion with your Scouts. Ask them what they learned and how they felt about the experience. This helps reinforce the visit’s value and address any concerns they might have.

A troop visit can be an inspiring experience, giving AOL Scouts a glimpse into their future scouting adventures and helping them transition smoothly into Scouts BSA.

Parent’s Guide

For this Arrow of Light Bobcat requirement, AOL Scouts need to work on activities from the booklet “How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide” with a parent or legal guardian at home. Here’s how den leaders can support and encourage this:

1. Provide the Booklet: Make sure each family has a copy of the booklet or direct them to this online copy. Explain its importance and what it covers.
2. Encourage Participation: At a den meeting, talk to parents about the importance of completing this activity with their child. Stress how it helps protect and educate their children.
3. Set a Deadline: Give a clear deadline by when the activities should be completed. This helps ensure that families remember to do it.
4. Offer Support: Let parents know they can reach out to you if they have questions or need help understanding the activities.
5. Follow Up: After the deadline, check in with families to ensure they have completed the activities. Ask if they found the information useful and if there are any follow-up questions.

Encouraging parents to actively participate in this activity at home is crucial for educating Scouts about safety and prevention in a sensitive manner.

The Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure is the initial step for AOL Scouts each scouting year. It’s designed to introduce and reinforce fundamental scouting skills and values. This adventure is crucial because it lays down the foundation of what it means to be a Scout, focusing on character building and leadership.

During this adventure, Scouts engage in a variety of activities. They start by learning the patrol method. This involves choosing a patrol name and electing a leader, which teaches them about teamwork and democracy within their small group. This method is essential as it mirrors the structure they will experience in Scouts BSA.

Scouts also commit to memory the Scout Oath and Scout Law, which are central to the ethos of Scouting. These principles guide them not only in their Scouting activities but also in everyday life. By reciting these with their patrol, they reinforce their understanding and commitment to these values.

Another key component of the Arrow of Light Bobcat adventure is developing a Code of Conduct with their peers. This activity fosters a sense of responsibility and respect among the members. They learn the importance of setting guidelines for behavior that everyone agrees to follow, enhancing their group interactions.

Additional activities include learning and demonstrating the Scouts BSA sign, salute, and handshake. These symbols of Scouting culture help Scouts feel connected to a larger community. The adventure also encourages a visit to a Scouts BSA troop, which helps Scouts visualize their future in Scouting, making the transition smoother and more exciting.

The Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure not only serves as an introduction to fundamental Scouting skills but also as a bridge to more advanced activities in Scouts BSA. It’s a comprehensive program that engages young Scouts in meaningful learning while having fun.