Arrow of Light Citizenship Adventure
Adventure Type: Required
Number of Requirements: 2
Typical Time to Complete: 1 meeting plus a service project
Parent Involvement: Moderate, supervision and transportation
Preparation Needed: Moderate, coordinate project and review safety
Activity Level: Moderate to high
Indoor or Outdoor: Either, depending on the project
Special Requirements: Scouting America SAFE Checklist, 2 hours of service
Supplies Snapshot: Checklist, consent forms, water, project-specific tools
The Arrow of Light Citizenship Adventure helps Scouts discover how they can make a positive difference in their community. Through service, they learn that even small acts can have a meaningful impact.
Scouts work together to choose, plan, and safely complete a community service project. Along the way, they practice teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving.
This adventure also helps Scouts understand what it means to be a good citizen. By helping others, they strengthen their connection to the community and build skills they can use throughout their lives.
Citizenship Adventure Requirements
Citizenship Adventure Requirements
- 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.
- Participate in a service project for a minimum of 2 hours or multiple service projects for a total of 2 hours.
Printable requirements for the Arrow of Light Citizenship Adventure
Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den's progress on the Arrow of Light Citizenship Adventure
Printable checkoff sheet for the Arrow of Light Rank (for den or individual use)
Resources for the Arrow of Light Citizenship Adventure
Arrow of Light Citizenship Den Meeting Plan
This den meeting plan helps Arrow of Light Scouts learn how to serve their community. Scouts will work together to choose a service project, make a plan, and think about safety. They will start with a fun matching game to learn about community helpers. A teamwork-themed snack will remind them that working together makes things better.
Scouts will brainstorm project ideas, vote on one, and go through the BSA SAFE Checklist. A safety game will help them spot and fix problems before starting their project. By the end of the meeting, they will have a solid plan and be ready to take action.
Get the free Arrow of Light Citizenship den meeting plan here.
More Ways to Complete the Requirements
Requirement 1: Plan a Service Project
Identify a community service project that your patrol or pack could accomplish. Use the SAFE Checklist and develop a plan to conduct the service project safely.
Help Scouts choose a simple project that meets a real community need and can be completed by the group. Guide them through the SAFE Checklist, assign clear responsibilities, and involve the Scouts in making decisions.
Easy Option: Plan a cleanup at your regular meeting place or a nearby park.
More resources:
Requirement 2: Complete Two Hours of Service
Participate in a service project for a minimum of 2 hours or multiple service projects for a total of 2 hours.
Choose one project or several shorter activities that allow every Scout to participate meaningfully. Keep track of each Scout’s time, bring the necessary supplies, and confirm plans with the organization or property owner beforehand.
Easy Option: Rake leaves or collect litter for two hours at a church, school, park, or neighbor’s home.
More resources:
Frequently Asked Questions for the Arrow of Light Citizenship Adventure
What is the purpose of the Arrow of Light Citizenship adventure?
The Citizenship adventure helps Scouts learn about helping their community. It teaches them to be good citizens by taking part in service projects.
Can we combine different small projects to meet the 2-hour requirement?
Yes, you can combine different smaller projects as long as they add up to at least 2 hours.
What should we consider when choosing a service project?
Choose a project that meets a real need in the community and that your Scouts can safely and effectively help with. Also, make sure it’s something that interests them.
Do Scouts need approval for service projects?
Yes, Cub Scouts should always get your service project plan approved by a leader in your pack to ensure it is safe and appropriate.
How can we use the BSA SAFE Checklist for our project?
The BSA SAFE Checklist will guide you through important safety considerations like supervision, first aid, and proper equipment. Use it to plan your project and make sure all safety measures are in place.
What if we need more than one day to complete our project?
It’s okay to spread the project over more than one day. Just keep track of all the hours spent working on the project to make sure you meet the 2-hour total.
Can the service project be part of a larger community event?
Yes, participating in a larger event is a great way to fulfill the service project requirement as long as Scouts are actively contributing to the community through your involvement.
Building Better Citizens Through Service
The Arrow of Light Citizenship adventure helps young people become better members of their community. This adventure teaches Scouts the importance of helping others and the positive impact they can have.
By taking part in service projects, Scouts not only help their community but also learn useful skills. They learn to plan, work as a team, and solve problems. These skills are important for school, future jobs, and everyday life. Doing service projects also teaches Scouts to keep helping others as they grow up.
This adventure also shows Scouts the joy of helping others. This can make them feel good about themselves and believe they can make a difference. By the end of the adventure, Scouts understand better what it means to be a good citizen.
Encourage your Scouts to take on this adventure with excitement. It’s a chance for them to grow, learn, and make a real difference. The lessons they learn will last long after their time in Cub Scouts, helping them become responsible, caring adults.
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