Arrow of Light Knife Safety Adventure

Printable requirements for the Arrow of Light Knife Safety Adventure

Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the Arrow of Light Knife Safety Adventure

Arrow of Light Badge Checkoff Sheet

Knife Safety Circle

Demonstrate the knife safety circle.

The second requirement for the Arrow of Light Knife Safety Adventure is to demonstrate the knife safety circle. This is an important safety practice that helps ensure no one gets hurt when a Scout is using a knife.

• To do this, the Scout must stretch out their arm and turn in a circle.
• They should also raise their hand above their head and check there.
• If somebody enters their safety circle while the Scout is using a knife, they should stop using the knife.

This circle that they create around themselves is called the “safety circle.” The rule is simple: no one else should be inside this circle. This gives the Scout enough space to work without the risk of accidentally hurting someone nearby if the knife slips or if they need to move around.

Here is an option for fulfilling Arrow of Light Knife Safety Adventure requirement 2:

• AOL Knife Safety Circle
  • Cub Scouts practice the knife safety circle. 
  • Supplies: none
  • indoor, moderate energy, minimal prep

Demonstrating the knife safety circle teaches Scouts to be aware of their surroundings and to keep a safe distance from others when using a knife. It’s a basic but very effective way to maintain safety.

Caring for and Using a Knife

Demonstrate that you know how to care for and use a knife safely.

The third requirement for the Arrow of Light Knife Safety Adventure is for Scouts to show that they know how to care for and use a knife safely. This requirement is about making sure Scouts understand how to handle knives responsibly to prevent accidents and damage to the knife. Here are some key suggestions that Scouts learn and demonstrate:

• Keep the knife clean: After using a knife, it’s important to clean it to prevent rust and ensure it works well the next time you need it. Wash and dry the blade thoroughly.
• Keep the knife sharp: A sharp knife is safer than a dull one because it cuts more easily and with less force. Scouts learn how to safely sharpen a knife.
• Store the knife safely: When not in use, a knife should be stored in a safe place, with the blade closed or covered. This prevents accidents and protects the blade.
• Use the knife properly: Scouts must use knives for their intended purposes only, avoiding things that could dull or break the blade.
• Handle the knife carefully: Always cut away from your body and keep your fingers away from the path of the blade to avoid cuts.

Here are some options for fulfilling Arrow of Light Knife Safety Adventure requirement 3:

• AOL Kitchen Knife Care and Use
  • Cub Scouts demonstrate proper care of a kitchen knife. 
  • Supplies: chef’s knives, serrated knife, whetstone, honing rod, spray bottle, first aid kit, cutting boards, carrots
  • indoor, moderate energy, 3 to 5 days prep
• AOL Pocketknife Sharpening Practice
  • Cub Scouts practice sharpening their pocketknives.
  • Supplies: pocketknives, whetstone, protective gloves, spray bottle of water, black marker, first aid kit
  • indoor, moderate energy, 1 to 3 days prep

By demonstrating these practices, Scouts show that they understand the importance of knife safety and how to maintain their tool in good condition. This is crucial for their safety and the longevity of the knife.

Use Your Pocketknife

Demonstrate the proper use of a pocketknife to make a useful object on a campout.

The fourth requirement for the Arrow of Light Knife Safety Adventure involves Scouts demonstrating how to properly use a pocketknife to create a useful object during a campout. This requirement helps Scouts apply their knife skills in a practical way, showing they can handle a knife safely while making something beneficial.

Here are some suggestions:

• Whittled sticks for roasting marshmallows: Scouts can use their pocketknife to whittle the end of a stick to a point, making it perfect for roasting marshmallows or hot dogs over a campfire.
• Notched sticks for equipment or tent pegs: Scouts can carve notches in sticks to create homemade tent pegs or to help secure equipment.
• A simple wooden knife or spoon: Starting with a piece of soft wood, Scouts can carve out a basic shape of a spoon or a butter knife, useful for eating meals at camp.
• Walking sticks: Scouts can personalize a walking stick by smoothing it down and carving designs into it, making it both useful and a memorable souvenir from their campout.

These projects help Scouts practice their knife skills safely and create useful items that enhance their camping experience.

Here are some options for fulfilling Arrow of Light Knife Safety Adventure requirement 4:

• Make It My Own
  • Cub Scouts use a pocketknife to decorate a walking stick. 
  • Supplies: pocketknives, walking sticks to decorate, pencils
  • outdoor, moderate energy, minimal prep
• Walk Softly and Carry a Marshmallow Stick
  • Cub Scouts use pocketknife to sharpen a stick for marshmallow roasting. 
  • Supplies: pocketknives, marshmallows, long sticks, fire starting materials, campfire, water for extinguishing
  • outdoor, moderate energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Cooking Knives

Choose the correct cooking knife and demonstrate how to properly slice, chop, and mince.

The fifth requirement for the Arrow of Light Knife Safety Adventure asks Scouts to choose the right cooking knife and demonstrate how to slice, dice, and mince properly. This skill is essential for safely preparing food, whether at home or on a campout.

• Chef’s Knife: This is a versatile knife that can be used for slicing, dicing, and mincing almost any food item. It has a broad blade that tapers to a point and is perfect for most chopping and cutting tasks.
• Paring Knife: Smaller than a chef’s knife, a paring knife is ideal for peeling and cutting small fruits and vegetables. Its small blade offers better control for fine, detailed work.
• Bread Knife: This knife has a long, serrated blade that is perfect for slicing through bread without crushing it. It’s not suitable for chopping or slicing fruits and vegetables.
• Utility Knife: Larger than a paring knife but smaller than a chef’s knife, a utility knife can handle a variety of tasks, like slicing meat and larger vegetables.

When demonstrating how to slice, dice, and mince, Scouts should follow these tips:

• Slice: Use a smooth slicing motion, moving the knife in one fluid motion instead of chopping down. This technique is often used for cutting vegetables like tomatoes or cucumbers.
• Dice: First slice the food into thin strips, then gather them together and cut across to create uniform cubes. This is useful for onions, peppers, and other vegetables used in cooking.
• Mince: Chop the item finely until the pieces are very small. This method is often used for garlic or herbs to spread flavor more evenly in a dish.

To safely use these knives, Scouts should always cut away from their body and keep their fingers tucked away from the blade. They should also make sure the cutting surface is stable and use a sharp knife, as a dull knife can slip and cause injuries.

Here are some options for fulfilling Arrow of Light Knife Safety Adventure requirement 5:

• Cutting Our Own Dinner
  • Cub Scouts practice their knife skills by preparing a foil packet meal. 
  • Supplies: aluminum foil, potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, ground beef, fire starting materials, water for fire, chef’s knives, cutting boards, vegetable peeler, seasonings and sauces, food thermometer
  • outdoor, moderate energy, minimal prep
• Easy Chicken Salad
  • Cub Scouts practice their knife skills by cutting cooked meat.
  • Supplies: chef’s knives, cutting boards, chicken breasts, meat thermometer, fry pan, oil, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, mustard, seasoned salt, black pepper
  • indoor, moderate energy, 3 to 5 days prep
  • You could use a rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breasts instead.
• Fixing My Own Fruit
  • Cub Scouts practice their knife skills by cutting various fruits. 
  • Supplies: chef’s knives, cutting boards, selection of fruit
  • indoor, moderate energy, minimal prep

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:

• Watch the Cub Scout Knife Safety Adventures video.
• Confirm that your meeting location allows pocketknives or kitchen knives.
• Learn the Cub Scout knife safety rules:
  • Stop – make sure no one else is within arm’s reach.
  • Away – always cut away from your body.
  • Sharp – a sharp, clean knife is safe.
  • Store – keep knives closed, in a sheath, or knife block.
• Arrange for extra adult supervision if needed.
• Review the Food Allergies safety moment.
• Check each Cub Scout’s BSA Annual Health and Medical Record for any food allergies or restrictions.
• Ask if any den members, youth, or adults have religious or cultural dietary concerns.
• If someone carries an EpiPen for severe allergies, ensure at least one other adult knows how to use it. Review the Safety Moment on anaphylaxis to learn more.
• Review the Keep Your Food Safe guide to properly store and prepare food.

During the Adventure:

• Review the Cub Scout knife safety rules.
• Check that all knives are sharp and in good condition.

More information

The Arrow of Light Knife Safety Adventure is designed to teach Scouts about the safe handling, care, and use of knives. It focuses on the importance of respecting and responsibly using these tools in various settings, such as cooking and crafting. Through this adventure, Scouts learn fundamental skills that will help them in their daily activities and outdoor adventures.

Scouts begin by understanding and committing to the “Cub Scout Knife Safety Rules,” which provide a foundation for all activities involving knives. They then learn how to create a safety circle, ensuring they maintain a safe distance from others while using a knife. This is crucial for preventing accidents.

The Arrow of Light Knife Safety Adventure also includes practical applications of knife skills. Scouts demonstrate how to care for knives, keeping them clean and sharp. They learn the correct ways to use a pocketknife to make useful objects like tent pegs or tools for camp cooking. Additionally, Scouts are taught to select the appropriate cooking knife and demonstrate techniques like slicing, dicing, and mincing.

Through these activities, Scouts not only gain confidence in their knife handling abilities but also develop a sense of responsibility and safety awareness that benefits their character development. This adventure is a vital step in preparing them for more advanced scouting activities and responsible adulthood.