Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure

Printable requirements for the Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure

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

Arrow of Light Badge Checkoff Sheet

Choose a Paddle Craft

Pick a paddle craft for which to complete all requirements: canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard.

Requirement 2 for the Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure involves choosing a paddle craft. Scouts can pick from a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. Each type of craft offers a different experience and requires different skills.

Canoe: A canoe is a boat that you sit inside of, usually with someone else, and paddle with a single-bladed paddle. Canoes are good for carrying gear and are stable in the water, making them great for longer trips or carrying more than one person.

Kayak: A kayak is a smaller, narrower boat compared to a canoe. You sit inside a kayak and use a double-bladed paddle to move through the water. Kayaks are good for faster paddling and are easier to maneuver than canoes. They can be used in various water conditions, including calm lakes and rivers.

Stand-up Paddleboard (SUP): A stand-up paddleboard is like a large surfboard. You stand up on it and use a single long paddle to move through the water. This craft is good for balance and strength training and is fun for exploring calm waters.

• Consider the Water Type: Think about where you will be paddling. Calm lakes? Rivers with mild currents? This might influence your choice.
• Think About Comfort: Choose a craft that you feel comfortable handling. Consider your balance and how easy it is for you to paddle.
• Try Them Out: If possible, try each type of craft before making a decision. This can help you feel which one suits you best.

Here is an option for fulfilling Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure requirement 2:

• AOL Pick a Paddle
  • Cub Scouts pick from one of the paddle crafts to complete remaining requirements. 
  • Supplies: paper, pencils
  • indoor, very low energy, minimal prep

Choosing the right paddle craft is important for a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. Each craft offers a unique way to explore and enjoy the outdoors.

Safety Afloat

Review Safety Afloat.

Requirement 3 for the Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure is to review Safety Afloat. Safety Afloat are guidelines set by the Boy Scouts of America to ensure that all boating activities are conducted safely.

Why Review Safety Afloat?
Reviewing Safety Afloat is important because it helps Scouts understand how to stay safe while participating in any water-based activities. It teaches them the safety rules and procedures that prevent accidents and ensure everyone enjoys their time on the water safely. All boating activities must be supervised by an adult trained in Safety Afloat.

Learn more about Safety Afloat here.

Here is an option for fulfilling Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure requirement 3:

• AOL Swimming Safely
  • Cub Scouts review the attributes of being on the water safely. 
  • Supplies: Safety Afloat Review
  • indoor, very low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Reviewing Safety Afloat ensures that Scouts are prepared to handle situations responsibly and safely while engaging in paddle sports.

Life Jacket (PFD)

Demonstrate how to choose and properly wear a life jacket  that is the correct size.

Requirement 4 for the Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure focuses on learning how to identify and properly wear a life jacket that is the correct size and type. This is a critical safety step for any boating activity.

• Select the Right Type: Make sure the life jacket is approved for paddle sports by the U.S. Coast Guard. Check the label inside the jacket to ensure it’s suitable for your activity and body weight.
• Check the Fit: The life jacket should fit snugly without being too tight or too loose. When you put it on, fasten all straps and buckles. Then, pull up on the shoulders of the jacket. If the jacket moves up past your chin or ears, it’s too big.
• Adjust for Comfort and Safety: Adjust all straps to ensure the life jacket fits snugly but allows you to move freely and breathe comfortably. There should be no excess room above the openings of the arm and neck, which could cause the jacket to slip over your head when in water.
• Inspect for Damage: Always check the life jacket for rips, tears, or holes. Make sure all straps and buckles are intact and working. Do not use a damaged life jacket.

Here is an option for fulfilling Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure requirement 4:

• AOL Life Jacket Safety
  • Cub Scouts learn about life jackets.
  • Supplies: Coast Guard approved life jackets
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

A properly fitting life jacket is essential for staying safe in the water. It can save your life by keeping your head above water and helping you stay afloat if you become tired or if an accident occurs. Teaching Scouts how to choose and wear a life jacket correctly is key to ensuring their safety during any boating activities.

Jump in the Water

Jump feet first into water over your head while wearing a life jacket then swim 25 feet wearing the life jacket.

Requirement 5 for the Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure is about jumping into water that is deeper than your head while wearing a life jacket, and then swimming 25 feet. This task helps Scouts practice entering deep water safely and using a life jacket properly.

• Wear the Right Life Jacket: Before jumping, make sure the life jacket fits well as described in the previous requirement. It should be snug and properly fastened.
• Safe Jump: Always jump feet first to avoid injury. Keep your body straight and your arms at your sides or holding your nose if you need to.
• Stay Calm: Once in the water, relax and let the life jacket keep you afloat. It’s designed to help you float easily.
• Swim Safely: Begin swimming the required 25 feet. Use a simple stroke like the dog paddle or breaststroke. Keep your movements smooth and steady.
• Stay Aware: Be aware of your surroundings and other people in the water to avoid collisions.

Here is an option for fulfilling Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure requirement 5:

• AOL Float with Confidence
  • Cub Scouts use life jacket in the water. 
  • Supplies: swimming area, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, whistles, buddy tags, buddy board
  • requires travel, very high energy, more than one week prep

This requirement teaches Scouts how to safely enter deep water and trust their life jackets. It builds confidence in their swimming abilities and their equipment. It also reinforces the importance of calm and measured actions in water, ensuring safety during water activities.

Entry and Exit

Demonstrate how to enter and exit a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard safely.

Requirement 6 for the Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure involves discussing how to safely enter and exit a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. This is crucial for preventing accidents and injuries when starting or finishing water activities.

Canoe

• Entering: Place your paddle across the gunwales (top edges) of the canoe for stability. Keep your weight low and centered as you step into the canoe one foot at a time.
• Exiting: Approach the shore or docking area slowly. Keep the canoe stable by holding onto the dock or keeping your paddle across the gunwales. Step out carefully, one foot at a time, keeping your weight centered.

Kayak

• Entering: With the kayak in shallow water, place your paddle behind you across the kayak and the shore for stability. Sit down in the seat first, then swing your legs inside one at a time.
• Exiting: Bring the kayak to shallow water. Swing your legs out of the kayak one at a time onto the shore or dock. Use your hands for support as you stand up.

Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP)

• Entering: With the paddleboard in shallow water, place your paddle across the board. Kneel on the board first in the center, then slowly stand up one foot at a time, using your paddle for balance.
• Exiting: Kneel back down from the standing position before stepping one foot at a time back into shallow water.

Other points:

• Always check the area around your craft for obstacles or other hazards before entering or exiting.
• Keep your movements slow and controlled to maintain balance.
• Use the buddy system, so someone is there to help if you lose your balance.

Here are some options for fulfilling Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure requirement 6:

• AOL Launch and Depart Canoe
  • Cub Scouts practice how to enter and exit a canoe safely. 
  • Supplies: canoe and paddles, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, whistles, buddy tags, buddy board
  • requires travel, very high energy, more than a week prep
• AOL Launch and Depart Kayak
  • Cub Scouts practice how to enter and exit a kayak safely. 
  • Supplies: kayak and paddle, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, whistles, buddy tags, buddy board
  • requires travel, very high energy, more than a week prep
• AOL Launch and Depart Stand-up Paddle Board
  • Cub Scouts practice how to enter and exit a stand-up paddle board safely.
  • Supplies: stand up paddleboard and paddle, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, whistles, buddy tags, buddy board
  • requires travel, very high energy, more than a week prep

Knowing how to safely enter and exit a paddle craft helps prevent tipping over and potential injuries. It ensures Scouts can handle their craft confidently, leading to safer and more enjoyable experiences on the water.

Be Prepared

Discuss what to do if your canoe or kayak tips over or you fall off your stand-up paddleboard.

Requirement 7 for the Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure focuses on discussing what to do if your canoe or kayak tips over, or if you fall off your stand-up paddleboard. Knowing how to handle these situations is crucial for safety in water activities.

1. Stay Calm: The first and most important step is to remain calm. Panicking can make the situation worse.
2. Hold Onto Your Craft: If possible, keep a hold of your canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. This helps you stay afloat as these crafts are designed to aid in flotation.
3. Right the Craft:
   • Canoe/Kayak: If you’re in shallow water, you might be able to stand and flip it back over. In deeper water, you’ll need to swim to the side of the craft, reach across it, and pull it towards you to flip it upright.
   • Stand-Up Paddleboard: These are easier to flip back over. Just grab the sides and flip it.
4. Re-Enter Your Craft:
   • Canoe/Kayak: Use the “Belly Button” technique where you place your belly button over the center of the boat’s side and then kick your legs to help lift yourself back in.
   • Stand-Up Paddleboard: Climb onto the board from the side, starting with your belly and then moving to a kneeling position.
5. Get to Safety: Once you are back in your craft, paddle to a safe area. If you’re unable to get back on, hold onto the craft and signal for help.
6. Check Your Gear: Ensure all equipment is secure, and nothing is lost. Adjust any other gear as needed.

Here are some options for fulfilling Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure requirement 7:

• AOL Canoe Resilience
  • Cub Scouts learn what to do if their canoe tips over. 
  • Supplies: canoe and paddles, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, whistles, buddy tags, buddy board
  • requires travel, very high energy, more than a week prep
• AOL Kayak Resilience
  • Cub Scouts learn what to do if their kayak tips over.  
  • Supplies: kayak and paddle, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, whistles, buddy tags, buddy board
  • requires travel, very high energy, more than a week prep
• AOL Stand-up Paddle Board Resilience
  • Cub Scouts learn what to do if their paddle board tips over.  
  • Supplies: stand up paddleboard and paddle, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, whistles, buddy tags, buddy board
  • requires travel, very high energy, more than a week prep

Discussing and practicing these steps helps Scouts know how to react effectively in case of an accident. It builds their confidence and ensures they can enjoy paddle sports safely, minimizing risk and fear.

Paddles

Learn how to pick a paddle that is the right size for you.  Explore how the paddle craft responds to moving the paddle.

Choosing the right paddle is important for a safe and fun paddling experience. The size and fit of your paddle can make paddling easier and more enjoyable. Here are tips for choosing the right paddle for different types of paddle craft for requirement 8 of the Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure.

Canoe Paddle:

• To check if a paddle is the right size, crouch down like you would sit or kneel in a canoe.
• Place the grip of the paddle on the ground with the blade pointing up.
• The throat of the paddle (where the blade meets the shaft) should be between your shoulder and nose.

Kayak Paddle:

• Kayak paddles have two blades, one at each end.
• The comfort of the paddle in your hands is the most important factor.
• Hold the paddle above your head horizontally.
• Your elbows should be bent at 90-degree angles.
• Your hands should be 6 to 8 inches from the throat on either end of the paddle.

Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Paddle:

• SUP paddles are long and come in different sizes.
• The paddle should be about 8 to 10 inches taller than you are.

Exploring Paddle Movements

Understanding how your paddle affects your movement in the water is key to becoming a good paddler. Here are some activities to help you explore paddle movements:

• Forward Stroke: Practice moving forward by dipping one blade into the water and pulling it back.
• Backward Stroke: Practice moving backward by dipping one blade into the water and pushing it forward.
• Sweep Stroke: Practice the sweep stroke by making a wide arc with your paddle to turn your craft. This is done by reaching out with your paddle and sweeping it in a big circle from the front to the back.
• Turning: Practice turning by paddling on one side only.
• Stopping: Practice stopping by paddling backward on both sides.

By trying these activities, you will learn how your paddle craft responds to different movements.

Here are some options for fulfilling Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure requirement 8:

• AOL Canoe Paddle Perfect
  • Cub Scouts pick a canoe paddle and learn how to use it. 
  • Supplies: canoe and paddles, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, whistles, buddy tags, buddy board
  • requires travel, very high energy, more than a week prep
• AOL Kayak Paddle Perfect
  • Cub Scouts pick a kayak paddle and learn how to use it. 
  • Supplies: kayak and paddle, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, whistles, buddy tags, buddy board
  • requires travel, very high energy, more than a week prep
• AOL Stand-up Paddle Board Paddle Perfect
  • Cub Scouts pick a stand-up paddle board paddle and learn how to use it. 
  • Supplies: stand up paddleboard and paddle, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, whistles, buddy tags, buddy board
  • requires travel, very high energy, more than a week prep

Go Paddling

Have 30 minutes, or more, of canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard paddle time.

Requirement 9 for the Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure asks Scouts to spend at least 30 minutes paddling a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. This requirement helps Scouts practice and apply the paddling skills they’ve learned, including the power stroke and sweep stroke discussed in the previous requirement.

• Plan Your Session: Choose a safe and suitable location for paddling, in a lake with calm waters.
• Use Proper Equipment: Make sure you have the right paddle craft for your size and skill level, and that your life jacket fits properly.
• Warm Up: Before you start paddling, do some simple stretches to warm up your arms, back, and shoulders. This helps prevent muscle soreness and injuries.
• Apply Your Skills: Use this time to practice the strokes you’ve learned. Focus on using both the power stroke for moving forward and the sweep stroke for turning.
• Stay Aware: Keep an eye on your surroundings and maintain awareness of other people and objects in the water to ensure safety.
• Have Fun: While practicing is important, remember to enjoy the experience and the natural environment around you.

Here is an option for fulfilling Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure requirement 9:

• AOL Paddle
  • Cub Scouts enjoy 30 minutes of paddle craft activity. 
  • Supplies: selected paddle craft and paddles, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, whistles, buddy tags, buddy board
  • requires travel, very high energy, more than a week prep

Spending 30 minutes or more paddling allows Scouts to gain confidence in their abilities to handle a paddle craft. It also gives them the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and improve their physical fitness. This hands-on experience is essential for building practical skills and fostering a love for outdoor water activities.

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.

Supervision must be by an adult, 21 or older, trained in BSA Safety Afloat. At least one leader must be trained in first aid, including CPR. Any swimming must follow BSA Safe Swim Defense standards.

• Complete the BSA Safety Afloat training (30 minutes) on my.scouting.
• Ensure enough adults to maintain a ratio of one supervisor for every 5 Cub Scouts.
• Have buddy tags for everyone near the water, both youth and adults.

During the Adventure:

• Provide an overview and instruction on Safety Afloat before the activity.
• Ensure continuous, qualified adult supervision and discipline during the activity.
• All participants, both Cub Scouts and adults, must wear life jackets during boating activities. Review the Life Jackets/Personal Flotation Devices Safety Moment.

More information

The Arrow of Light Paddle Craft Adventure is a part of the Cub Scout program that helps AOL Scouts learn important skills in paddling. This adventure allows Scouts to choose from different types of paddle crafts—canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. Through this activity, Scouts not only learn how to handle these crafts but also gain important safety knowledge.

Before they start, Scouts must pass the BSA swimmer test to ensure they are prepared for the water activities. They then review Safety Afloat, a set of guidelines that promotes safety during boating. Scouts learn how to correctly wear a life jacket and the correct way to enter and exit their chosen craft safely.

Scouts are also taught what to do if their craft tips over. This is crucial for keeping calm and safe during unexpected situations. Additionally, they learn different paddle strokes, such as the power stroke and sweep, which are essential for effectively controlling their craft. Finally, Scouts put their skills to the test by spending at least 30 minutes paddling, using this time to practice and enjoy the water.