Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure
Adventure Type: Required
Number of Requirements: 8
Typical Time to Complete: 1 or 2 meetings
Parent Involvement: Required for at-home safety activities
Preparation Needed: Moderate, arrange a troop visit and gather materials
Activity Level: Low to moderate
Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor, outdoor options available
Special Requirements: Visit a Scouts BSA troop, complete Parent’s Guide activities
Supplies Snapshot: Arrow of Light handbook, paper, pencils, poster board, markers, Parent’s Guide
The Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure begins the Cub Scout year by introducing Scouts to teamwork, leadership, and the patrol method. Scouts choose a patrol name, elect a leader, and get to know one another.
Through the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and a shared Code of Conduct, Scouts explore the values that guide Scouting. They also learn the Scouts BSA sign, salute, handshake, motto, and slogan.
A visit to a Scouts BSA troop gives Scouts a glimpse of what comes next. Together, these activities build confidence, strengthen character, and prepare them for the transition to Scouts BSA.
Requirements for the Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure
Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure Requirements
- Demonstrate the patrol method by choosing a Patrol name and electing a patrol leader. Discuss the benefits of using the patrol method.
- Get to know members of your patrol.
- Recite the Scout Oath and Scout Law with your patrol.
- With your patrol create a Code of Conduct.
- Demonstrate the Scout sign, Scout salute and Scout handshake used by Scouts BSA. Show how each are used.
- Learn the Scouts BSA slogan and motto.
- With your patrol, or with your parent/legal guardian, visit a Scouts BSA troop.
- 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.”
Printable requirements for the Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure
Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den's progress on the Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure
Printable checkoff sheet for the Arrow of Light Rank (for den or individual use)
Resources for the Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure
Arrow of Light Bobcat Den Meeting Plan
The Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure helps Scouts prepare for Scouts BSA by learning teamwork, leadership, and important traditions. In this 90-minute den meeting, Scouts will choose a patrol name, elect a patrol leader, and create a Code of Conduct. They will also practice the Scout Oath and Law, learn the Scout sign, salute, and handshake, and understand the Scouts BSA motto and slogan.
Fun activities like the Scout Sign Relay, Scout Law Skits, and a Good Turn Brainstorm keep learning exciting. If visiting a Scouts BSA troop, older Scouts can lead parts of the meeting. A snack and closing discussion help Scouts reflect on what they learned. This meeting builds confidence and helps Scouts get ready for their next adventure!
More Ways to Complete the Requirements
Requirement 1: Build the Patrol
Demonstrate the patrol method by choosing a Patrol name and electing a patrol leader. Discuss the benefits of using the patrol method.
Give Scouts ownership by letting them suggest patrol names and choose their leader through a simple vote. Briefly discuss how small teams make it easier to share ideas, divide tasks, and help one another.
Easy Option: Write three patrol names on a board, let Scouts vote, and then hold a quick patrol leader election. See Patrol Elections.
More resources:
Requirement 2: Get to Know One Another
Get to know members of your patrol.
Use a relaxed activity that helps Scouts discover shared interests and remember each other’s names. Keep the questions light, and make sure every Scout has a chance to participate.
Easy Option: Go around the circle and have each Scout share their name, favorite food, and favorite outdoor activity.
More options:
- Beach Ball Questions: Cub Scouts get to know each other using a beach ball.
- Compliment Circle: Cub Scouts share compliments about each other.
- Patrol Flag Arrow of Light: Cub Scouts create a patrol flag.
Requirement 3: Explore the Scout Oath and Law
Recite the Scout Oath and Scout Law with your patrol.
Help Scouts connect the words of the Scout Oath and Law to choices they make at home, at school, and in their patrol. Focus on understanding the ideas instead of perfect memorization.
Easy Option: Recite the Oath and Law together, then ask each Scout to choose one point of the Scout Law and give a real-life example.
Understand the Scout Oath
The Scout Oath has three main points:
- Duty to God and Country: This means respecting and following the laws of your country and your religious or spiritual beliefs.
- Duty to Other People: This involves helping others, being kind, and doing good things for your community and family.
- Duty to Yourself: Keep yourself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. This means taking care of your body and mind, and making good choices.
Understand the Scout Law
Learn what each of the 12 points means. Here they are:
- Trustworthy: Be honest and keep promises.
- Loyal: Be faithful to friends, family, and group members.
- Helpful: Volunteer to help others without expecting a reward.
- Friendly: Be a friend to all and a brother or sister to other Scouts.
- Courteous: Be polite to everyone and always use good manners.
- Kind: Treat others as you want to be treated.
- Obedient: Follow the rules of your family, school, and troop.
- Cheerful: Look for the bright side of life and make others happy.
- Thrifty: Use resources wisely and be careful with money.
- Brave: Face difficult situations even when you feel afraid.
- Clean: Keep your body and mind fit and clean.
- Reverent: Respect the beliefs of others and be faithful in your religious duties.
More resources:
- Recite the Oath and Law Arrow of Light: Learn and reinforce the Scout Oath and the Scout Law by reciting it with your patrol.
- Learn more about the Scout Oath here.
- Learn more about the Scout Law here.
Requirement 4: Code of Conduct
With your patrol create a Code of Conduct.
Guide the patrol in choosing a few clear expectations that will help everyone feel respected, included, and safe. Keep the list short so Scouts can remember and follow it.
Easy Option: Ask each Scout to suggest one rule, combine similar ideas, and write the final five rules on a poster for everyone to sign. See Patrol Code of Conduct.
Requirement 5: Practice Scout Traditions
Demonstrate the Scout sign, Scout salute and Scout handshake used by Scouts BSA. Show how each are used.
Demonstrate each Scout hand signal slowly and explain when it is used. Give every Scout an opportunity to practice, offering friendly corrections when needed.
Easy Option: Teach the sign, salute, and handshake one at a time, then have Scouts practice them with a partner. See Scouts BSA Sign, Salute, and Handshake.
Requirement 6: Understand the Motto and Slogan
Learn the Scouts BSA slogan and motto.
Use everyday examples to show how “Be Prepared” and “Do a Good Turn Daily” apply beyond Scout meetings. Invite Scouts to suggest simple ways they can practice both ideas during the coming week.
Easy Option: Have each Scout name one way to prepare for school and one helpful act they can do at home. See Scouts BSA Slogan & Motto.
Requirement 7: Experience a Scouts BSA Troop
With your patrol, or with your parent/legal guardian, visit a Scouts BSA troop.
Arrange a visit that allows Scouts to observe older youth leading activities, working in patrols, and running their meeting. Prepare Scouts beforehand with a few things to watch for and questions they might ask.
Easy Option: Attend one regular troop meeting and end the visit with a short question-and-answer session with the troop’s youth leaders.
Some more ideas:
- Scouts BSA Troop Daytime Activity: Cub Scouts attend a daytime activity with a local Scouts BSA troop.
- Scouts BSA Troop Meeting Scavenger Hunt: During a visit with a Scouts BSA troop, Cub Scouts look for key elements and experiences of the troop meeting.
- Scouts BSA Troop Overnight: Cub Scouts attend an overnight activity with a local Scouts BSA troop.
Requirement 8: Complete the Parent Guide Activities
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.”
Remind families that this requirement is completed privately at home with a parent or legal guardian. Provide the booklet or link, set a clear deadline, and follow up only to confirm completion.
Easy Option: Email the guide to families with a due date and ask a parent or guardian to notify you when the activities are finished. See How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure
What is the Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure?
It’s the first adventure for Cub Scouts for the Arrow of Light year. It helps them learn important skills like leadership and the Scout Oath.
Who should participate in the Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure?
All AOL Scouts should participate. It’s a great way for new and returning Scouts to start their Arrow of Light year.
What are the key things Scouts learn in this adventure?
Scouts learn the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and how to work as a team using the patrol method. They also start to understand the basics of Scouts BSA.
How long does the Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure usually take to complete?
The time can vary, but most dens complete the adventure in a couple of meetings, depending on how often they meet and the length of each meeting.
What should a den leader prepare for this adventure?
Den leaders should have a copy of the adventure requirements, materials for the activities like the Code of Conduct, and arrange a visit to a Scouts BSA troop.
Can parents help with the Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure?
Yes, parents are encouraged to participate, especially in activities like discussing child abuse prevention and visiting Scouts BSA troops.
What does ‘demonstrate the patrol method’ mean?
It means working in small groups, choosing a patrol name, and electing a leader. This teaches Scouts how to cooperate and make group decisions.
What happens if a Scout joins late in the year?
Late joiners to the Arrow of Light program still do the Arrow of Light Bobcat adventure first. Den leaders should review the Arrow of Light Bobcat requirements with them separately or integrate them into the den’s activities as needed.
Lighting the Path to Scouting Success
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.
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