Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure

Adventure Type: Elective
Number of Requirements: 5
Typical Time to Complete: 1–2 den meetings plus outdoor visit
Parent Involvement: Low to moderate
Preparation Needed: Moderate
Activity Level: Low to moderate
Indoor or Outdoor: Mostly outdoor, some indoor follow-up
Special Requirements: Visit an area with trees and plants, study one selected tree
Supplies Snapshot: Tree inventory sheet, pencils, clipboards, leaves or needles, tree identification resource

The Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure gets Scouts outside to take a closer look at trees and the wildlife that depends on them. Scouts choose one tree to study and use it throughout the adventure.

They learn whether their tree is deciduous or evergreen and whether it is native to their area. Scouts also explore how that type of tree responds to wildfire.

Along the way, Scouts discover how trees provide food, shelter, and other resources for wildlife. The adventure helps them see how one tree can be an important part of a larger ecosystem.

Printable requirements for the Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure

Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den's progress on the Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure

Printable checkoff sheet for the Arrow of Light Rank (for den or individual use)

Requirement 2: Look Closely at the Leaves

Determine if your tree is deciduous or evergreen.

Help Scouts use the leaves or needles from their chosen tree to figure out whether it is deciduous or evergreen. Focus on easy-to-see clues, such as broad leaves, needles, or whether the tree keeps its leaves through the year. A tree guide or identification resource can help when the answer is not obvious.

Easy Option: Try Leaf Rubbing. Scouts make a rubbing of a leaf or needles from their tree while looking closely at its shape and features.

More options:

• Leaf Snapshot: Cub Scouts photograph their leaf and enlarge the image to determine if it is deciduous or coniferous.
• Under the Microscope: Cub Scouts use a pocket microscope to examine their leaf.

Requirement 3: Find Out Where the Tree Comes From

Determine if your tree is native or was introduced to your area.

Once Scouts know what kind of tree they chose, help them find out whether it grows naturally in your area or was introduced. A local tree guide, nature center, park ranger, or reliable identification resource can make this much easier than trying to guess from appearance alone.

Easy Option: Use the Native, Introduced, Or Invasive activity. Scouts can use the tree information they already gathered to research where their tree belongs.

Requirement 4: Discover How the Tree Handles Fire

Find out how your tree deals with wildfire.

Trees respond to wildfire in different ways, so Scouts will need to learn about the specific type of tree they selected. Look for features such as thick bark, the ability to regrow after fire, or seeds that respond to heat. Keep the focus on how the tree survives or recovers rather than trying to cover wildfire science in detail.

Easy Option: Choose Forestry Visit if a local fire management officer, forester, or similar expert is available. Scouts can ask questions about wildfire and how different trees respond without leaders needing to prepare a fire demonstration.

Another idea:

• Burning Questions: Cub Scouts will observe how different types of wood burn with tree cookie samples.

Requirement 5: Look for Wildlife Connections

Learn how wildlife uses your tree.

Ask Scouts to think beyond animals they can see sitting in the tree. Birds, squirrels, insects, and other wildlife may use trees for food, shelter, nesting, protection, or breeding. Encourage Scouts to look for clues such as nests, holes, chewed leaves, bark damage, seeds, or nuts.

Easy Option: Use Trees As Habitats. Scouts can use the tree they already studied to identify ways wildlife may depend on it, making this an easy way to finish the adventure.

Tree Identification Resources:

•  Websites: What Tree is This, Interactive Tree Identification Key 
• Apps: PlantNet, LeafSnap, iNaturalist, and Seek

Seed Neckerchief Slide Craft: The base of the slide is a tree branch slice and the decorative elements are seeds. Makes a great craft to go with the Into the Woods adventure.

Rice Crispy Treat Trees Recipe: Make fun tree shaped treats as a snack for your Into the Woods meeting.

Tree Ring Worksheet: This worksheet provides a structured way to understand the complex anatomy of a tree’s trunk, as well as the significance of its growth rings.

Draw the Layers of the Forest: This printable introduces the concept of forest stratification by describing the different layers, from the canopy down to the forest floor.

The Arrow of Light Into the Woods Adventure invites Cub Scouts to explore the natural world by studying trees and their ecosystems. It is a chance for Scouts to connect with nature and understand the importance of trees in the environment. This adventure is designed for Arrow of Light Scouts, the final rank before transitioning to Scouts BSA.

Scouts start by visiting a natural area where they can find a variety of trees. They pick one tree to focus on and learn about its type, whether it’s deciduous or evergreen, and whether it’s native to the area or introduced. Scouts also explore how the tree responds to challenges like wildfire and what role it plays in supporting wildlife.

The Into the Woods adventure includes hands-on activities that help Scouts develop skills in observation and research. They learn to use resources like guidebooks and apps to identify trees and understand their characteristics. The knowledge gained from this adventure encourages respect for nature and teaches the importance of conservation.

This is not just about meeting badge requirements; it’s about fostering a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and learning how every part of an ecosystem is connected. It’s a fun and educational experience that leaves a lasting impact on young Scouts.