Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure for 2024

The Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure marks the beginning of the Cub Scout year for AOL Scouts. This first adventure sets the tone for a fun and engaging scouting experience. By focusing on character and leadership, it helps scouts understand the importance of these qualities from an early age. The activities are designed to be interactive, making learning both effective and enjoyable.

Throughout this adventure, AOL Scouts start by choosing a patrol name and a leader, which introduces them to the patrol method. This method teaches them about teamwork and the value of working together. Such experiences are crucial as they prepare scouts for their future roles in Scouts BSA. The process of electing a leader and working together also strengthens their decision-making and leadership skills.

The Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure also emphasizes the Scout Oath and Scout Law, which are central to the development of good character. Reciting these with their patrol helps reinforce their commitment to these principles. Developing a Code of Conduct with their peers further deepens their understanding of what it means to be responsible and respectful individuals.

Visiting a Scouts BSA troop and learning about the Scouts BSA sign, salute, and handshake give AOL Scouts a glimpse of what lies ahead in their scouting journey. These activities not only teach them about the traditions of scouting but also build excitement and anticipation for their advancement to the next level. This adventure, therefore, is not just about meeting requirements, but about inspiring a lifelong commitment to the values taught in Scouting.

Requirements for the Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure

Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure Requirements

1. Demonstrate the patrol method by choosing a Patrol name and electing a patrol leader. Discuss the benefits of using the patrol method.   
2. Get to know members of your patrol.
3. Recite the Scout Oath and Scout Law with your patrol.  
4. With your patrol create a Code of Conduct. 
5. Demonstrate the Scout sign, Scout salute and Scout handshake used by Scouts BSA.  Show how each are used. 
6. Learn the Scouts BSA slogan and motto.
7. With your patrol, or with your parent/legal guardian, visit a Scouts BSA troop. 
8. 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.” 

Resources for the Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure

The Patrol Method

Demonstrate the patrol method by choosing a Patrol name and electing a patrol leader. Discuss the benefits of using the patrol method.   

To start this requirement for the Arrow of Light Bobcat adventure, gather your AOL Scouts and explain the patrol method. Tell them that a patrol is a small group of Scouts who work together. Here’s a simple way to help your Scouts with this requirement:

• Choosing a Patrol Name: Let the Scouts suggest names. Then, vote to pick one. This makes it fun and gives everyone a say.
• Electing a Patrol Leader: Teach the Scouts about the role of a patrol leader. Have Scouts who want to be leader tell the group why they should be chosen. Vote to elect the leader. This teaches leadership and decision-making.
• Discussing the Benefits: Talk with the Scouts about why the patrol method is useful. Explain how working in small groups can help them make friends and get things done more easily. Tell them it prepares them for bigger roles in Scouts BSA.

Read more about the patrol method here.

Keep the discussions light and engaging. Encourage everyone to participate and share their ideas. This Arrow of Light Bobcat activity is not just about choosing a name and a leader; it’s about learning to work together as a team.

Here is an option for fulfilling Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure requirement 1:

• Patrol Elections
  • Cub Scouts choose a patrol name and elect a patrol leader. 
  • Supplies: paper, pencils
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Get to Know the Patrol

Get to know members of your patrol.

Helping AOL Scouts get to know each other for Arrow of Light Bobcat requirement 2 builds teamwork and friendship. Here are some simple activities to use:

• Memory Game: Each Scout says their name and a favorite thing (like an animal, color, or food). The next Scout must repeat the previous Scouts’ names and favorites, adding their own.
• Two Truths and a Lie: Each Scout tells two true things about themselves and one false thing. The rest of the group guesses which one is the lie. This game is good for laughter and learning about each other.
• Group Interviews: Pair up Scouts and have them ask each other basic questions like their favorite food, sport, or book. Then, each Scout introduces their partner to the rest of the patrol with what they learned.
• Would You Rather: Play a game of Would You Rather with choices that reveal preferences and personalities. Print some questions here.

Here are some options for fulfilling Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure requirement 2:

• Beach Ball Questions
  • Cub Scouts get to know each other using a beach ball. 
  • Supplies: beach ball, black marker
  • indoor, moderate energy, 1 to 3 days prep
• Compliment Circle
  • Cub Scouts share compliments about each other. 
  • Supplies: none
  • indoor, very low energy, minimal prep
• Patrol Flag Arrow of Light
  • Cub Scouts create a patrol flag. 
  • Supplies: dowels, concrete mix, water, aluminum foil, paint bucket, sandpaper, felt, patrol patch, twine, teacup hook, assorted sharpies, scissors, fabric glue, table covers, yardstick
  • indoor, low energy, 3 to 5 days prep

These Arrow of Light Bobcat activities should be done in a relaxed and fun way. Encourage the Scouts to be open and respectful. This will help them feel more comfortable with each other.

The Scout Oath and Law

Recite the Scout Oath and Scout Law with your patrol.

Teaching AOL Scouts to recite the Scout Oath and Scout Law is important for Arrow of Light Bobcat requirement 3.

Here are simple ways to make this learning effective and memorable:

• Oath and Law Echo: Divide the Scouts into two groups. One group says a line of the Oath or Law, and the other group echoes it back. This reinforces learning through repetition and listening.
• Create Hand Signs: Develop hand signs or gestures for each part of the Oath and Law. This visual aid can help Scouts remember the words.
• Scout Law Skits: Have Scouts create short skits or role-plays that demonstrate each point of the Scout Law. This helps them understand and remember what each point means.
• Scout Oath Relay: Set up a relay race where Scouts run to a station, recite a line of the Oath, and run back. Combine physical activity with learning to make it more engaging.

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

• Recite the Oath and Law Arrow of Light
  • Learn and reinforce the Scout Oath and the Scout Law by reciting it with your patrol.
  • Supplies: Arrow of Light handbook
  • indoor, very low energy, minimal prep

These Arrow of Light Bobcat activities will not only help Scouts memorize the Scout Oath and Law for the Arrow of Light Bobcat adventure, but also understand and appreciate their meanings. Make sure to encourage them and give positive feedback as they learn.

Code of Conduct

With your patrol create a Code of Conduct.

Creating a Code of Conduct for Arrow of Light Bobcat requirement 4 teaches the Scouts about rules and respect. Here’s a simple way to guide them through this requirement:

1. Discussion: Start by explaining what a Code of Conduct is — a set of rules that everyone agrees to follow. Ask the Scouts why it might be important to have one.
2. Brainstorming: Have each Scout suggest one rule they think should be included. Write all the suggestions on a board or paper. Here are some examples:
   • Respect Everyone: Treat all patrol members and leaders with respect at all times.
   • Listen When Others Speak: Do not interrupt; everyone should have a chance to speak and be heard.
   • Be Punctual: Arrive on time for meetings and activities.
   • Participate Actively: Join in activities and discussions.
   • Follow Directions: Listen to and follow the instructions from the den leader or any adult volunteers.
   • Keep Promises: Be reliable, do what you say you will do.
   • Help Others: Offer to help your fellow Scouts and leaders without being asked.
   • Stay Safe: Follow safety rules during all activities.
   • Take Care of Gear and Environment: Respect all property, and clean up after meetings and events.
   • Be Honest: Always tell the truth and be fair in all you do.

3. Group Decisions: Discuss each suggested rule as a group. Decide together which rules are the most important and should be included. This teaches compromise and decision-making.
4. Finalize and Commit: Once you have agreed on the rules, write them down clearly. Have all Scouts sign the document to show they agree to follow the rules. This makes it official and gives them a sense of responsibility.
5. Review Regularly: In future meetings, briefly review the Code of Conduct to remind the Scouts of their commitments and discuss any changes that might be needed.

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

• Patrol Code of Conduct
  • Cub Scouts will be invested in their conduct when they help create their code of conduct. 
  • Supplies: posterboard, markers
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

This activity for the Arrow of Light Bobcat adventure helps Scouts learn the value of rules and respect for each other, which are important parts of being in a Scout group.

Scout Sign, Salute, and Handshake

Demonstrate the Scout sign, Scout salute and Scout handshake used by Scouts BSA.  Show how each are used.

Teaching AOL Scouts the Scouts BSA sign, salute, and handshake is important for their transition to Scouts BSA. Here’s how to guide them effectively in this requirement for Arrow of Light Bobcat:

Scouts BSA Sign

Show the Scouts how to make the sign by raising their right hand level with the shoulder, elbow bent, and forming the Scout sign with their first three fingers together and the thumb holding down the pinkie. Explain that the sign is used when saying the Scout Oath or Scout Law. It is also used as an indication that it is time to pay attention and listen.

Scouts BSA Salute

Teach them to salute by using the same hand position as the sign, but bringing their index finger to the brim of their forehead when wearing a cap, or to their eyebrow if not. Tell them the salute is used to show respect to the flag during ceremonies like the Pledge of Allegiance.

Scouts BSA Handshake

Explain that the proper handshake in Scouts BSA is done with the left hand. Demonstrate by extending your left hand to another person and firmly grasping their left hand. The left hand, the one nearest to your heart, symbolizes friendship and respect. Explain that this handshake is used when meeting other Scouts or when receiving awards.

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

• Scouts BSA Sign, Salute, and Handshake
  • Cub Scouts learn the Scouts BSA sign, salute, and handshake and how each is used.
  • Supplies: six index cards, pens or markers
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Practice these with the Scouts several times during your meeting. Make sure each Scout demonstrates each sign, salute, and handshake correctly. Praise them for their efforts to make the learning positive and engaging.

Scout Motto and Slogan

Learn the Scouts BSA slogan and motto.

Teaching AOL Scouts the Scouts BSA slogan and motto for the Arrow of Light Bobcat adventure helps instill important values. Here’s how you can make this learning effective:

• Explain the Motto: Start with the Scouts BSA motto, “Be Prepared.” Explain that it means being ready in mind and body for anything that comes your way. Discuss examples of being prepared at home, at school, and in Scouting.
• Discuss the Slogan: Move on to the Scouts BSA slogan, “Do a Good Turn Daily.” Explain that this means helping others without expecting anything in return. Encourage Scouts to share ideas or examples of good deeds they can do every day.
• Role-Playing: Have Scouts act out scenarios where they need to “Be Prepared” or where they “Do a Good Turn Daily”. This active engagement can help solidify the concepts in their minds.
• Challenge: Challenge each Scout to come up with one way they can “Be Prepared” and one good turn they could do the following week. At your next meeting, have Scouts share what they did and how it felt.

Keep the discussions light and interactive to encourage participation and understanding. This not only helps Scouts memorize the motto and slogan but also helps them understand the importance of these principles in their daily lives.

Here is an option for fulfilling Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure requirement 6:

• Scouts BSA Slogan & Motto
  • Cub Scouts learn the Scouts BSA slogan and motto and how to use them. 
  • Supplies: none
  • indoor, very low energy, minimal prep

Visit a Scouts BSA Troop

With your patrol, or with your parent/legal guardian, visit a Scouts BSA troop.

Visiting a Scouts BSA troop is a great way for AOL Scouts to see what awaits them in Scouts BSA. Here’s a simple guide on how to organize this visit for the Arrow of Light Bobcat adventure:

1. Choose a Troop: Pick a local Scouts BSA troop to visit. You can contact the troop leader to arrange a good time for your visit.
2. Prepare Scouts: Before the visit, talk to your Scouts about what to expect. Explain that they will see how a troop meeting is run and what older Scouts do.
3. Attend a Meeting: During the troop visit, encourage your Scouts to observe and ask questions. They can watch troop activities and see different leadership roles in action.
4. Meet and Greet: Arrange for your Scouts to meet some of the troop members and leaders. This interaction can help them feel more comfortable and excited about joining Scouts BSA.
5. Discuss the Visit: After the visit, have a discussion with your Scouts. Ask them what they learned and how they felt about the experience. This helps reinforce the visit’s value and address any concerns they might have.

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

• Scouts BSA Troop Daytime Activity
  • Cub Scouts attend a daytime activity with a local Scouts BSA troop. 
  • Supplies: Activity Consent Form, Cub Scout Six Essentials, any other supplies requested by troop
  • requires travel, high energy, a week or more prep
• 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. 
  • Supplies: Activity Consent Form, paper, pencils, Scouts BSA Troop Scavenger Hunt worksheet
  • requires travel, high energy, a week or more prep

• Scouts BSA Troop Overnight
  • Cub Scouts attend an overnight activity with a local Scouts BSA troop. 
  • Supplies: Activity Consent Form, Scout basic essentials, any other supplies requested by troop
  • requires travel, high energy, a week or more prep

A troop visit can be an inspiring experience, giving AOL Scouts a glimpse into their future scouting adventures and helping them transition smoothly into Scouts BSA.

Parent’s Guide

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.”

For this Arrow of Light Bobcat requirement, AOL Scouts need to work on activities from the booklet “How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide” with a parent or legal guardian at home. Here’s how den leaders can support and encourage this:

1. Provide the Booklet: Make sure each family has a copy of the booklet or direct them to this online copy. Explain its importance and what it covers.
2. Encourage Participation: At a den meeting, talk to parents about the importance of completing this activity with their child. Stress how it helps protect and educate their children.
3. Set a Deadline: Give a clear deadline by when the activities should be completed. This helps ensure that families remember to do it.
4. Offer Support: Let parents know they can reach out to you if they have questions or need help understanding the activities.
5. Follow Up: After the deadline, check in with families to ensure they have completed the activities. Ask if they found the information useful and if there are any follow-up questions.

Here is an option for fulfilling Arrow of Light Bobcat Adventure requirement 8:

Encouraging parents to actively participate in this Arrow of Light Bobcat activity at home is crucial for educating Scouts about safety and prevention in a sensitive manner.

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.

Review Age Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities before camping.

When camping:

• Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) training is required for a pack overnighter. At least one registered adult leader present must complete BALOO training, which includes an online prerequisite and an overnight hands-on practical session. This training covers Cub Scout-level camping policies and tools for a successful camping experience. Check with your local council for upcoming BALOO training dates.
• Complete the online “Hazardous Weather” training module on my.scouting. If you have already completed den leader, Cubmaster, or pack committee chair training online, you have done this module.
• Watch the Weather Related Safety Moment video.
• Review the Guide to Safe Scouting for camping.
• If building a campfire, review Behavior Around Campfires.
• When camping with a Scouts BSA troop, Arrow of Light scouts must follow camping rules for Arrow of Light Scouts.

More information

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.