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Top 10 Arrow of Light Ceremonies for Cub Scouts

Many packs hold a special Arrow of Light ceremony to honor Scouts who have earned Cub Scout's highest rank.  Check out the top 10 Arrow of Light ceremonies.

Cub Scout Arrow of Light Ceremony

Arrow of Light ceremonies are a great way to honor your Cub Scouts when they complete the requirements to earn the highest rank in Cub Scouting. The Arrow of Light is also the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Scouts BSA uniform. The requirements to earn the rank can be found here.

Often, packs will hold a special ceremony to honor the Cub Scouts who have earned their Arrow of Light rank. These may include presenting the Cub Scout with a plaque and a ceremonial arrow that has colored stripes depicting their Cub Scouting career.

You can find many Arrow of Light ceremonies by searching online. To make it a bit easier for you, I've compiled my top 10 list for you.

Want to print these? Keep scrolling to the bottom for instructions on how to download a pdf with all them included!

A few things to note:

  1. I didn't write these Arrow of Light ceremonies. For most of them, we don't know who originally wrote them, but a huge thank you goes out to them.
  2. Although the Arrow of Light has always been a rank, many people (myself included) have referred to it as an award. But in the 2016 Cub Scout program, it works much more like a rank, albeit the highest rank. If a ceremony referred to it as an award, I've changed the wording to “rank.”
  3. Because the original author is unknown for many of these, I am crediting the website where I first found the ceremony. If there is someone else who deserves the credit, let me know, and I'll be glad to change it.
  4. Some of the original ceremonies included a Crossover part. Because I wrote a separate post for Crossover ceremonies, I removed those parts.
  5. I modified some of the ceremonies.
  6. The correct placement for the Arrow of Light patch is below the left pocket. Pinning it to the left pocket flap should only be done during the ceremony. The patch should be sewn on the uniform in the proper position after the ceremony.

If your favorite ceremony includes presenting a ceremonial or career arrow, consider purchasing one from Vince's Arrows! His arrows are great! You can read my full review here.  

vince's cub scout arrows
I love these arrows. They're handmade by an Eagle Scout!

You may want to add colorful stripes to the Arrow of Light career arrow. Here are my recommendations for the Arrow of Light arrow striping.

Now, on to the Arrow of Light ceremonies!

Arrow of Light Advancement Ceremony Using All Ranks

This ceremony is credited to “Unknown Scouter.” I found it on a now deleted website.

PERSONNEL NEEDED:

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

  • A large reproduction of each of the five badges of rank, fastened to standards or held by each Scout
  • Arrow of Light badges
  • Arrow of Light certificates, if used
  • Arrow of Light plaques, if used
  • Arrow of Light ceremonial or career arrows, if used
  • Safety pins

ARRANGEMENT:

Arrow of Light recipients and their parents are at the front of the room or on stage with the Cubmaster and the Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelos Scouts

CUBMASTER:  The highest rank in Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light. You may ask, How does a Scout reach this high goal? Well, let the Cub Scouts speak for themselves. First, a Tiger, (name).

TIGER:  I am a Tiger Cub Scout, a new member of the pack. I am learning the Scout Oath and the Scout Law and working on my Tiger adventures.

CUBMASTER:  Next, (name), a Wolf.

WOLF:  I am a Wolf Cub Scout. I have worked on Cub Scout adventures in the Wolf book. I am having lots of fun in my den and pack and with my whole family as I earn my Wolf badge.

CUBMASTER: A Bear, (name).

BEAR: I am a Bear Cub Scout. I have been working on the Bear adventures with my den and my parents to earn my Bear badge.

CUBMASTER: Next, (name), a Webelos.

WEBELOS:  As a Webelos Scout, I am learning skills that will help me when I become a Scout BSA.

CUBMASTER: To the parents of each of these Webelos Scouts who have earned the rank of Arrow of Light, I take great pride in presenting the Arrow of Light badge for you to present to your son, so that he may wear it on his Webelos Scout uniform.

The Arrow of Light Award is worn centered on the flap of his left shirt pocket – and later on his Scouts BSA uniform. (Presents badges.) Wear them proudly, Webelos Scouts, wear them well!  (Allow time for parents to pin badge on uniform)

(If using) These (certificates, plaques, arrows) are evidence of the honor you have received. (Presents awards)

Congratulations!

Arrow of Light Ceremony, Native American Style

This ceremony is also credited to “Unknown Scouter.”  It was on the same archived website as the first ceremony.

PERSONNEL NEEDED:

  • Akela (Cubmaster)
  • Webelos den leader
  • Light switch operator
  • Tom-tom beater
  • Arrow of Light recipients
  • Parents of AoL recipients

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

  • Large  Arrow of Light symbol
  • Simple candle board containing a blue, a white, and a yellow candle
  • Native American costume for Akela
  • Tom-tom
  • Arrow of Light badges
  • Arrow of Light certificates, if used
  • Arrow of Light plaques, if used
  • Arrow of Light ceremonial or career arrows, if used
  • Safety pins

ARRANGEMENT:

The pack sits in a semicircle, criss-cross style. Parents sit behind their sons. The Arrow of Light rank symbol is mounted as a background to the candle board.

WEBELOS DEN LEADER:  Tonight we honor those Webelos Scouts who have completed the requirements for the Arrow of Light, the highest rank in Cub Scouting.

Will the following Webelos Scouts come forward with their parents?

(Announces Arrow of Light candidates, then lights the blue candle, as the room lights are dimmed or turned off. The tom-tom beats offstage. Akela, the Cubmaster, appears in Native American costume and stands partly facing the pack and the Arrow of Light candidates.)

AKELA:  Many moons ago, these braves joined the Webelos tribe to enjoy the fun and adventures of the Cub Scout trail. To become a Webelos Scout, each Scout had to fulfill certain requirements. You Cub Scouts have learned to follow Akela, which means the leadership of your Cubmaster, parents, teachers, Webelos den leader, or others who are striving to help you become good citizens. Now you have earned the Arrow of Light rank. All these people have guided you along the Scouting trail.

(Points to the candles)  The blue candle represents your experiences as Cub Scouts.

(Webelos den leader lights the white and yellow candles when Akela names them)  The white one reveals a bright new trail ahead filled with many thrilling Scouts BSA experiences. The yellow candle is to remind you that a little work, along with good hearty fun, can produce rich rewards.

I am pleased to present this Arrow of Light badge and plaque (if used) to you with the help of your parents. (Presents badge to the parents. The Webelos den leader hands them a safety pin, which one parent uses to pin the award to the left pocket flap of the Scout's shirt.  Webelos den leader or Akela presents the plaques to the Scout, if used)

Good luck as you enter Scouts BSA. Keep advancing, and remember that a good Scout makes a good citizen.

fancy aol plaque
I LOVE all the detail on this Arrow of Light plaque!

The Twin Archers

This is the third ceremony from the archived website. Again, it is credited to “Unknown Scouter.”

I love this ceremony! But, I am not sure that BSA would approve it because of the real arrows. The original skit called for the archers to be Cub Scouts, and I know that isn't allowed since this is not a district or council event. I've changed the skit so that adults are the archers.

Consider using rubber tipped arrows similar to this set. It might not be as impressive as real arrows, but it will be much safer.

PERSONNEL NEEDED:

  • Akela (Cubmaster)
  • Medicine man (could be Webelos den leader)
  • Two adult archers
  • Arrow of Light recipients
  • Parents of AoL recipients

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

  • An archery target, 3 to 4 feet in diameter
  • Candelabra with five lighted candles representing the ranks of Cub Scouting
  • Bow and arrows for each archer
  • Arrow of Light badges
  • Arrow of Light certificates, if used
  • Arrow of Light plaques, if used
  • Arrow of Light ceremonial or career arrows, if used
  • Safety pins

ARRANGEMENT:

The target is set up at the rear of the stage or at the back of the room, no more than 10 feet away and in such a position that no person can pass behind it. The candelabra is at the front.

AKELA: Medicine Man, I understand there are those among us tonight who have earned the Arrow of Light rank. Present them to this pack for proper recognition.

MEDICINE MAN:  Will the following Webelos Scouts come forward? Please bring your parents with you. (As each Arrow of Light recipient's name is called, he and his parents come forward.)

AKELA: You Webelos Scouts have fulfilled all requirements for the Arrow of Light rank. This is your last step in Cub Scouting before entering Scouts BSA. You have already visited a Scouts BSA troop and have talked to the Scoutmaster.

Before you are the burning candles that represent each rank of Cub Scouting. May it always be said of you, as a brave of the Webelos tribe, that you reach the top of any ladder of achievement set before you. You will soon go into Scouts BSA, and there you will be tested again. May you ever be successful. Will you always do your best?

ARROW of LIGHT RECIPIENTS: We will.

AKELA:  I now ask that two archers come forward. As each Webelos Scout's name is called, an archer will shoot from a strong bow an Arrow of Light, signifying the highest rank that this tribe can bestow on one of its worthy braves. (Archers come forward.)

Will the Webelos Scouts and their parents form a living circle? (Akela may coach parents.) As the Arrow of Light speeds to its target may you remember that the spirit of Cub Scouting and of Scouts BSA are one and the same. The spirit of the entire Scouting movement is one of service, high ideals, and fellowship.

(At this point the name of each candidate is announced slowly and with dignity by the Medicine Man, who pauses after each name until an arrow is shot. The archers retrieve their arrows and stand near Akela.)

To you parents, I give the Arrow of Light badge which you will present to your son. The badge may be worn on his uniform now, centered on the flap of his left shirt pocket, and on his Scouts BSA uniform later. (Presents badges.)

(If you aren't presenting arrows or plaques, skip this section) It is an honor for me to recognize you Webelos Scouts and to present you with these arrows (or plaques). You may hang your arrow in your room to remind you of the good times we have had together in Pack [number]. (Presents arrows. The archers may assist, if necessary.)

We know that you will become worthy members of your Scouts BSA troop. Scouts BSA will be a grand adventure for each of you.

Good luck!

Arrow of Light Cutout

This fourth ceremony is also from the archived website where it is credited to “Unknown Scouter.”

PERSONNEL NEEDED:

  • Akela (Cubmaster or Webelos den leader)
  • Arrow of Light recipients
  • Parents of AoL recipients
  • Light switch operator

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

  • Arrow of Light cutout with electric light
  • Arrow of Light badges
  • Arrow of Light certificates, if used
  • Arrow of Light plaques, if used
  • Arrow of Light ceremonial or career arrows, if used
  • Safety pins

ARRANGEMENT:

The Arrow of Light cutout draws attention to center stage. It is made by cutting out the Arrow of Light from the side of a large cardboard box and pasting tissue paper behind the cutout section. A light bulb is inserted in the box. (Be careful that the bulb does not come in contact with the sides of the box.) After the Arrow of Light recipient and his parents are on stage, the house lights are dimmed or turned off.

AKELA: Tonight we honor the Webelos Scouts who have completed the requirements for Cub Scouting's highest rank, the Arrow of Light.

Will Webelos Scouts (call each Scout's name) and his parents come to the front? (Scout and parents go to the front)

You have been faithful members of our Webelos den. Soon you will graduate from Cub Scouting. You have learned the Scouts BSA requirements and visited the Scouts BSA troop of your choice. Tonight, you receive the Arrow of Light rank. Within a short time, you will be eligible to enter Scouts BSA.

You were guided in your progress through Cub Scouting's ranks by the Arrow of Light (points to it), which is this emblem. Let this Arrow of Light continue to light your way as you move onward and upward along the Scouting trail.

It is now our pleasure to present to you the Arrow of Light badge, which you may wear on the flap of your left shirt pocket of your Webelos Scout uniform. Later, you may wear it on your Scouts BSA uniform.

Because your parents came up through the ranks of Cub Scouting with you, I will hand the badge to them and ask them, in turn, to present it to you. (Pause while this is carried out.)

Now, I congratulate you for the fine work you have done in Cub Scouting and extend the best wishes of the entire pack to you and your parents as you continue up the Scouting trail into Scouts BSA.

(If you aren't presenting arrows or plaques, skip this section) It is an honor for me to recognize you Webelos Scouts and to present you with these arrows (or plaques). Use this (arrow or plaque) to remind you of the good times we have had together in Pack [number]. (Presents arrows or plaques)

Top of the Mountain

The fifth ceremony is also from the archived website where it is credited to “Unknown Scouter.”

The ceremony is based on the story, “Climbing the Mountain” by Ernest Thompson Seton.

PERSONNEL NEEDED:

  • Akela (Cubmaster or Webelos den leader)
  • Arrow of Light recipients
  • Parents of AoL recipients

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

  • Arrow of Light badges
  • Arrow of Light certificates, if used
  • Arrow of Light plaques, if used
  • Arrow of Light ceremonial or career arrows, if used
  • Safety pins

ARRANGEMENT:

Arrow of Light recipients and their parents are at the front of the room (or on stage) with Akela.

AKELA:  Tonight, we have the honor of presenting the Arrow of Light rank to [number] members of this pack. But before I present these ranks, let me take a moment to relate an appropriate story.

Afar in our dry southwestern country was an Indian village, behind which a high mountain towered above the desert. It was considered a great feat to climb this mountain, so all the young braves of the village were eager to attempt it.

One day, the chief said, “Now, Scouts, you may all go today and try to climb the mountain. Start right after breakfast, and go as far as you can. Then when you are tired, come back; but each of you must bring me a twig from the place where you turned.”

Away they all went, full of hope, each feeling that they surely could reach the top. Soon the first Scout came slowly back, puffing and sweating. They stood before the chief, and in their hand, they held a piece of cactus. The chief smiled and said, “My child, you barely got started.”

“You did not reach the mountain, you did not even cross the desert. I like to think this Scout is like a new Bobcat; they have just barely started.”

An hour later the second Scout returned. He carried a twig of sagebrush. “Well,” said the chief, “You reached the foot of the mountain, but you did not start the climb.” This Scout is like the Cub Scout who has earned their Tiger badge; they have progressed on their journey but has not really started his climb.

After another hour, the third Scout came back. They held out a cottonwood spray. “Good,” said the chief, “You got as far as the springs.” This might represent the Cub Scout who has reached the next level of their climb and received their Wolf badge.

A while later, another Scout came back with some cedar. The chief smiled when he saw it, and spoke, “Well done, my child, you went halfway up.” This is like the Cub Scout who has progressed halfway up the advancement trail and earned their Bear badge.

Later in the afternoon, the next Scout returned carrying a branch of pine. To that Scout, the chief said, “Good, you went to the third level. You made three-quarters of the climb. Keep on trying. Next year, you will undoubtedly reach the top.” The Cub Scout who has earned their Webelos badge has reached the three-quarter mark and is in sight of the top.

The sun was low when the last Scout returned. He was a tall, splendid chil of noble character. He approached the chief and held up his hand. It was empty. But he was radiant as he spoke. “My father, there were no trees where I went. I saw no twigs, no living thing upon the peak. But far and away I saw other mountain peaks and beyond them the shining sea.”

Now the old chief's face glowed as he said, “I knew it! I knew it when I looked upon your face. You have reached the top. It is written in your eyes and it rings in your voice. My child, you need no twigs for token, you have seen the glory of the mountain.”

The brave who reached the top is like the Cub Scout who has reached the top – the Arrow of Light rank. But, beyond the top are the peaks of the Scouts BSA program that must be met and climbed to reach the shining sea of adulthood. I would like now to call forward [names) and present them their Arrow of Light badge.

Because your parents helped you on your climb, I will hand the badge to them and ask them, in turn, to present it to you. (Pause while this is carried out.)

(If you aren't presenting arrows or plaques, skip this section) It is an honor for me to recognize you Webelos Scouts and to present you with these arrows (or plaques). Use this (arrow or plaque) to remind you of the good times we have had together in Pack [number]. (Presents arrows or plaques)

arrow of light certificate picture frame
A framed AoL certificate is a great alternative to a plaque.

We'll Be Loyal Scouts

The last ceremony from the archived website also credits “Unknown Scouter” as the author.

PERSONNEL NEEDED:

  • Cubmaster
  • Arrow of Light recipients
  • Parents of AoL recipients
  • Webelos den leader
  • Webelos den chief

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

  • Arrow of Light badges
  • Arrow of Light certificates, if used
  • Arrow of Light plaques, if used
  • Arrow of Light ceremonial or career arrows, if used
  • Safety pins

CUBMASTER:  Tonight, we are assembled to honor those Webelos Scouts who have earned the Arrow of Light rank. Webelos has a wonderful meaning – We'll be Loyal Scouts. The Arrow of Light is the highest rank a Cub Scout can reach. So, it is an honor tonight to present the Arrow of Light rank to these Webelos Scouts. We are striving to make it possible for every Cub Scout to attain this rank before he leaves the pack to go into Scouts BSA. These Webelos Scouts have brought honor to the Webelos tribe. They have diligently climbed the Cub Scouting trail. They are now ready to go on to a bigger adventure in the great brotherhood of Scouting.

Webelos Den Chief [name], will you escort [names of Arrow of Light recipients] and their parents to the front? Parents, please stand behind your son.

(Pause until everyone is at the front.)

Webelos Den Leader [name], you have had much to do with the progress of these Webelos Scouts. Do you think them worthy of the Webelos tribe?

WEBELOS DEN LEADER: We consider them worthy.

CUBMASTER: Den Chief, are they worthy?

DEN CHIEF: They are.

CUBMASTER:  Parents, you have played the most important part in developing the character of these candidates. One of the greatest purposes of Cub Scouting is to develop comradeship between parents and sons. As you have worked together, your Webelos Scouts have learned to do things, to be useful and to appreciate you. To you should go the honor of presenting your sons their badges. Our Webelos den leader will give the awards to you for presentation to your sons. Will the candidates face their parents? (Webelos den leader presents badge and safety pins to parents. The parents then pin the awards on their Scouts and congratulate them.)

(If you aren't presenting arrows or plaques, skip this section) It is an honor for me to present to these Webelos Scouts arrows (or plaques). Use this (arrow or plaque) to remind you of the good times we have had together in Pack [number]. (Presents arrows or plaques)

Akela Arrow of Light Ceremony

This ceremony is courtesy of Boy Scout Trail.  You will need a real campfire or a faux campfire similar to this one.

PERSONNEL NEEDED:

  • Cubmaster
  • Arrow of Light recipients
  • Parents of AoL recipients
  • Light switch operator (optional)
  • Tom-tom beater (optional)

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

  • 3 arrows: green, red, yellow
  • Large Arrow of Light symbol on stand
  • Campfire
  • Drums or recording of slow drum beat

ARRANGEMENT:

Arrow of Light recipients and their parents stand near Akela.  Lay the 3 arrows on the floor or on the ground by the campfire (if used).

CUBMASTER: Tonight, we have the special privilege of witnessing the presentation of the highest rank in Cub Scouting, the Arrow of Light.

(Lights are turned out, if indoors.  The drummer, if you have one, plays a slow drumbeat.)

CUBMASTER:  I, Akela, have heard the drums speak. I now call to the council fire, the following scouts and their parents (call names).

(Scouts and parents come forward.)

CUBMASTER:  Gather around this campfire so that the others may look upon you. I, Akela, have heard of your great achievements and have brought for you the reward of your deeds. Look upon the symbol that stands beside you. (Point to the Arrow of Light symbol)

CUBMASTER:  Before you lie the symbols placed here by your leaders. I, Akela, say to you Webelos Scout [one name], pick up the green arrow. Bring it back to your fellow Webelos Scouts. All of you Scouts as a single tribe, hold the green arrow with your left hand and give the Scout Sign.

This green arrow represents perseverance and dedication to personal growth. Do you promise to continue to follow the trail of the Eagle, wherever it may lead you?  If you do, say, “I promise”.

WEBELOS:  I promise.

CUBMASTER: Webelos Scout [one name], retrieve the red arrow and have your fellow scouts hold it along with the green arrow.

This red arrow represents the courage it takes to live the Scout Oath in your life.  Give the Scout Sign. Do you promise to live the Scout Oath?

WEBELOS:  I promise.

CUBMASTER: Now, Webelos Scout [one name], retrieve the yellow arrow so all of the Webelos can hold it.

This yellow arrow represents the light and brightness that a true Scout brings to the world by obeying the Scout Law. Give the Scout Sign. Do you promise to be forever trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent?

WEBELOS:  I promise.

CUBMASTER:  This bundle of three arrows resembles the Scout sign. Like your three outstretched fingers, it stands for the three parts of the Scout Oath. Your hands holding the arrows together are like your thumb and little finger that, when brought together, stand for the bond that ties all Scouts together. Now you are ready to receive the highest rank in Cub Scouting, the Arrow of Light.

(Cubmaster retrieves bundle of arrows from scouts and sets it aside)

CUBMASTER: Before you stands the Arrow of Light. Within the tepee of many braves, this symbol has an honored place. Its shaft is straight and narrow – just as the path that you should follow throughout your life.

Its tip points the way – the way to success in all that you do. It is pointing to the right – a symbol that nothing should be left undone; if it is within your power to do it, see that it is done.

And lastly, the symbol of the seven rays of the sun – one for each day of the week to remind you that every day is a new day, a day to do your best in everything. A day to honor your God and your country, to do your Good Turn, a new chance to follow the Scout Law and to remember these words: ON MY HONOR.

Now, Webelos Den Leader [name] will hand to the parents the Arrow of Light badge so they can pin it on their scout.

(Optional)  Next, the Scouts will pin upon their mom or dad the miniature Arrow of Light, and give them a big hug for all their help.

Now that you have received the Arrow of Light, let its light shine forth from you. Promise now to set an example for others to follow in your footsteps, set your eye on the Eagle and never waiver. Do you promise?

WEBELOS: I promise.

CUBMASTER: I, Akela, declare that you are now full-fledged Arrow of Light holders.  Pack, stand and join me in a roaring congratulations!

Scouting Circle of Brotherhood

This ceremony comes to us from MacScouter.  I like this ceremony because the Scouts can share some of their Cub Scout experiences.

PERSONNEL NEEDED:

  • Cubmaster
  • Webelos den leader
  • Arrow of Light recipients
  • Parents of AoL recipients

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

  • One 3 foot length of rope for each Cub Scout
  • Arrow of Light badges
  • Arrow of Light certificates, if used
  • Arrow of Light plaques, if used
  • Arrow of Light ceremonial or career arrows, if used
  • Safety pins

ARRANGEMENT:

The Cubmaster and Webelos Den Leader are in front for the presentation of the award.

CUBMASTER: Will the following Cub Scouts and their parents please join their Den Leader and me?

(Announce names of scouts receiving the Arrow of Light and give them time to join the Cubmaster.  They should stand to the side.)

CUBMASTER: Our Cub Scouts are guided to Cub Scouting's highest rank by the Arrow of Light. The seven rays of the Arrow of Light represent wisdom, courage, self-control, justice, faith, hope, and love.

(The Webelos Den Leader leads each scout one by one with his parents to the Cubmaster.)

WEBELOS DEN LEADER: (Scout's name) has earned his Arrow of Light.

(Cubmaster welcomes each Scout with a Cub Scout handshake.)

CUBMASTER: The Arrow of Light is important. It's the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Scouts BSA uniform. But, more important than the badge itself is what you have learned, the work you have done to help others and the fun you have had earning it.

(Hand the badges and pins to the parents.)

CUBMASTER: Please pin the Arrow of Light on your son's uniform.

(Allow time for parents to do so.)

CUBMASTER: The parents may now be seated.

(Hand a length of rope to each Scout.)

WEBELOS DEN LEADER:  (name), can you tell me a memorable event or activity you participated in as a Cub Scout, or do you have some advice for the younger scouts?

(After each Scout replies, tie her rope to the rope of the Scout before her. The first Scout will tie his rope to the last Scout's rope to make a circle. The Arrow of Light Webelos should be standing on the outside of it.)

CUBMASTER: This circle represents the circle of brotherhood which is Scouting.

Congratulations!  Webelos, you have now completed your journey to the Arrow of Light. As you continue on your journey toward Scout BSA, strive to serve as the shining example that your Arrow of Light represents. Good luck to you!

Eagle Feather

Eagle Feather is part of a Ceremonies Book compiled by Ellen DeVilbiss.

PERSONNEL NEEDED:

  • Akela (Cubmaster)
  • Webelos den leader
  • Arrow of Light recipients
  • Parents of AoL recipients

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

  • “Eagle” Feather with Arrow of Light badges attached
  • Drum
  • Akela Costume for Cubmaster to wear (optional)
  • Arrow of Light certificates, if used
  • Arrow of Light plaques, if used
  • Arrow of Light ceremonial or career arrows, if used
  • Safety pins

ARRANGEMENT:

The Webelos Den Leader is in front for the presentation of the badge.

WEBELOS LEADER:  Tonight, we have our Arrow of Light presentation. The Arrow of Light is the highest rank a Cub Scout can achieve and is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Scouts BSA uniform.

Will the Arrow of Light recipients and their parents please come forward? (Read names)

To help with this presentation, we would like to call on the great chief Akela, chief of all the Webelos. But before I can call the great chief we must have complete silence. Let's give this great man the respect he deserves. (When the room is silent, beat the drum to bring in chief.)

AKELA: Why have I been summoned?

WEBELOS LEADER: Chief Akela, (read names) are ready to receive the Arrow of Light rank. Do we have your approval to present this rank?

AKELA: Do they have Scout spirit?

WEBELOS LEADER: Yes.

AKELA: (to Scouts) Raise your right hand in the Cub Scout sign and repeat the Scout Oath for all of those present tonight.

SCOUTS: (Repeat the Oath.)

AKELA:  Do you plan on living up to the points of the Scout Law?

SCOUTS:  Yes, we do.

CUBMASTER:  You have battled the Bobcat, trapped the Tiger, outsmarted the wise Wolf and wrestled the great Bear. You have passed the trials of strength to join the mighty Webelos tribe. You have climbed the great mountain and reached into the sky to grasp the Arrow of Light.

This is one of the feathers you will wear in your war bonnet as you continue to climb higher until you are worthy to soar with the Eagle. (Present feather with badge attached to the Scouts)

Scouts, please give the badge to your parents. Parents, pin this badge on your son. It is an honor to have you as members of the Arrow of Light tribe. Be proud of your accomplishments.

(Pause until all badges are pinned on)

WEBELOS LEADER: Please remain silent while the chief leaves us. (Drum beats softly while chief exits.)

Arrow of Light Charge

The final ceremony came from MacScouter.

PERSONNEL NEEDED:

  • Akela (Cubmaster)
  • Webelos den leader
  • Arrow of Light recipients
  • Parents of AoL recipients

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

  • Arrow for each recipient
  • Drum
  • Akela Costume (optional)
  • Arrow of Light certificates, if used
  • Arrow of Light plaques, if used
  • Arrow of Light ceremonial or career arrows, if used
  • Safety pins

ARRANGEMENT:

The Webelos Den Leader is in front for the presentation of the badge.

CUBMASTER:  In Scouts BSA, when an Eagle Court of Honor is held, a charge or challenge is made to the new Eagle Scout. It is now my privilege to administer a similar charge to you. You have achieved the highest rank in Cub Scouts, the Arrow of Light.

I charge each of you to continue to live by the ideals you have learned in Cub Scouts, especially the Cub Scout motto: “Do Your Best!”

I charge each of you to look at the Arrow of Light badge and think about what it represents.

The sun sheds its light on all that we do. This is a reminder that you should be a light for those around you.

The seven rays of the sun represent the seven great virtues of life.

The first virtue is wisdom–not necessarily great knowledge, but rather the ability to use the knowledge you already possess.

The second is courage–not simply face danger without fear, but to face it in spite of that fear.

The third virtue is self-control–temperance in all things; sleeping, eating, hate and conceit.

The fourth is justice–dealing fairly with all people in all things regardless of race, color, or creed.

The fifth is faith–knowing that something is true despite the fact that it remains unproven by physical evidence.

The sixth is hope–the ability to expect things with confidence that they will happen.

The seventh virtue is love–love of self, family, friends, country, and God.

The arrow is symbolic of everything that is straight and true.  Just as you should be straight and true in your lives.

I challenge each of you to follow where that Arrow of Light points:
Forward on the Scouts BSA trail.
Upward to higher challenges.

I charge each of you to soar to the great heights of an Eagle, just as this arrow will fly straight to its target.

Now as a symbol of your achievement, I give to each of you this arrow.

Congratulations and good luck. Parents, guests, and Cub Scouts of Pack ___, would you please join me in applause for these Scouts who have earned their Arrow of Light, the highest rank in Cub Scouting.

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What other Arrow of Light ceremonies have you used in your packs?  Leave a comment and let everyone know!

Yours in Scouting,
Sherry

P.S.  Don't forget to check out my 7 favorite Cub Scout Crossover ceremonies!

Laura

Saturday 20th of January 2024

Would love to find an Arrow of Light Ceremony suitable for both those going on into Scouts BSA and those who will not be continuing.

How to Add Stripes to Arrow of Light Arrows - Cub Scout Ideas

Wednesday 29th of December 2021

[…] Here are my favorite Arrow of Light ceremonies.  Click on over and check out the different […]

Paul

Monday 31st of May 2021

I need a ceremony for a youth who who did not complete the AOL badge and is not moving to Scouts. He was our only kid in that age and the whole pack only has 5 kids. I want to honor him for effort and to recognize his Journey. I'm going to cut and past from several of these as best as I can. Can anyone point me to a more appropriate ceremony. Maybe some last speech to spur him to begin a trail to Eagle.

My 7 Favorite Cub Scout Crossover Ceremonies ~ Cub Scout Ideas

Wednesday 5th of February 2020

[…] ceremonies are a way for the pack to say goodbye and for the troop to welcome them.  Just like the Arrow of Light ceremonies, you can find a plethora of crossover ceremonies online.  While I was researching this post, I […]

Candace

Monday 26th of February 2018

Do you have a post of ceremonies for other ranks? All of our Cubs have worked very hard to complete the rank for their age level and I would love to honor that with a nice (but simple) ceremony and I am having trouble finding things, especially including our Lions.