ARROW OF LIGHT RANK ADVANCEMENT
Ready for What Comes Next
Arrow of Light Scouts take on their most advanced Cub Scout adventures while preparing for the transition to Scouts BSA. Fifth-grade Scouts build leadership, outdoor skills, confidence, and independence through experiences that introduce the patrol method, troop life, camping, service, and other skills they’ll use in the next stage of Scouting.
To earn the Arrow of Light rank, Scouts complete six required adventures and at least two elective adventures.
Quick Advancement Snapshot
Here’s what your Arrow of Light Scout will complete on the journey toward earning Cub Scouting’s highest rank.
Fifth Grade
Designed for Cub Scouts in first grade.
6 Required Adventures
Complete all six required Bear adventures.
2 Elective Adventures
Choose and complete at least two elective adventures.
Prepare for Scouts BSA
Build leadership, camping, patrol, and outdoor skills for the next Scouting adventure.
LEARN MORE
Resources for Den Leaders & Families
Use these resources to plan adventures, prepare meetings, and help Scouts make a successful transition from Cub Scouting to Scouts BSA.
Official Arrow of Light Resources
Explore Arrow of Light requirements, adventures, activities, and official resources from Scouting America.
Den Leader Resources
Find planning tools, meeting resources, safety information, and helpful guidance for leading an Arrow of Light patrol.
Scouts BSA Transition Resources
Find guidance to help Arrow of Light Scouts visit troops, understand the patrol method, and prepare for the move into Scouts BSA.
Required Adventures
Every Arrow of Light Scout completes six required adventures. These experiences strengthen character, fitness, citizenship, safety awareness, family values, and outdoor skills while preparing Scouts for the expectations and traditions of Scouts BSA.
Bobcat Arrow of Light
Character & Leadership
Learn the patrol method, practice Scouts BSA traditions, build teamwork, and visit a Scouts BSA troop while preparing for the next stage of Scouting.
Personal Fitness
Personal Fitness
Set goals, track progress, and build healthy habits while learning how fitness supports physical and mental well-being.
Citizenship
Citizenship
Plan and participate in service while learning how active citizenship and community involvement are part of being a Scout.
Duty to God
Family & Reverence
Reflect on faith, values, family traditions, and the principles that help guide personal character and decision-making.
First Aid
Personal Safety
Develop practical first-aid knowledge and emergency-response skills that prepare Scouts to help themselves and others safely.
Outdoor Adventurer
Outdoors
Plan and participate in a campout while learning the Scout Basic Essentials, campsite setup, safe food handling, Leave No Trace, and other skills that prepare Scouts for troop camping.
Choose Your Elective Adventures
Arrow of Light Scouts complete at least two elective adventures to earn the rank. Explore the options below and choose adventures that match your Scout’s interests while building skills for future Scouting experiences.
Champions for Nature AOL
Cycling
Engineer
Estimations
Fishing
High Tech Outdoors
Into the Wild
Into the Woods
Knife Safety
Paddle Craft
Race Time AOL
Summertime Fun AOL
Swimming
Elective Adventures at Council & District Events
Some Arrow of Light elective adventures are available only through approved Council and District events with qualified instructors. Scouts may have opportunities to complete Archery Arrow of Light, Slingshot, and BB Guns at eligible events and camp programs.
Archery
BB Gun
Slingshot
Celebrate Every Adventure
As Arrow of Light Scouts complete adventures, their progress is recognized along the way. Each completed adventure strengthens the skills, leadership, and confidence they’ll carry into Scouts BSA.
1. Complete the Adventure
Arrow of Light Scouts complete adventure requirements with their patrol, family, and leaders while taking greater responsibility for their own progress.
2. Earn Recognition
For each completed adventure, Arrow of Light Scouts can receive an adventure pin to wear on their Adventure Colors or hat.
3. Earn the Arrow of Light
After completing all six required adventures and at least two electives, Scouts earn the Arrow of Light badge of rank and are ready for the transition to Scouts BSA.