Career Arrows

What are Career Arrows?

Career Arrows are a popular tradition. Arrows are marked to show the major achievements in a boy's Cub Scout career. The arrows are then presented during the Arrow of Light/Webelos Graduation ceremony.

What do the markings mean?

There are many packs that prepare career arrows and probably just as many different methods for marking. Some use a sparse system while others have markings for every event. Pack 95 marks arrows to show rank advancements, arrow points, activity pins, religious awards, and Summertime awards. This mix makes for an attractive arrow that is not cluttered.

The career marks start at the feathers and move towards the point.

The Scouts also receive a laminated card explaining the markings.    

How to make the Career Arrows

Before you start to make your arrows there are three decisions you need to make...

Where do you get the shafts?

Check with your local archery outfitter. You don't need the best shafts. In fact, they don't even have to be perfectly straight. You can make good looking arrows from slightly warped shafts and might even get them free. Start looking for arrows well in advance and be sure to get extras. You can also buy ceremonial arrows online at places like Vince's Arrows or from people like Butch White (who makes primitive/American Indian arrows with napped stone points and self-nocks).

What are the shafts going to look like?

Some like to paint their arrows yellow with two blue and one yellow feathers, if possible with a blue plastic nock. Others prefer a rustic, native American look. You can use rounded target points, flint arrow heads, or plastic arrowheads that look like knapped flint. Just don't use a sharp hunting point!

How do I figure out where to put the markings?

Most often the markings on the arrow are spaced evenly along the shaft. The easiest way to do this is probably to first print out multiple copies of the "Markings Template" image attached to the bottom of this page (you may need to resize things as the printing is done to get the markings to the correct size). Once this is done you can cut out the portions you need for each individual scout, visually lay them out evenly on a piece of paper the length of the arrow shaft and tape them in place. This will give you a template to follow for each scout when painting his arrow. Make sure to write the name of each scout on the template as you do this.

How are you going to make the bands?

The bands can be added with chart tape, wound thread, or paint. The tape is easy to use and looks good but has a big disadvantage. After time the tape can come unstuck and peel off. Paint is more durable and looks great. Enamel paint covers well, but acrylic dries much faster and is easier to work with. Using a brush takes a steady hand, but can be done. One good alternative is to use paint sticks. These are like magic markers but contain enamel paint instead of ink. You can find a variety of colors at your local discount store. Look in the model car and airplane section, the handicraft area, paint supplies, and the automotive area. You can also find them in hobby shops and so forth. The most useful ones have a chisel tip instead of a point. With the chisel tip you can turn it one way for a narrow line or turn it the other for a wider line.

How do I put the paint on the arrow?

The easiest way is to rotate the arrow. One option is to use some scrap wood to throw together a holder for a variable speed drill. The tip can be chucked into the drill and there can be a felt covered sliding support for the other end. With the drill set on slow speed it is easy to make the bands.

First paint on the basic colors for rank badges, arrow points, and activity pins. I start with the Tiger Cub colors near the feathers and working up to the Arrow of Light near the tip. Then I set the arrow aside to dry while work on the others. After the paint has dried I set it up again and add the end colors to the rank badge markings.

You can also get a very good description here.

Two additional hints.

One, it really helps to have a list of boys and awards in order. Two, write the boy's name on a piece of tape and put it on the nock so the arrows don't get mixed up.

Example Presentation Ceremony

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: One piece of rope about 3 feet long for each boy.

Cubmaster:

(To the Webelos 2s) Second year Webelos, please come up and tie the end of your rope to the boys' rope to your right to form a circle.

(To all) This circle represents the circle of brotherhood, which is Scouting. Will the first year Webelos Scouts of the Dragon den please come forward and stand inside the circle. (Webelos 1s duck under the rope).

(To the Webelos 2s) Congratulations second year Webelos, you have now completed your journey in our pack. Before you leave our Pack and crossover to Boy Scouts, we have for each of you a token of our well wishes and love. These are career arrows made especially by your den leader (or parents) that show your achievements during your years in Pack 95.

Den leader:

We've made a personalized arrow for each scout with special markings indicating each of their major achievements - the ranks they've attained, the arrowpoints they've earned, the Webelos activities they've complete, their Summertime awards, and their Religious Emblems.

(To the Tiger scouts)  We would like the help of our youngest scouts, the Tigers, in distributing the arrows. Tigers, please come up, get an arrow, and walk around showing it to everybody.

(To the Tiger scouts) Tigers  - please return to your places, with your arrow.

(To the Webelos 2s) Webelos, we hope you will hang these arrows in your room to remind you of the good times you have had in Pack 95 and all that you have accomplished.

Cubmaster:

(To the Webelos 2s) We will be calling each of you, in turn, to come up and accept your arrow. As we call your name, please hand the rope to the first year Webelos across from you and come accept your arrow.

(Each Tiger scout, in turn, brings an arrow to the Cubmaster and returns to his place. The Cubmaster calls the name, presents the arrow, and the Webelos 2 stands to the side. Repeated for each arrow.)

Cubmaster:

(To the Webelos 1s) First year Webelos, when the second year Webelos cross over to Boy Scouts, you will then be the oldest boys in our Pack ... the youth leaders of our organization. May you serve our pack well! Please return to your places.

(Webelos 1s give the rope to their den leader and return to their places).

(The Webelos 2s may return to their places or stay in preparation for their crossover to Boy Scouts).