The Cub Scouts Arrow of Light den is for 5th grade children (typically 10–11 years old) who are in the final and highest rank of Cub Scouting before crossing over into Scouts BSA.

What Is the Arrow of Light Den?

• Grade Level: 5th Grade

• Age Range: Around 10–11 years old

• Rank: Arrow of Light (also called AOL) — the highest award in Cub Scouts

• Group: The Arrow of Light den is often combined with the Webelos den but focuses on preparing scouts for the transition to Scouts BSA

* Arrow of Light is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on a Scouts BSA uniform.

What Do Arrow of Light Scouts Do?

Arrow of Light builds on the Webelos year, but with more advanced leadership, outdoor skills, and Scouting knowledge.

To earn the Arrow of Light badge, a Scout must:

1. Be active in the den for at least 6 months since finishing Webelos

2. Complete 4 required adventures

3. Complete 1 elective adventure

4. Participate in a Scouting activity with a Scouts BSA troop

5. Understand the Scout Oath and Law

6. Complete the Youth Protection–Age Appropriate guidelines
   
   

Activities & Meetings

• More independent, scout-led activities

• Emphasis on:

  • Outdoor skills (fire building, tents, hiking, camping)

  • Leadership and teamwork

  • Preparing to join a Scouts BSA troop

• Scouts typically visit a troop and attend a troop meeting or outing
  
  

Family & Leader Roles

• Parents support from the sidelines

• The Den Leader guides scouts but encourages independent work

• Scouts may help plan parts of meetings and outings
  
  

What They Earn

• The prestigious Arrow of Light badge

  • Can be worn on their Scouts BSA uniform after they cross over

• Adventure pins for each completed adventure

• Recognition at the crossover ceremony
  
  

Why the Arrow of Light Is Important

It marks the transition from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA, and:

• Prepares scouts for the next level of outdoor challenges

• Teaches responsibility, character, and leadership

• Honors all the work done through earlier ranks
  
  

What Happens Next?

After earning the Arrow of Light, Scouts usually:

• Attend a crossover ceremony

• Officially join a Scouts BSA troop

• Begin working toward the Scout rank and eventually Eagle Scout