This Arrow of Light adventure will provide Scouts with an introduction to the next step on their Scouting journey, Scout skills, and Scout spirit. Webelos Scouts will attend a troop meeting and accompany a troop on a campout or an outdoor activity.

• Identifying the key differences between a den/pack and a patrol/troop

• Demonstrating the patrol method

• Making the transition from the pack to a troop seamless

• Attending a troop campout or troop outdoor-oriented activity

• Developing Scout skills for rope care and knot tying

• Developing Scout skills of pocketknife usage, safety rules, and care

• Getting excited about the joining a troop

• A Scout is loyal, obedient.

Complete the following requirements.

1. Prepare yourself to join a troop by completing at least A-C below:

A. Repeat from memory the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan. In your own words, explain their meanings to your den leader, parent, or guardian.

B. Explain what Scout spirit is. Describe for your den leader, parent, or guardian some ways you have shown Scout spirit by conducting yourself according to the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan.

C. Give the Scout sign, salute, and handshake. Explain when to use each.

D. Describe the First Class Scout badge, and tell what each part stands for. Explain the significance of the First Class Scout badge.

E. Repeat from memory the Pledge of Allegiance. In your own words, explain its meaning.

2. Visit a troop meeting with your parent or guardian and, if possible, your den members and leaders. After the meeting, do the following:

A. Describe how the Scouts in the troop provide its leadership. B. Describe the four steps of Scout advancement.

C. Describe ranks in Scouting and how they are earned.

D. Describe what merit badges are and how they are earned.

3. Practice the patrol method in your den for one month by doing the following:

A. Explain the patrol method. Describe the types of patrols that might be part of a troop.

B. Hold an election to choose the patrol leader.

C. Develop a patrol name and emblem (if your den does not already have one), as well as a patrol flag and yell. Explain how a patrol name, emblem, flag, and yell create patrol spirit.

D. As a patrol, make plans to participate in a troop’s campout or other outdoor activity.

4. With your Webelos den leader, parent, or guardian, participate in a troop’s campout or other outdoor activity. Use the patrol method while on the outing.

5. Do the following:

A. Show how to tie a square knot, two half hitches, and a taut-line hitch. Explain how each knot is used.

B. Show the proper care of a rope by learning how to whip and fuse the ends of different kinds of rope.

6. Demonstrate your knowledge of the pocketknife safety rules and the pocketknife pledge. If you have not already done so, earn your Whittling Chip card.

Please review all the den meeting plans and resources for the Scouting Adventure prior to beginning. Note that there are two options for outings involved in this adventure. The visit and the outing do not need to be with the same troop.

After reading about how a Scout troop works in the adventure in the handbook, contact a local Scout troop to arrange a date and time for the Webelos Scout den and their parents or guardians to attend one of the troop’s meetings. This should be with a troop that the members of your den plan on joining; however, any Webelos den may participate with any troop as long as it does not conflict with the policies of either unit’s chartered organization. Your Webelos Scout pack’s chartered organization may also sponsor a troop and can provide contact information, or you can check with your local council service center for troops in your area. Your Cubmaster and your unit commissioner may also be able to provide points of contact. Troops often advertise during monthly roundtable meetings their interest in hosting visiting Webelos Scouts. The beascout.org website is another source of points of contact for local Scout troops.

Provide the Scoutmaster and/or assistant Scoutmaster of the troop you will visit the Scoutmaster Checklist found in the Meeting 1 Resources. Discuss how they can help the Webelos Scouts complete requirements 2, 3, 4, and 5 when the Webelos Scouts attend the troop meeting. It would be ideal if the instruction and guidance could be provided by Scouts in the troop to demonstrate the role of youth as leaders, teachers, and mentors.

You will also need to work with a troop’s Scoutmaster and/or assistant Scoutmaster to attend a campout or an outdoor-oriented activity with that troop, such as Scouting for Food or a service project activity. While attending a campout or outdoor activity is required, Webelos Scouts and their parent or guardian are not required to spend the night. Confirm the outing plan with families, including transportation and any additional items they need to bring. Make sure activity consent forms are distributed, signed, and collected.

If the den does participate in a campout, there must be at least one adult present who is currently trained in Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation. Follow all Youth Protection policies, including tenting and bathroom/shower use.

Webelos Scouts are tasked with practicing requirement 1 at home. Check that they are making progress on this requirement.

See the appendix for optional den meeting activities, including openings, gatherings, and closings.