Arrow Of Light

WHEN AKELA WAS A CUB SCOUT

CUBMASTER: Tonight we are recognizing ________ Webelos Scouts from our pack who have earned the Arrow of Light award, the highest in Cub Scouting. They bring honor not only to themselves but to our pack as well. Let's go back and review the Cub Scout trail over which these boys have traveled. Will the Arrow of Light candidates please come forward?

When these Webelos first joined our pack, they learned the meaning of the Cub Scout colors. Blue stands for truth and spirituality, steadfast loyalty, and the sky above. (Light blue candle). Gold stands for warm sunlight, good cheer, and happiness. (Light gold candle) When the two are joined together only then do we have the Spirit of Scouting. (Light white candle from both blue and gold) We all know that the Cub Scout advancement follows the life story of Akela, an Indian brave of the mythical Webelos tribe. As we follow the Cub Scout trail, we follow in the footsteps of Akela and, like Akela, Learn many things so that someday we, too, may become brave Scouts. The first thing that Akela had to learn was the Law of the Pack. (Light first red candle to audience left with white candle.)

When Akela was of Bobcat age, he was taken on short trips into the forest by his

father. Here among the great trees and streams he became acquainted with the

animals. From the Wolf he learned the Language of the ground, the tracks, and the ways to food. Much the same as Akela, our Cub Scouts worked and Learned and

received the rank of Wolf. (Light 2nd red candle).

Later, Akela learned from the big kindly bear the secret names of trees and from other friends, the calls of birds and the language of the air. Just as Akela learned new things that required a little more skill, so too, do our Cub Scouts earn their Bear badges. (Light 3rd red candle).

From his father, Arrow of Light, Akela learned the speech and calls of the Webelos tribe. After Akela had learned the ways of the Wolf and the Bear, he was admitted into the lower ranks of the young braves. Thus, he became a Webelos Scout. He had to work very hard to keep up with the young braves because they were very skillful and there were many new areas of learning. So, too did our Webelos learn new skills. But, most important, they began to learn more about the ways of the Scout. Only after passing the required achievements did they earn their Webelos Badge.... Here we should stop and think of the inner meaning of the word Webelos. It means "We'll be loyal Scouts". Loyal to our country, our home, and to God. (Light 3 white candles - 1 for each preceding loyalty).

Now, as we look back down our Cub Scout trail, we see how bright the pathway is, Bright because you Cub Scouts have helped make it so. You light the pathway through Cub Scouting by doing your best, and giving good will.

The ultimate dream of Akela, to become a brave Scout, was very close now but there were many tests to be passed and he worked even harder than before to achieve that dream. Our Webelos, too, worked very hard. They began to learn the laws of the Scouts, some of their skills, and participated in many of their activities. They have reached the end of the Cub Scout trail and have found that it is not and end at all, but only a beginning leading onward and upward to the great brotherhood of Scouting, a new adventure. (Light 4th red candle).

The Arrow of Light has a special meaning. It is a sun over an arrow with seven rays - one for each day of the week. They remind you to do your best every day as you follow the arrow that leads to Scouting. By earning and wearing the Arrow of Light award, you show Cubs and Scouts that your are ready to be a Scout. Because your parents have helped you along the path, they deserve your thanks for their help. As I call your name, will you please step forward, with your parents, so we can present you with your award.......