For the final year scouts continue to work on requirements for the Arrow of Light Award (the highest award in Cub Scouting) which prepares a scout for Scouts BSA.  The Arrow of Light is normally awarded in February at the Blue & Gold Banquet.  So all adventures should really be complete by the Dec. timeframe of the prior year.

During this year scouts & their parents will visit at least one Scouts BSA Troop to determine which one they might like to join.  Scouts BSA troops have different meeting nights, different meeting places,  different types of activities that they do, etc…  It is important for each scout to pick a troop that matches their interests, and for a scout to pick a troop that feels “right” for them.

The Arrow of Light Rank is earned after completing the required AOL Adventures, at least one Elective Adventure, Cyberchip, and How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide.

The Duty to God Required Adventure, Cyberchip, and the How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide are done at home with parents. Attendance at Den meetings will complete the required adventures and at least one elective.

Click on “Links – AOL Rank” to view the requirements to earn the Arrow of Light Rank.

For AOL Leaders:

While not required, it is suggested that multiple Troop visits be scheduled, starting as early in the year as possible. Ask the Cubmaster or Committee Chair for contacts at local Troops. You can search for nearby troops at beascout.scouting.org. Some suggestions/Troops where scouts have gone in the past are: Troop 1857 out of Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church, Troop 629 out of Mt. Pisgah UMC, and Troop 143 out of Johns Creek UMC

A meeting in January/early February should include an activity to create a centerpiece for the Annual Blue & Gold ceremony (typically held in late February). The Den with the “best” centerpiece gets a pizza party from the Pack.

In December/January, the Den Leader should talk with each family to determine who will cross over to a Troop, and who will end their scouting experience after Blue & Gold. The Den Leader should also order arrows to be given out to each scout at the Blue and Gold Banquet (see this page for more info about arrows)

Click on “Links – The MacScouter’s Big Book of Skits“ to view over 400 skits.