Arrow of Light Ceremonies

People Required:

• Cubmaster
• Asst. Cubmaster (Asst. CM)
• Den Leader and Asst. Den Leader (DL/ADL)

Props:

• One 3 foot length of rope for each Cub Scout
• Arrow of Light Awards (with tape affixed to the card the badge is on)

(The Cubmaster, Asst. CM, Den Leader and Asst. Den Leader are in front for the presentation of the award.)

Asst. CM: Will the following Cub Scouts and their parents please join their Den Leaders and I?

(List names of scouts receiving the Arrow of Light.)

Asst. CM: Our Cub Scouts are guided to Cub Scouting's highest rank by the Arrow of Light. The seven rays of the Arrow of Light represent wisdom, courage, self-control, justice, faith, hope, and love.

(The Den Leader/Asst. Den Leader lead each scout one by one with his parents to the Cubmaster.)

DL/ADL: (scout's name) has earned his Arrow of Light.

(Cubmaster & Asst. CM welcome each boy with a Cub Scout handshake.)

(Hand the card to which an Arrow of Light is taped, to the parent.)

Cubmaster: Please, place the Arrow of Light on your son's uniform.

(After all parents are done...)

Cubmaster:The parents may now be seated.

Asst. CM: (name) , can you tell me a memorable event or activity you participated in as a Cub Scout, or do you have some advice for the younger scouts?

(After each boy replies, tie his rope to the rope of the boy before him. The first boy will tie his rope to the last boy's rope to make a circle. The Arrow of Light Webelos should be standing on the outside of it.)

Cubmaster: This circle represents the circle of brotherhood which is Scouting. Will the first year Webelos please come to join us now?

Cubmaster: First year Webelos, please stand on the inside of the circle holding onto the rope.

Cubmaster: Congratulations! Second year Webelos, you have now completed your journey in our Pack. As you continue on your journey toward Boy Scouting, strive to serve as the shining example that your Arrow of Light represents. You may now return to your dens.

Cubmaster: 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 Pack. May you serve our Pack well in that rank. Good luck to you!

Pouch Ceremony for Arrow of Light Pow-Wow 96 CGE

"In addition to the Arrow of Light Award, you will also receive a special pouch your Akelas made for you with three items in it.

The first item is a pinch of soil to remind you from where you have come, it is the earth that supports all life. It is your parents who gave you life and it is the many Akelas in your life who have given you love, wisdom and the knowledge that you now possess.

The second gift in the pouch is a mixture of herbs and spices. It is to remind you of the powers you have within you. If you were asked to name the single most noticeable herb in the mixture, you might each give a different answer. Just as the strongest power within each person is different. Some will make their mark using their intelligence, others by using their hands, others by helping people, and others by using judgement and common sense.

The third gift in the pouch symbolizes the feather of an eagle. It symbolizes that which had been given to eagles since the time of our ancestors, and it is perhaps the most difficult to understand. Like freedom, the eagle had to soar and survey the land beneath him; so too will you have the freedom to choose the goals in your life and pursue them with eagle's courage. Know who you are, where your powers lie, and use them to achieve your goals. You are to soar with the eagles."

In addition, we had the older Webelos II hand down a large arrow to the younger Webelos I Den to pass down their leadership in the pack. The arrow was wall size to display in the den. The pouch this year was made of denim and I placed the dirt and herbs in separate snack size baggies. You certainly could embellish more with a leather pouch and wrapping the dirt and herbs in leaves, origami pouches, or wax paper tied with thongs.

-- Thanks to John Van Blarcom, Cubmaster, Den Leader, Pack 1776 Waldorf, MD

A Simple AOL Ceremony by Don Izard

It was a cermony where you have a large arrow, made from wood, like a 2x4, with seven candles. With a little more skill you could make it look more like the real ARROW of light, and add the arch/sun. You start in a almost dark room with ONLY the spirit candle burning, and read the explanation of the arrow of light, and the meaning of each of the seven rays.

I then would present an arrow to each webelos, with a attached feather that would have his name, and the date of the ceremony. The badge would go to his mom, to present to the scout, and the card to his dad, to present to the scout.

I recently saw an electric version of the arrow, with electric candles that we lit by some remote "magic".

I might add that you may be able to get some help from you local Order of the Arrow chapter to help present the arrows. It adds a nice touch to have the arrows presented by a scout in indian dress. Our chapter used to have a cermony all prepared.

OA Lodge 127 Arrow of Light Ceremony

Characters:	Dress:
Chief Akela	Double Trailer Warbonnet Long Breastplate Feather Flag
Medicine Man	Horned Bonnet Dream Catcher
Guide	Roach Bow
Guard	Roach Dear Antler Staff
Drummer	plain
Fire Keeper	plain
Cubmaster
Webelos Den Leader

Materials:

Fire wood
Water buckets
Arrow of Light Board
Paper
Torch fuel
Spirit of Scouting Candle
Arrows
Tiki torches
"Seven Rays" script
Candles
Fire extinguisher
Drum and beater
Matches
Leather pouch for awards
Shovel
Blanket

Drum starts to beat. Slow tempo. Chief Akela enters the ceremony area, positions himself behind the council fire and faces the audience with head bowed.

Medicine Man enters the ceremony area carrying a blanket. He places the blanket in front of the council fire and positions himself with his back to the blanket, facing the audience with his head bowed.

Guide enters the ceremony area and lights the Spirit of Scouting Candle by the Arrow of Light Board. He positions himself on the west side of the ceremony area, facing the audience with his head bowed.

Guard enters the ceremony area and positions himself on the east side of the ceremony area, facing the audience with his head bowed.

When all are in position with their heads bowed the drum will continue to beat for a short time. When the drum stops, all will raise their heads. The chief will start the four winds. The drum stops. Chief Akela: (raises the feather flag) I am the North Wind. People say I am cold, but to you I will always bring the warmest of winds because you have been true-blue Cub Scout and Webelos Scouts, and have always lived up to the Law of the Pack.

Medicine Man: (raises the dream catcher) I am the South Wind. I wish you good Scouting. Over hill and dale I have carried stories of you and your experiences. As Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts, you have been happy, game, fair and a credit to your Den and Pack.

Guard: (raises the deer antler staff) I am the East Wind. I wish you well. I have spread the story of your fun and happiness in Cub Scouting with Pack ____ and how you lived up to the Cub Scout Promise and were fair and helpful.

Guide: (raises the bow) I am the West Wind. I would like everyone present to know that these Webelos Scouts did not walk the Cub Scout Trail alone. Each had the wonderful help of his parents. Parents, continue to help your boys to go and grow.

Guard: Chief Akela, there are some among us worthy of the highest award in Cub Scouting, the Arrow of Light.

Chief Akela: (tilts the feather flag towards Guard) My brother, - seek them out that are worthy of this award and bring them before our council fire.

Guard: It shall be done Chief Akela.

Guard goes among the audience and finds the Webelos Scouts who are getting their Arrow of Light. He forms them into a line and tells them to follow him. The drum beats slowly.

Guard slowly leads the Webelos to the Guide. He stops when he is about two feet away. He raises his right hand in the Cub Scout sign. The drum stops.

Guard: Hakola.

Guide: Hakola. Who are these who follow the path of the arrow?

Guard: These are they who are worthy of the Arrow of Light.

Guide: Go forth, seek the arrow on the upward trail.

The drum starts to beat. Guard leads the Webelos to the Medicine Man. The drum stops.

Guard: Hakola.

Medicine Man: Hakola. Who are these who follow the path of the arrow?

Guard: These are they who are worthy of the Arrow of Light.

Medicine Man: Go forth, seek the arrow on the upward trail.

The drum starts to beat. Guard leads the Webelos to the Chief Akela. The drum stops.

Guard: Hakola.

Chief Akela: Hakola. Who are these who follow the path of the arrow?

Guard: These are they who are worthy of the Arrow of Light.

Chief Akela: Go forth, seek the arrow on the upward trail.

The drum starts to beat. Guard leads the Webelos to the blanket and tells them to stand facing Chief Akela. The drum stops.

Chief Akela: Webelos Scouts, listen to the story of the arrow.

Fire Keeper who is hidden from the audience, reads the story of the arrow.

The drum starts after the story of the arrow is finished.

The Medicine Man walks over to the Arrow of Light board.

When the Medicine Man is in position at the board, Guard leads the Webelos to the board and positions them facing it.

Guide walks over and positions himself behind the Webelos.

Guard walks to the side of the Arrow of Light board to read the meaning of the seven virtues. The drum stops.

Guard: The seven candles represent the rays in the Arrow of Light. As they are lighted, you will hear how they stand for the seven great virtues of life.

Medicine Man lights the first candle and says the name of the candle, while Guard recites the script for the seven virtues.

Medicine Man: Reads script for Seven Virtues from Staging Den and Pack Ceremonies.

When Guard has finished with all seven virtues he leads the Webelos back to the position in front of the blanket, facing the audience.

Guide and Medicine Man return to their places by the council fire.

Chief Akela tilts the feather flag towards Guard.

Chief Akela: My brother, go forth and seek out the parents of these Webelos Scouts and bring them before the council fire.

Guard goes out into the audience and finds the parents of the Webelos (Cubmaster/Webelos Den Leader job to set them up) and brings them forward, placing them behind their sons. Guard returns to his position.

Chief Akela then explains the Arrow of Light badge.

Chief Akela: The Arrow of Light Badge is the only Cub Scout Award that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform. It serves as a link between the two programs and points the way toward new adventure in Boy Scouting.

Chief Akela gives out the large Arrow of Light Badge to the mother.

Chief Akela: Will you pin on the Arrow of Light Badge on the left pocket flap of your son.

Chief Akela gives each Webelos a miniature Arrow of Light Pin.

Chief Akela: Here is a miniature Arrow of Light Pin for you to pin on your Mother. Do so now, if she is present.

Mothers, you should take pride in wearing the miniature Arrow of Light pin. It symbolizes not only your sons achievements, but that he has had your support during his time in Cub Scouting. He will need your continued support when he moves on to Boy Scouting.

Chief Akela then gives the cloth Arrow of Light Badge to the father.

Chief Akela: Here is your sons Arrow of Light Award, please present it to him now.

Chief Akela now gives each Webelos an arrow and shakes his right hand as a Cub Scout. Medicine Man helps pass out the arrows.

Chief Akela: These arrows have passed down from previous Arrow of Light recipients, so one day you may be asked to pass it on to Cub Scout who is about to receive their Arrow of Light.

Chief Akela and Medicine Man returns to their position after the arrows have been passed out. Chief Akela tilts the feather flag toward Guard.

Chief Akela: My brother, please escort these parents back to their seats.

Guard escorts parents to their seats and returns after they are all seated.

Chief Akela tilts the feather flag toward Guide.

Chief Akela: My brother, please escort these Arrow of Light recipients back to their seats. Guard escorts parents to their seats and returns after they are all seated.

The drum start to beat.

Guard slowly leaves the ceremony area.

Guide blows out the seven rays candles and slowly leaves the ceremony area.

Medicine Man folds the blanket and slowly leaves the ceremony area.

Chief Akela walks over to the Spirit of Scouting candle and carefully blows it out.

The drum stops.

Chief Akela: This ends your Arrow of Light ceremony.

Chief Akela picks up the Spirit of Scouting candle and slowly leaves the ceremony area.

Top of the Mountain

Equipment: Arrow of Light candlebra with seven candles of different colors (orange, light blue, red, light green, blue, yellow, and tan), large candle (any color) in holder for lighting other candles, Archery target, bow and seven arrows with streamers the same colors as the candles on the Arrow of Light candlebra, tom-tom, Indian costumes, piece of cactus, twig of sagebrush, cottonwood spray, cedar branch, pine branch, recognition arrow for each Arrow of Light candidate, Arrow of Light badges.

Participants: Seven younger cub scouts dressed as Indian braves, Akela, Cubmaster, archer, Scoutmaster(s) of Boy Scout Troop(s), Arrow of Light candidates & parents, Webelos leader(s).

Setting: Archery target at back of stage to one side, archer in Indian costume opposite target (optional, archer hidden from audience opposite target), Arrow of Light candlebra with unlighted colored candles and large candle in holder (lit) on a table at front center stage, Akela and drummer (younger scout in costume) with tom-tom behind table, Cubmaster beside table by lighted candle, six Indian braves (young scouts in costume) out of sight side stage near archer. Arrow of Light candidates & parents, Webelos leader(s) and Scoutmaster(s) seated in audience.

Cubmaster: Tonite we have the honor of presenting Cub Scouting's highest award, the Arrow of Light, to _____ (number) members of our pack. Before we present these awards, I would like to relate an appropriate story.

Many years ago in the dry southwestern plain was an Indian village, behind which a tall mountain towered above the desert. It was considered a great feat to climb this mountain, so all the braves of the village were eager to attempt it.

One day, chief Akela called the braves of the village together. [Six Indian braves join Akela and the drummer at center stage.] He told them, "Now my braves, you may all go today and try to climb the mountain. Start right after breakfast and go as far as you can. When you are tired and can go no further, come back; but each of you must bring me a twig from the place where you turned."

Away they all went, full of hope, each feeling certain that he could reach the top of the mountain. [Six braves exit stage to the same side as the archer.] Soon the first brave came back. [One brave comes back carrying the piece of cactus.] He stood before the chief and in his hand he held a piece of cactus. Chief Akela smiled and and said, "My son you barely got started. You did not reach the mountain. You did not even cross the desert."

This first brave is like a Tiger Cub who has learned to "search, discover, and share", but has not yet begun his climb up the Cub Scout mountain. The Tiger Cub arrow points him in the right direction and the Tiger Cub candle lights his way. [The archer shoots the arrow with the orange streamers into the target and the Cubmaster lights the orange candle.]

An hour later, the second brave returned to the village. [Another brave comes back carrying the twig of sagebrush.] He carried a twig of sagebrush. "Well," said the chief, "you reached the foot of the mountain, but you did not start the climb."

This brave is like the Cub Scout who has earned his Bobcat badge. He has found the correct path by learning the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack, but has not yet started to climb the Cub Scout mountain. The Bobcat arrow points him in the right direction, and the Bobcat candle lights his way. [The archer shoots the arrow with the light blue streamers into the target and the Cubmaster lights the light blue candle.]

After another hour, the third brave came back. [The third brave comes back carrying a spray of cottonwood.] He held out a spray of cottonwood. "Good," said the chief, "you got as far as the springs."

This brave represents the Cub Scout who has earned his Wolf badge. He has progressed a short way up the Cub Scout mountain. The Wolf arrow points him in the right direction, and the Wolf candle lights his way. [The archer shoots the arrow with the red streamers into the target and the Cubmaster lights the red candle.]

A longer wait and another brave came back with some cedar. [The fourth brave comes back carrying a cedar stick.] The chief smiled when he saw it, and spoke, "Well done, my boy, you went halfway up."

This brave is like the Cub Scout who has progressed halfway up the advancement trail and earned his Bear badge. The Bear arrow points him in the right direction, and the Bear candle lights his way. [The archer shoots the arrow with the light green streamers into the target and the Cubmaster lights the light green candle.]

Later in the afternoon, the next brave returned carrying a branch of pine. [The fifth brave comes back carrying a pine branch.] To him the chief said, "Good, you went to the third level. You made three-quarters of the climb. Keep trying. Next year you will undoubtedly reach the top."

A Cub Scout who has earned his Webelos badge has reached the three-quarter mark up the Cub Scout mountain and is in sight of the top. The Webelos arrow points him in the right direction, and the Webelos candle lights his way. [The archer shoots the arrow with the blue streamers into the target and the Cubmaster lights the blue candle.]

The sun was low when the last brave returned. [The last brave returns empty handed with a broad smile.] He approached the chief and held up his hand. It was empty, but he was radiant as he spoke. "My father, there were no trees where I went. I saw no twigs, no living thing upon the peak, but far and away I saw other mountain peaks, and beyond them the shining sea."

Now the old chief's face glowed as he said, "I knew it! I knew it when I looked upon your face. You have reached the top. It is written in your eyes and it rings in your voice. My son, you need no twigs for token. You have seen the glory of the mountain."

The brave who reached the top is like the Cub Scouts we are honoring tonight. They have reached the highest point in Cub Scouting - the Arrow of Light Award. The Arrow of Light arrow points them in the right direction and the Arrow of Light candle lights their way. [The archer shoots the arrow with the yellow streamers into the target and the Cubmaster lights the yellow candle. The drummer stops playing the tom-tom.]

I would like our Webelos Scouts who have fulfilled all the requirements for the Arrow of Light Award to come forward as I call their name. Your Webelos leaders will present you with your Arrow of Light Badge and a special recognition arrow painted with a symbolic color code which shows your accomplishments in Cub Scouting.

[Webelos leader(s) comes forward to assist with handing out awards. Cubmaster reads scouts names and highlights of their Cub Scouting career as Arrow of Light candidates come forward to receive their awards. Arrow of Light recipients remain at the front of the stage.]

Cubmaster: (To Arrow of Light Recipients) You have reached the top of the mountain of Cub Scouting but beyond the top are the peaks of Boy Scouting that you must climb to reach the shining sea of adulthood. I would now like _____ (name), Scoutmaster(s) of Troop(s) _____ (number) and your parents to come forward. [Scoutmaster(s) and parents come forward. Parents bring Boy Scout neckerchiefs and shoulder epaulets with them.]

Parents please remove the Webelos neckerchiefs and shoulder loops and replace them with the Boy Scout ones. [Parents remove Webelos neckerchief and shoulder epaulets and put Boy Scout neckerchief and epaulets on their scouts.]

Cubmaster: (To Scoutmaster) I now present these new Boy Scouts to Troop(s) _____ (number) to continue their journey toward the shining sea of adulthood.

Scoutmaster: The arrow of Boy Scouting will keep them pointed in the right direction and the Boy Scout candle will light their way. [The archer shoots the arrow with the tan streamers into the target and the Scoutmaster(s) lights the tan candle.]

Lights up.

General notes:
One of our den leaders had been a professional archer. The archer and target were on a stage away from the audience with the flight path going away from everyone. The archer did not use streamers on the arrows - they were aerodynamically unstable although he expressed that fact a little more colloquially at the time.

Two OA members attended in costume and provided background drums during the ceremony.

The Bear den that portrayed the young braves use the opportunity to make costumes and props for one of their achievements/electives. Might also be an opportunity for Showman activity pin.

Burning the Scarf

EQUIPMENT: Magic solution actually 60% and 40% acetone, drum, candle of truth, Webelos scarf with the emblem removed, FIRE EXTINGUISHER. ARRANGEMENTS: The emblem must be removed off the scarf that you intend to burn. You can not use a leaders' scarf. The emblem and the cording around the leaders' scarf will soak up too much of the acetone. Clothes hangers are opened and a circle bent into the end, at least two feet long. Safety pins hold the scarf to the hangers. The magic potion should be put into large peanut butter jars, with a tight fitting cover so it may be used again. The jar should be placed in a large basket or box. Have the scarf to be burned already in the basket, then when the boy's scarf is put in no one will be the wiser. The scarf you use must be squeezed out, until only damp. Immediately hold the damp scarf over the flame of the candle. Do this very quickly as the acetone will evaporate. It will go into flames for a few seconds and then go out as the acetone is burned. The flame is best seen in a dimly lit room.

DRUM BEAT

NARRATOR: Many moons ago a Webelos brave started on the trail of the Arrow of Light. Much work and many hard hours went into preparation. After many council fires--Akela came forward.

Drum beats while Akela enters.

AKELA: The great Eagle, bird of truth, has come to me with the name of a candidate for the sacred award of the Arrow of Light.

DRUM BEAT!

AKELA: Will (name), and his parents please come to the Council fire. Will his Webelos Leader also come forward.

DRUM BEAT!

AKELA: Brave (name), I now ask your Webelos Leader if you have tried to follow the Cub Scout Promise and Law of the Pack. Have you learned from the trail of the Bobcat, Wolf and Bear, and, from the tribe of the Webelos?

WEBELOS LEADER: Yes, he has.

AKELA: I now ask you one question. Have you TRIED to do your best? BRAVE: Yes, I have.

AKELA: This is indeed a proud moment for our tribe, when we can see you advance. It symbolizes the cooperation in your pack and in your tepee. You have shared many experiences and much knowledge. Without this sharing and caring along the trail of the Arrow of Light it would have been far more difficult. As your parents take the Webelos scarf from around your shoulders, I want you to think about the one question I asked you before. You answered Yes, that you had done your best. If this is true, after we dip your scarf into the magic potion and pass it over the flame of truth it will flame up but will not be consumed by the fire.

Akela and Webelos Leader should now take the scarf from the parents and dip it in the solution then pass it over the candle. This should be done very quickly because the acetone will evaporate very fast once the scarf is opened up. Use coat hangers with safety pins already attached to the scarf with the emblem removed.

AKELA: Welcome to the Brotherhood of the Arrow of Light. You have indeed done your best.

Arrow of Light Ceremony

From the Algonquin Council Pow Wow Book

by John Bemis

We use this ceremony as our Spring Webelos-to-Scout Transition membership project.

Arrow of Light Ceremony

Note: The blue tabs and Webelos scarves will be removed from the boys and placed in their pockets prior to the start of the ceremony. Registration must remind parents so that they can remove

Note: As the opening ceremony starts, Webelos Scouts are assembled outside the Council ring in an orderly manner with the escorts. The Webelos Scouts must be able to see and hear the ceremony as it progresses.

Introduction: Order of the Arrow Pachachaug Lodge is the honor society of boy scout campers. Each member is elected from their troop to recognize his willingness to provide service to his troop, council, and community. The lodge ceremonies team headed by Jeff Shanahan is providing their service to us this evening to recognize these Webelos Scouts and their accomplishment. Let the ceremony begin.

Drum starts to beat. Slow tempo. Principles enter from the back, crossing over the bridge from where the troop SM/SPL are standing. Chief Akela enters the ceremony area, positions himself (NORTH) behind the council fire and faces the audience with head bowed. Medicine Man enters the ceremony area carrying a blanket. He places the blanket in front of the council fire and positions himself with his back to theblanket (EAST), facing the audience with his head bowed.

Guide enters the ceremony area and lights the Spirit of Scouting Candle by the Arrow of Light Board. He positions himself on the west side of the ceremony area (WEST), facing the audience with his head bowed.

Guard enters the ceremony area and positions himself on the other side of the ceremony area (SOUTH), facing the audience with his head bowed. When all are in position with their heads bowed the drum will continue to beat for a short time. When the drum stops, all will raise their heads. The chief will start the four winds. The drum stops.

Chief Akela: (raises the coup stick) I am the North Wind. People say I am cold, but to you I will always bring the warmest of winds because you have been true-blue Cub Scout and Webelos Scouts, and have always lived up to the Law of the Pack.

Guard: (raises the dream catcher) I am the South Wind. I wish you good Scouting. Over hill and dale I have carried stories of you and your experiences. As Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts, you have been happy, game, fair and a credit to your Den and Pack.

Medicine Man: (raises the arrow) I am the East Wind. I wish you well. I have spread the story of your fun and happiness in Cub Scouting and how you lived up to the Cub Scout Promise and were fair and helpful.

Guide: (raises the bow) I am the West Wind. I would like everyone present to know that these Webelos Scouts did not walk the Cub Scout Trail alone. Each had the wonderful help of his parents. Parents, continue to help your boys to go and grow.

Guard: Chief Akela, there are some among us worthy of the highest award in Cub Scouting, the Arrow of Light.

Chief Akela: (tilts the coup stick towards Guard) My brother, seek them out that are worthy of this award and bring them before our council fire.

Guard: It shall be done Chief Akela.

Drum beats slowly. Guard and escorts bring the Webelos Scouts into the circle, moving clockwise, to form up behind Akela. He raises his right hand in the Cub Scout sign. The drum stops. When all is ready, Akela speaks.

Teller 1: Webelos Scouts, listen to the story of the arrow.

Once, long ago, when all the animals of the earth were equal, there was great unrest. The animals began to quarrel among themselves. The Bear quarreled with the Eagle, the Buffalo argued with the Indian. Finally, the wise old Grandmother called the animals to her teepee and she spoke to them, saying, "You have argued among yourselves about many things. Now I will ask one question. You will have one year to think about your answer. I will reward each of you according to the merit of your answer".

The animals became excited because they each thought it would be easy to answer any question in a year's time. And besides, the old Grandmother was not only wise, she was also generous with her rewards. Was it not the old Grandmother that had given grass to the fields and fruit to the trees.

"What is the question, Grandmother?" , they asked, and she said, "You must answer me this. What is it your most important duty?" And with that they all left. The Eagle flew to the high mountain to think about the question. The Bear returned to the deep forest. The Buffalo to the grassy plains. The Indian returned to his campfire. They all began to think about their answer.

Teller 2: Thirteen moons later, they returned to the old Grandmother's teepee. Grandmother spoke first to the Eagle and said, "Eagle, what is your most important duty?". The Eagle replied, "My most important duty is to fly higher than anyone else.". Grandmother said, "For that answer, I will give you feathers which will help you fly higher than anyone else." And the Eagle was very pleased with his gift.

Next, the Grandmother spoke to the Buffalo and said, "Buffalo, what is your most important duty?". The Buffalo replied, "My most important duty is to run further than anyone else.". Grandmother said, "For that answer, I will give you thick hooves that will allow you to run further than anyone else." And the Buffalo was very pleased with his gift.

The Bear replied, "My most important duty is to be stronger than anyone else.". Grandmother said, "For that answer, I will give you sharp claws that will make you the strongest animal in the forest.". And the Bear was also pleased with his gift.

Finally, the Indian arose and said, "Grandmother, my most important duty is to help other." Grandmother said, " For that answer, I will give you this stick.". And when he saw the stick, the Indian was disappointed for he had thought long and hard about his most important duty. "Grandmother", he said, "why do you give me a stick? Did my answer displease you?"

"Oh no", she said, "your answer pleased me greatly. All the others felt their most important duty was to themselves and they were rewarded accordingly. But you have learned that the most important duty is to help others, and you have been reward".

But Grandmother, what can I do with this stick?"

"This is more than a stick", she replied. "This is an arrow. With the arrow you can shoot the strongest Bear, the fastest Buffalo, or the Eagle, no matter how high he soars. He who would serve others is the strongest of all."

And then the Indian knew that this was the greatest gift of all and he was pleased.

The drum slowly starts after the story of the arrow is finished. Guard walks to the side of the Arrow of Light board to light the candles with a lighted taper. The drum stops.

Guard: These seven candles represent the rays in the Arrow of Light. As they are lighted, you will hear how they stand for the seven great virtues of life.

Akela states the first virtue with the remaining six rotating clockwise around the circle, each principle taking a turn says the name of the candle, while Guard recites the script for the seven virtues.

Chief Akela: The first virtue is Wisdom.
Wisdom does not necessarily mean superior knowledge. It means putting the right use to the knowledge that one possesses.

Medicine Man: The second virtue is Courage. Courage is not the quality that enable men to meet danger without fear, it is being able to meet danger in spite of one's fears.

Guard: The third virtue is Self-control. Self-control isn't limited to the control of one's temper, but control of one's self in all things: eating, playing, and even working and talking.

Guide: The fourth virtue is Justice. Justice is the practice of dealing fairly with others without prejudice or regard to race, color or creed.

Medicine Man: The fifth virtue is Faith. Faith is the conviction that something unproved by physical evidence is true. One eight-year-old Cub Scout said faith was when you turned the light switch, you knew the light would go on.

Guard: The sixth virtue is Hope. Hope means to expect with confidence. Always hope for better things to come. A man without hope is of little good to himself or his community.

Guide: The seventh virtue is Love. There are many kinds of love, love of family, love of home, love of fellow man, love of God, and love of country. All these loves are necessary for a full life.

Guard: You will find that if you live by the seven great virtues, you will become a happy man, and a happy man is a successful man.

When Guard has finished, drum beats slowly, he return to his places by the council fire.
Chief Akela then explains the Arrow of Light badge.

Chief Akela: The Arrow of Light Badge is the only Cub Scout Award that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform. It serves as a link between our two programs and points the way toward the new adventures that you will have in Boy Scouting.

Medicine Man: "Scouting is a game in which elder brothers" like those Scouts (point to them with the feather flag) "can give their younger brothers a healthy environment and encourage them to healthy activities, such as will help them to develop citizenship. It's strongest appeal is through Nature and Woodcraft. It deals with the individual, not with the group. It raises intellectual as well as purely physical or purely moral qualities. Happy citizenship, developed through impulse from within, rather than through impression from without, individual efficiency encouraged and then harnessed for the good of the community -- that is our scheme. And that, I trust is what you will be taught. I am hopeful that you will go out from here and learn from these others, in and through Scouting and by their personal examples of the Scouting principles." (BP RMS 1921)

Guide: You have found that there were many paths leading from your set course, but your parents walked by your side, and your den leader held your hand as they lead you along the correct path in Scouting until you learned how to choose the right path among all the wrong trails. Remember always that your parents will continue to help and assist you on your Scouting path.

Guard: Now that you have completed Cub Scouts, you are at the base of a great mountain, and you see before you just the beginning of the path up the Scouting trail. Soon you will cross this bridge into the wider world of Boy Scouting. With you will go your hopes and dreams, and as always your parents.

Chief Akela: I wish you well as you begin this journey. Look for us along the path that you will take. For we also, seek for the Eagle. You have worked to this point where you are about to become Boy Scouts. But, listen now to the wisdom of the winds.

Medicine Man: I am the spirit of the East Wind. I represent the common law, your duty to God and your country. Trustworthy, loyal, and helpful are the qualities which a man must possess who lives by the laws and the rules of this land. See that we do not lose this great blessing of a lawful land.

Guide: I am the spirit of the West Wind. I represent the law of equity, your duty to country and to others; friendly, courteous, and kind are the laws that breathe of conscience. They create the atmosphere that comes from within your heart. The desire for you always to be a friend to those of all ages. Courteous to those who pass along your trail. Don't live with the harmful spirit of unfriendliness and selfishness.

Guard: I am the spirit of the South Wind. I represent the civil law, your duty to others and to self. Obedient, cheerful, and thrifty are the characteristics of civility. A life of cheerful obedience is necessary for the development of a true citizen. Obedience is something everyone has to learn - to take orders a nd carry them out cheerfully. Real thrift means earning, spending wisely, and saving, and to share with those less fortunate.

Chief Akela: I am the spirit of the North Wind, the most powerful of all. I represent the divine law. Brave, clean, reverent. To be brave is to be unselfi sh. To be clean in body and soul is to be pure at heart. Cast from your being any evil spirit that tries to weaken or destroy the divine law, live alife of reverence. Be brave and clean.

Drum starts beating slowly.
Guard walks over to the Arrow of Light and blows out the seven rays candles. (BEAR)
Medicine Man folds the blanket. (BOBCAT) Guide walks over to the Spirit of Scouting candle and carefully blows it out. (WOLF) Guide takes the Spirit of Scouting candle to Chief Akela (WEBELOS) and returns to his spot. The drum stops. Each principle steps forward and addresses the Webelos Scouts. After the phrase, he walk to the bridge removes Rank emblem/"Arrow of Light", places it on the bridge rail, walks across to Troop area, walks through a troop to "disappear" as a principle.

Medicine Man: Remember the common law.
Trustworthy. Loyal. Helpful.

Guide: Remember the law of equity.
Friendly. Courteous. Kind.

Guard: Remember the civil law.
Obedient. Cheerful. Thrifty.

Chief Akela: Remember the divine law, the most powerful of all.
Brave. Clean. Reverent.

O/A Indian principles have all walked over the bridge, ending their portion of the ceremony. Each principle walks through a troop to "disappear".

Benediction: We now call upon the Great Spirit of all for His blessing on the se young men. May these Scouts always strive to attain the noblest and highest ideals in life. Be their strength and guide. Cause them to follow a straight trail and to never be a reason for other Scouts to waiver from the path. Protect them for many moons to come. May the Great Master of all Scouts be with us until we meet again.

This concludes the ceremony. Have a safe trip home.