Arrow of Light 5th grade
Fifth graders run their own standalone program built around patrol-method outdoor skills that prepare them to cross over into a Scouts BSA troop.
The six every Arrow of Light works on.
One adventure for each part of the program: character and leadership, the outdoors, personal fitness, citizenship, safety, and family and reverence. The den works through them together across the school year.
Bobcat Arrow of LightThe Scout slogan, the patrol method, ranks and merit badges, and a visit to a Scouts BSA troop.
Personal FitnessNutrition, group activities, and personal exercise, plus a first look at your own health record.
First AidHow to help someone who is hurt, sometimes taught by an EMT, a nurse, or a doctor.
Duty to GodScouts tie a value of their faith to the Scout Law and meet someone who serves people in crisis.
CitizenshipScouts identify, plan, and carry out a service project rather than just turning up for one.
Outdoor AdventurerPlan and run a campout with the patrol or a Scouts BSA troop, using the SAFE Checklist.
Bobcat comes first every year. It covers the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Cub Scout sign and handshake, and how to be a good den member, at a level written for 5th grade.
Then two the den picks.
Arrow of Light Scouts choose their last two adventures from the 13 electives below. Dens usually pick together, based on what the Scouts are curious about and what the season allows.
This den’s schedule
The Arrow of Light den sets its own meeting day and time after the first pack meeting of the school year, so it is not listed here yet. Pack-wide dates are on the Calendar, and a den leader can tell you the rest.
Champions for Nature AOLWhere food comes from, the land and resources it takes, and how to waste less of it.
CyclingA 10-mile ride on road or trail, with the bike, gear, and essentials checked first.
EngineerWhat engineers actually do, tried out on engineering projects of your own.
EstimationsWhen to measure and when a good estimate will do, like the time of day or a tree’s height.
FishingPlanning a fishing trip yourself with Scouting America’s SAFE Checklist.
High Tech OutdoorsHow gear and digital tools have changed camping, navigating, and staying safe outdoors.
Into the WildA closer look at the local wildlife, day and night, and the part each animal plays.
Into the WoodsThe trees and plants around you, found on a walk or a visit to a nature center or park.
Knife SafetyThe safety circle and knife care, then a pocketknife on a campout and a kitchen knife at home.
Paddle CraftPick a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard and learn to get in, out, and moving; swimmer test first.
Race Time AOLBuild a Pinewood Derby® car or Raingutter Regatta™ boat, then mentor younger Cub Scouts on theirs.
Summertime Fun AOLThree Scouting activities over the summer with the patrol or the pack.
SwimmingPassing the swimmer test, which opens up the aquatics waiting in Scouts BSA.
Special elective adventures
Scouting America lists these on their own because they need a certified instructor and an approved range, so they happen at council and district events such as day camp rather than at a den meeting, and there is no adventure page for them. Ask a den leader whether one of these counts toward a Scout’s two electives.
- Archery Arrow of Light. Target archery, earned only at an approved event with a certified instructor and a proper range.
- Slingshot. Slingshot target shooting, earned only at an approved event with a certified instructor and range.
- BB Guns. BB gun target shooting, earned only at an approved event with a certified instructor and range.
Adventure names, links, and loop images taken from www.scouting.org, July 2026. The one-line descriptions are Pack 170’s own summaries of each linked page, not Scouting America’s wording. Follow a link for the actual requirements. Scouting America updated the Cub Scout adventure program on June 1, 2024.