ARROW OF LIGHT
AKELA'S LIFE STORY
EQUIPMENT: Ceremony board or log with three small candles and one large candle; tom-tom; artificial camp fire.
SETTING: Akela enters and walks behind the fire. Akela gives the Cub Scout sign and tom-tom beating stops.
NARRATOR: Akela was the big chief of the Webelos tribe; tall, stalwart, straight as an arrow, swift as an antelope, brave as a lion - he was fierce to an enemy but kind to a brother. Many trophies hung in his teepee. His father was the son of the great yellow sun in the sky. He was called the "Arrow Of Light" His mother, from whom he learned those wondrous things that mothers know was called "Kind Eyes". He began to understand the signs and calls of the Webelos tribe. Then he was taken on little trips to the forest among the great trees and streams. Here, from the Wolf he learned the language of the ground; the tracks and the ways to food. (At this point, Akela lights the small Wolf candle using the large candle)
AKELA: With this candle, representing the "Spirit of Akela" we light the trail of the Wolf. From the signs along the Wolf trail, I see the following braves are ready for advancement in the Wolf Clan of Akela's tribe. (Akela calls the names of the boys receiving Wolf badges and arrow points. They come forward and stand before the campfire. Akela presents awards.)
NARRATOR: Then from the big, kindly bears, he learned the secret names of the trees, the calls of the birds, the language of the air.
AKELA: (lighting the Bear candle) With the "Spirit of Akela" we light the Bear trail. From the signs along the Bear trail I see the following braves are ready for advancement into the Bear Clan of Akela's tribe. ( He calls forward the boys who are receiving Bear badges and arrow points)
NARRATOR: But before he could become a Scouting "brave" on his own, he had to prove himself by trying out new skills, performing certain tasks and passing tests of accomplishment.
AKELA: (Lighting the Webelos candle) With the "Spirit of Akela" we light the trail of the Webelos. From the signs along the Webelos trail, I see that the following braves have shown their skills in... (He calls the names of the boys receiving activity badges and indicates which badges they earned.)
NARRATOR: There Akela was required to pass the highest test of all. He must prove himself qualified to wear his father's name "Arrow of Light".
AKELA: From the signs further on down the Webelos trail, I see that the following braves have proven themselves worthy to wear the "Arrow of Light", the highest award in Akela's tribe. (He calls forward the boys who have earned the Arrow of Light Award.) (Drum stops) From the four winds, Akela hears that you braves are doing well along the trails that will lead you into Boy Scouting and the highest trail of all, that of Eagle. Now will all Cub Scouts stand and repeat with me the Cub Scout Promise.
AKELA'S ARROW OF LIGHT
PERSONNEL: Cubmaster, narrator, boys, parents, two people to work the room lights and spotlight, drummer.
EQUIPMENT: Webelos prop stand, Arrow of Light with stand, The Official Boy Scout Handbook, Boy Scout Eagle badge poster, council fire, spotlight, drum.
CUBMASTER: Tonight we have the special privilege of witnessing the presentation of the most sought - after award in Cub Scouting, the Arrow of Light.
(Lights are turned out, a drum beats slowly, the campfire is lit.)
NARRATOR: I, Akela, have heard the drums speak. I call to the council fire Webelos Scouts [names], and their parents. Gather around this campfire so that the other braves may look upon you. I, Akela, have heard of your great achievements and have brought for you the reward of your deeds. Look upon the symbol that stands beside you. (Spotlight on the Webelos prop stand.)
It is empty, and before you lie symbols placed here by your leaders. I, Akela, say to you Webelos Scout [name], pick up the green arrow and place it in the left portion of the stand. Now with your left hand on the arrow, give the Cub Scout sign. Do you promise to continue to follow the trail of the Eagle, wherever it may lead you? If you do, say, I do promise.
(If more than one, say, "Do each of you promise?")
Webelos Scout [name], pick up the red arrow and place it in the right portion of the stand. With your left hand on the arrow, give the Scout sign. Do you now promise to obey the Scout Oath? Now, Webelos Scout [name], pick up the yellow arrow and place it in the center of the stand. With your left hand upon the shaft, give the Scout sign. Do you promise to be forever trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent? If you do, say, I do so promise.
(If more than one, have all give sign and ask them to repeat, We do so promise.)
Now as you look at this Webelos symbol, you see that it resembles the Scout sign. Like your three outstretched fingers, it stands for the three parts of the Scout Oath. The sides of the fleur-de-lis are like your thumb and little finger that, when brought together, stand for the bond that ties all Scouts together. Now you are ready to receive the highest award of Cub Scouting, the Arrow of Light. Before you stands the Arrow of Light. Within the teepee of many braves, this symbol has an honored place. Its shaft is straight and narrow - just as the path that you should follow throughout your life. Its tip points the way - the way to success in all that you do. It is pointing to the right - a symbol that nothing should be left undone; if it is within your power to do it, see that it is done. And lastly, the symbol of the seven rays of the sun - one for each day of the week to remind you that every day is a new day, a day to do your best in everything. A day to honor your God and your country, to do your Good Turn, a new chance to follow the Scout law and to remember these words: ON MY HONOR.
Will Cubmaster [name] hand to the parents the Boy Scout Handbook and have them pin upon their boy the Arrow of Light. Now the boys will pin upon their mom or dad the miniature Arrow of Light, and give them a big hug and kiss for all their help.
Will Cubmaster [name] hand to the boys the ceremonial Arrow of Light.
CUBMASTER: Each boy will hold the Arrow of Light and pass it to the next. Now that you have received the Arrow of Light, let its light shine forth from you. Promise now to set an example for others to follow in your footsteps, set your eye on the Eagle (spotlight on Eagle poster) and never waiver. Do you so promise?
CANDIDATES: We promise.
NARRATOR: I, Akela, say you are now full-fledged Arrow of Light holders.
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