The Vision Quest: An Arrow of Light Ceremony 

Written for Great Salt Lake Council Pack 4838

Participants:  Cub Master, Seven Adult (or older scout) Leaders

Props Needed:  seven feathers, animal ‘costumes’,  a “forest”

Aprox. Running Time:  less than 10 minutes

Cub Master: I would like to call forward     (scout name(s))      to stand before the pack.  (The boys come forward)  For three years these young men have been learning the way of the true scout.  They have followed Akela and they have done all that has been required of them in the spirit of the scout motto “Do your best”. 

Now they have been called here to be presented the highest award that can be giving in Cub Scouting – The Arrow of Light.  

But before I award them this honor, there is one more thing I will ask them to do.  In the cultures of the American Plans Indians, when a boy grows into a man, he is asked to go on a vision quest, out into the wilderness, to ponder all that he has learned and all that he has yet to learn.  

So before you are given your award,  I ask you    (scout name(s))      to go into the forest and think about the qualities it takes to be a true scout. 

*At this point the Cub Master takes the boys to a “forest”.  Perhaps some fake trees or forest sounds can set the scene. 

Cub Master: Stay here in the forest and think about the qualities it takes to be a true scout. Bring me a feather for each quality you learn.  When you have seven feathers, you may return to me again.

 *Cub Master walks away and leaves the boys standing there.  After a moment has past, the first animal appears.   The animals should be played by scout leader or older scout. “Animal” costumes can be as simple as a head band with ears. Each animal hands the boys a feather as they visit them.

Bobcat: I am the Bobcat.  From me, a scout learns the quality of Self Control.  A new scout learns to obey Akela, and to get along with the other scouts in his den. 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.

Wolf: I am the Wolf.  During his days as a Wolf, a scout learns the quality of Courage. Trying new things can be frightening, but scouts face down their fears. Having courage doesn’t mean you have no fear, it means you do what is necessary in spite of your fear. 

Bear: I am the Bear.  A bear scout learns the quality of Justice.  Doing activities with other boys in his den teaches a scout to always play fair and to be kind. Justice is the practice of dealing fairly with everyone without prejudice or regard to race, color, or religion.

Owl:   I am the owl. As a boy became an experience scout, he learns the quality of Wisdom.  A scout opens his mind and makes an effort to learn new things.   But Wisdom is not just gaining knowledge; Wisdom is also knowing how to use your knowledge for a good purpose. 

Buffalo: I am the buffalo. A scout works on developing the quality of Faith. Through earning his religious knot and working on his Faith in God, a scout’s faith is strengthened.  Remember, if you have faith, you hope for things which are not seen, but are true.

Mountain Lion:  I am the mountain lion. A scout looks towards the future with the quality of Hope.  Having 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. 

Eagle: I am the eagle. As the last of your animal visitors, I will tell you of the last and most important of all qualities of a true scout. This quality is Love.  A scout has love for his family, love for his fellowman, love for country and love for God.  All these loves are necessary for a happy life, and will motivate you to live a life full of charity.

*After a moment, if the scouts do not return on their own, the Cub Master calls out to the boys and asks them to return.

Cub Master: Have you learned the seven qualities of a true scout?  

*While the boys answer the Cub Master collects the seven feathers.These feathers are symbolically the feathers on the arrow that they receive. 

Cub Master: You have done well! These seven qualities are represented on your arrow of light badge as the seven rays radiating out of the rising sun. The sun is rising because your journey as a scout is only just beginning.  For the rest of your journey, you will wear the Arrow of Light to remind you. As you proceed towards your Eagle, strive to develop these qualities in your life.

Would the parents of these young men please come forward?  

(Continue to present the awards)