I am here tonight to tell you the story of Akela and of the Arrow of Light.

Akela was the great and mighty chief of the Webelos tribe. His mother was Kind Eyes and his father was Arrow of Light.

Akela was a brave warrior and a skilled hunter even as a young man.

When he became a man and a great chief of his tribe, his wisdom was known throughout the land. People from far and wide would come to seek counsel with him.

Akela, show us the Arrow of light! (Council fire is lit with a flaming arrow)

I call to the council fire Webelos Den # - (Call each scout & their parents)

Gather around this campfire so that the other Braves may look upon you.

(The boys, parents, leaders gather)

Akela has heard of great achievements and together, we have brought for you the reward of your deeds.

(gestures toward the Arrow of Light)

Look before you stands the Arrow of Light.

Within the teepee of many braves this symbol has an honored place.

It's path is straight and narrow, just as the path you should follow throughout your life. It's tip points the way to success in all that you do.

The torches before it are the symbol of the seven great virtues of life.

Scout #1 (insert name) Tell us of one of the great vitues. Pass the Tourch to Scout #1

Scout #1:WISDOM - Having wisdom does not mean that a person is smarter than others. It means that he uses what he knows to live a better life.

Scout #2 (insert name) Tell us of one of the great vitues. Pass the Tourch to Scout #2

Scout #2: COURAGE - Courage does not mean you have no fear of danger. It means that you can face danger despite your fear.

Scout #3 (insert name) Tell us of one of the great vitues. Pass the Tourch to Scout #3

Scout #3: SELF-CONTROL - Self control means being able to stop when you have had enough of something, such as eating, playing or even when you are working too much.

Scout #4 (insert name) Tell us of one of the great vitues. Pass the Tourch to Scout #4

Scout #4: JUSTICE - Justice means being fair with others that we play and work with, regardless of who they are.

Scout #5 (insert name) Tell us of one of the great vitues. Pass the Tourch to Scout #5

Scout #5: FAITH - Faith is the belief in God and things we cannot see but know are true.

Scout #6 (insert name) Tell us of one of the great vitues. Pass the Tourch to Scout #6

Scout #6: HOPE - Hope means to look forward to good things you believe will happen. You hope for good things tomorrow, but at the same time, you work hard today to make them happen.

Scout #7 (insert name) Tell us of one of the great vitues. Pass the Tourch to Scout #7

Scout #7: LOVE - There are many kinds of love. Love of family, home, fellow man, God and country. Every kind of love is important for a full and happy life.

You will find that if you live by these seven virtues, you shall flourish. And now that you have earned the Arrow of Light, let it shine forth from you. You must promise to set an example for others who follow in your footsteps

(gesturing over the pack).

Set your eye now on the eagle and never waiver from your path.

Do you so promise? (Cubmaster pauses as each scout responds I do )

Now as you prepare to cross over the bridge on your quest for the eagle, behold this ceremonial Arrow of Light. This arrow that I present you is very special.

Each one is handmade, just like you are. Each one is similar yet very different, just like you are. There is a secret meaning to the arrow that I wish to share with you now.

The shaft is made of wood to remind us of the trees in the forest, the grass, the water, mother earth - she is so very precious. It is our responsibility to care for her and to pass her along for future generations. The fletching of the arrow is made of feathers to remind us of the winged creatures, as well as the 2-legged and 4-legged animals that walk on this earth. All these things are precious ion God's eyes and we must respect them. The tip of the arrow is made of stone. It is sharp and comes to a point. It reminds us that sometimes in life things will be hard.

But if we are honest with ourselves and others and we're true in our dealings , all of our efforts will come together in the end.

As I call your name, please cross over the bridge to meet your parents so that they may stand with you tonight to accept this highest honor. For you see, without your parents help, understanding and guidance, this award would not be possible.

Would ____________ please come forward. (Call each scout forward one at a time, have them cross the bridge)

(Cubmaster turns his back toward audience and kneels on one knee extending the arrow to the boy from the ground up. When the boy takes the arrow, give the Arrow of Light badge to the boy's parents. In a quiet voice so that only the boy and his parents can hear, offer him this:)

I present you the Arrow of Light, Cub Scouting's highest award. Guard it well, keep it close to you. When you are sad or disappointed, take this arrow aside to a quiet place and remember that you are capable of being among the best. Remember this moment with great pride in what a family like yours can accomplish together.

Congratulations.

(When all arrows are presented, the families will remain where they are. The Cubmaster moves to stand in front where he/she can face the recipients but also be seen by the audience.)

I ask that as you go forward in Scouting, remember that you are blazing a trail for others to follow, so set a good example. Like life, this Scouting trail that you have chosen to follow is not always an easy one. There may come a time when you stumble or perhaps fall. But you are fortunate to have loving parents and caring leaders who know that is okay to stumble. In this life, we learn from our mistakes as well as our succesees. Your parents and leaders will be there to help you Start up that trail once again so thatyou can succeed.

From this day forward, when you meet a fellow Scout, you will extend your left hand.

It is the Indian way and it is the Scouting way, because this is the hand which closest to the heart.