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.