Fifth graders work toward the Arrow of Light rank. If a fourth-grade Cub Scout has completed the Webelos rank, they may begin to work on the Arrow of Light. The Arrow of Light rank is earned by completing five adventures as described below.
1. Be an active member of your Webelos den for at least six months since completing the fourth grade or for at least six months since becoming 10 years old.
2. Complete each of the four required adventures:
3. In addition to the four required adventures, complete at least one elective adventure of your den’s or family’s choosing.
4. With your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, complete the exercises in the pamphlet entitled How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide.
5. Earn the Cyber Chip award for your age. (The Cyber Chip portion of this requirement may be waived by your parent or guardian if you do not have access to the internet.) OR Earn the Protect Yourself Rules for Arrow of Light.
For the oldest Cub Scouts, the Arrow of Light program offers 5th grade Webelos the opportunity to earn a patch that transfers to their Scouts BSA uniform. By earning this recognition, a scout demonstrates readiness for the next step on the boy scout trail.
During their last year in a Pack, Webelos get a larger say in which adventures their den will do, and in leading their fellow scouts, both skills that will come in handy in Scouts BSA.
A youth that is new to Scouting in 5th grade does not need to earn any previous ranks. The Bobcat badge and then the Arrow of Light can be earned along with the scout's den, even if the scout does not have the Webelos badge yet. If it's important to the youth, the scout can put in more effort and fulfill the Webelos requirements during 5th grade also, without missing out on the adventures the den is doing for Arrow of Light.