venture75.gif (1040 bytes)Arrow Of Light Ceremony

A Behind The Scenes Look

April 28, 2001

For many years Troop 57 has prepared and performed an Arrow Of Light ceremony. The Arrow Of Light is the highest award that a cub scout can earn and as such it is appropriate that those who earn it receive special recognition. The troop works hard at putting on the annual event and the planning for it begins months in advance. The pictures below are a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into putting on the ceremony.

{Click on a thumbnail to see a larger image}

Fence1.jpg (120493 bytes) Fence2.jpg (127762 bytes) Fence3.jpg (127432 bytes) No night-time Indian ceremony would be complete without a bonfire! A friend of Troop 57 donated a trailer full of wood fencing to serve as the fuel. Here the Scouts & Scouters are dismantling the fence before getting started building the bonfire.
Fire Build1.jpg (136522 bytes)   Fire Build2.jpg (124053 bytes) First the fire ring is dug out, then the fencing stacked up to fuel the fire.
Arrow2.jpg (123116 bytes) Arrow3.jpg (136050 bytes) Arrow1.jpg (165773 bytes) Every Arrow Of Light ceremony ought to have an arrow. Here the boys are building one of the two giant arrows that will be used. Each of the seven rays represents a day of the week and is a reminder to do a good deed on that day. During the ceremony as each day is named a bright red flare at the end of each ray will be electronically ignited.
Setup1.jpg (460934 bytes)    Setup2.jpg (399748 bytes) Group shots of the guys at work.
Drum1.jpg (113971 bytes)   Drum2.jpg (110575 bytes) If you've got Indians, a bonfire, and arrows then you've got to have drums! Troop 57 made these two drums by hollowing out sections of tree trunks then lacing onto them heads cut from rawhide. These drums have a deep booming tone that is perfect for ceremonial use.
Drum3.jpg (61315 bytes) Boogie Down !!!

TeePee1.jpg (117604 bytes)

If you've got Indians, fire, and drums you've got to have teepees. Here the scouts & scouters are lashing together cedar poles to make teepees.
Cliff1.jpg (112080 bytes) On top of the cliff at the rear of the ceremony area we prepare three small fires, rigged to ignite on cue, representing the three points on the Scout Badge:
  • Duty to God and Country
  • Duty to Others
  • Duty to Self
Cliff2.jpg (142308 bytes)    Cliff4.jpg (127449 bytes) Rigging the fires for the three points.
Cliff3.jpg (108932 bytes) As each Webelo's name is called, the Troop Archer will fire a flaming arrow into the sky. Here our ceremonial archer for this crossover takes a few practice shots. During the ceremony the arrows will be tipped with sparklers, making an awesome sight as they arc high across the night sky.
Dances With Snakes.jpg (109835 bytes) Our Ceremonial Archer taking a break ... (this has to be the palest Indian who ever lived!)
Cliff5.jpg (156941 bytes) Rather than light the bonfire with a match Troop 57 goes for a more elaborate approach. During the ceremony Chief Akela calls upon the great spirit of Scouting to bring fire to their council. A fireball ignites and descends from the sky to light the bonfire. Here a scout is rigging a guide wire at the top of the cliff for the fireball to ride down to the fire ring. On cue the ball is lit & glides down the wire setting the bonfire ablaze.
57.jpg (127165 bytes) As part of the finale a large "57" is hung in front of the cliff. At night it can't be seen but at the end of the ceremony a button is pushed and the 57 lights up in flame.
Akelas Party.jpg (120806 bytes) Akelas Party. Chief Akela and his council approach the council fire ring to start the ceremony.
Fire1.jpg (75201 bytes)    Fire_2.jpg (88544 bytes) The Great Spirit has answered Akelas call and sent fire down to the coucil. The Ceremony begins !!!
Flag1.jpg (347761 bytes)    Flag2.jpg (186108 bytes) After the crossover Troop 57 held a "Flag Retirement" ceremony.
   Group1.jpg (339979 bytes) Group2.jpg (330144 bytes) Group3.jpg (380041 bytes) Akelas Party welcoming the "Former" Webelos to Scouting !

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