In the ages past, when the Nations of the red man spread across the land, there was a young member of one tribe called Akela. Akela wished to be a warrior as the older men of his tribe were, but no one would consider him so. “Little Akela, he is too young to join the hunt,” they would say. “Too slow to run with the Bobcat clan, not clever enough to hunt with the Wolf can. Such a young one is not strong enough to join the Bear clan.” No matter how hard Akela worked, all ways were barred to him. But the Aged Chieftain of the tribe saw Akela differently than the rest. “The spirit of this young one burns brighter than the largest fire. Akela has served his brethren well for one of his age. The time will come when the tribe will need only that which Akela can give.”

One night in the fall during the harvest, a party of warriors was canoeing back to their village after a hunt. On this night, the fog rolled thick across the river. The fog was so heavy; the river path back to the village was hidden from view. A nearby river path to the right led to a roaring chasm. The warriors did not know the safe path to take and were trapped.

Akela had been practicing his hunting skills in the hills above the river and had seen the danger to the canoe. He wrapped an arrow in a skin, set it aflame, and shot it into the sky toward the safe river path. The warriors in the canoe saw the flaming arrow through the fog and followed it to the river path and the village.

The warriors went to the Chieftain saying, “We were trapped on the river and the Highfather sent an Arrow of Light through the sky to guide us. ”The Chieftain smiled and said ”The sign that led you to safety came not from the heavens but from one who you thought was too young to do anything.” He brought Akela forward to the surprise of the warriors.

“Akela has proved himself worthy to wear the name of warrior. He has aided his brothers in their time of greatest need. Hereafter, all young members of our tribe shall become warriors only after meeting the challenges of the Arrow of Light. Let them each be filled with the spirit of Akela and follow his example of unselfish service to our brethren.” And it was made so and carried through to the present day.

May the Spirit of Akela and the Arrow of Light guide you throughout your life,

Congratulations on your Achievements!

March 18, 2005
CubScout Pack 320

Sherry and John Morrison
Den 5 Leaders

Congratulations to the young men of Pack 320 Webelos Den 2 for all of your outstanding effort, perseverance, and dedication on your journey towards the Arrow of Light. Your Cub Scouting journeys have no doubt been filled with learning and adventure. Some of you started as Tiger Cubs many years ago. Some of you came from far away lands, bringing a unique and welcome perspective to our den. While your journeys may have begun at different places and at different times, each of you came together under the banner of the Phoenix and demonstrated yourselves worthy of even higher pursuits.
It has been a great privilege to work with each of you over the past year as you have worked your way towards transitioning to Boy Scouts. As you continue to advance through the ranks towards Eagle Scout, your Arrow of Light patch will serve as a fitting reminder of your many accomplishments as Cub Scouts. Take special pride in all that you have done! Remember, however, that your journeys are not yet complete. The Arrow of Light is but one step along a life-long journey, one that I am sure you will navigate well, guided by the ideals of the Boy Scout Oath and Law. It has been my honor to lead you, and I look forward to seeing great things from each of you in the future!

Paul Boinay
Den 2 Leader