AOL Parents

The Arrow of Light year brings new challenges and opportunities for Scouts and their families. We want to make sure this year of increased responsibility and independence is both exciting and also not too intimidating. Your Scout will spend this year preparing for the new adventures ahead as they "cross the bridge" to a troop in the spring. There are lots of changes, and we know that can be scary for parents to navigate. Don't forget that your den and pack leaders are here to provide guidance and answer any questions you may have.

AOL Scouts will officially "graduate" with a bridge-crossing ceremony during the Blue & Gold Banquet in March. Be sure to calendar this important event early in order to avoid conflicts! This is a ticketed event (families can purchase as many tickets as they want and are welcome to bring family or friends who wish to attend). AOL Scouts should be aiming to complete their rank adventures by the AOL campout (with the campout providing opportunities to wrap up outdoors and camping-related requirements). After the campout, an invoice will be sent to those who have completed their Arrow of Light rank for an awards package that includes a decorated arrow, plaque, certificate, and rank patch. The cost of the award is based on the actual cost of these items, which can fluctuate from year to year, but is typically between $50 and $60.

What is new in the AOL year?

In the AOL year, the den becomes a patrol, to mirror Scouts BSA troop life. They can choose a patrol name and wear a patrol patch on their uniform in place of the den number. Their adventures will mirror the things they will do once they cross to a troop and prepare them to seamlessly make that transition, focusing on independence and leadership. As always, they will choose two electives, along with the following required adventures:

This is the year to let your Scout try new things and lead the way. Let them make mistakes and learn from them. Be there as a guide, but not the boss.

AOL Parent Transition Presentation

In late January (see the current calendar for date), the pack will host a Zoom presentation for AOL parents. This presentation will go over everything you need to know for wrapping up the AOL year, what to expect at the Blue & Gold Banquet, and choosing a troop. We will also provide some information about what to expect as you transition to troop life, including a breakdown of how advancement works.The goal is to reduce your stress levels and make sure this is a fun and exciting time for you, as well as your Scout.

AOL Campout

In late January or early February (see the current calendar for dates), the AOL patrol has a special campout with local Troop 1806. This campout is just for AOL Scouts plus one parent per Scout, and is not a regular pack family campout. Scouts will camp at Camp Fiesta Island and learn what it's like to camp as a patrol with a troop. Scouts are in charge of setting up their own tents, doing the cooking, and taking care of everything themselves (along with the Scouts from the troop). Parents should bring a comfy chair and a book, because the Scouts will be doing it all while you relax in camp. If a parent is unavailable, arrangements can be made for your Scout to camp alone. They can tent on their own or share a tent with another AOL Scout (no Scout may share a tent with an adult other than their parent or legal guardian). There are camping requirements for the AOL rank, so it is highly recommended that Scouts attend this campout in order to earn their rank.

Joining a Troop

We recommend visiting both local troops for a regular troop meeting early in the AOL year (you can find their calendars online, or email Erin for information). Both troops have different vibes and styles, and your Scout can get a good feeling for what troop life will be like by seeing a meeting or two. It is important that your Scout take the lead in this important decision so that they find the right fit for the rest of their Scouting career... and it is also important to remember that their decision is not written in stone! If they find after they join that it isn't the right fit, they can switch units easily. 

Toward the end of the AOL year, we will ask you to let us know what troop your Scout has decided to cross to. If they are undecided, that's ok. If they decide not to join a troop, that's ok. This is a deeply personal decision and there is no pressure. Just let us know whatever you decide as we will use this information after the Blue & Gold Banquet as we help you move over to the troop. Pack leadership will automatically initiate the process for you. You won't have to fill out a new registration form. Troop life can begin the morning after the banquet!

One note... if you decide on a troop before the pack starts to inquire about it, please let Erin know! We can make sure you are kept in the loop about things like summer camp sign-ups and similar calendar-related items.