Arrow of Light Scouts Shine at Umstead Park Overnight Adventure

This past weekend, the Arrow of Light den from Pack 205 in Apex, North Carolina, took their outdoor skills to the next level with an unforgettable overnight camping trip at the Youth Tent campsite in Umstead State Park in Raleigh. Nine fifth-grade Scouts braved the cold and embraced the spirit of adventure as they worked together to prepare meals, explore the outdoors, and enjoy classic Scouting traditions—all while completing key requirements for their Outdoor Adventureradventure.

The Outdoor Adventurer adventure, a highlight of the Arrow of Light rank, focuses on developing essential camping skills, preparing Scouts to be self-reliant in the outdoors, and fostering a deep appreciation for nature. You can learn more about this adventure here.

Friday Night: Cooking, Campfires, and Skits
The Scouts kicked off their campout on Friday evening by cooking a hearty dinner of hot dogs and mac and cheese. Cooking as a group allowed the Scouts to demonstrate teamwork and apply what they’ve learned about safe food preparation. After dinner, they took responsibility for washing their own dishes—reinforcing the principle of leaving no trace and respecting the environment.

As the sun set and temperatures dropped, the Scouts gathered around a roaring campfire for an evening of laughter and camaraderie. They toasted marshmallows for s’mores and performed entertaining skits, combining fun with an opportunity to build confidence and teamwork—key components of the Outdoor Adventurer requirements.

Saturday Morning: A Frosty Start, Breakfast, and a Picnic Adventure
After a chilly night’s sleep in temperatures dipping into the upper 20s, the Scouts woke up prepared and ready to take on the day. Bundled up and energized, they worked together to cook a delicious breakfast of blueberry pancakes and sausage. This experience reinforced their camp cooking skills and showed their ability to adapt to the challenges of cooking in cold weather.

Following breakfast, the Scouts prepared picnic lunches, carefully packing them into their backpacks before heading out on a morning hike to Sycamore Lake. Along the way, they practiced outdoor navigation and observation skills, embracing the beauty of Umstead Park while upholding outdoor ethics and leaving no trace.

At the lake, the Scouts played a lively game of football before settling down to enjoy their picnic lunch by the water. This part of the adventure combined physical activity, teamwork, and outdoor exploration—values central to the Outdoor Adventurer adventure.

Breaking Camp and Reflecting on the Adventure
After their lakeside adventure, the Scouts hiked back to camp, where they worked as a team to break down their tents and pack up their gear. Breaking camp gave the Scouts an opportunity to practice essential outdoor skills, including proper tent care and organization. With time to spare before pick-up, they played games and reflected on their achievements over the weekend.

By the time their parents arrived, the Scouts were tired but proud, having spent two days pushing their limits, honing their skills, and fulfilling important requirements for the Outdoor Adventurer adventure.

Throughout the weekend, these Scouts exemplified the Cub Scout Motto, “Do Your Best.” And as they prepare to cross over to Scouts BSA, they’re well on their way to embodying the Boy Scout Motto, “Be Prepared.” From cooking and cleaning to hiking and exploring, this overnight adventure was a shining example of both.

The Arrow of Light den looks forward to building on this success with more exciting adventures ahead. Great job, Scouts!

For more about the Outdoor Adventurer adventure, visit this page.