PURPOSE OF THE AKELA PROGRAM
The AKELA Adventure is a program designed to assist Webelos Scouts in their transition to Boy
Scouts. The main purpose of this program is to enhance the Scouting experience, while increasing youth
commitment to continued participation in the Scouting movement. This program has been specially
developed for use throughout the Grand Canyon Council and is available to all Webelos Scouts.
AKELA Adventure requirements occur in two stages. The first stage is completed as a Webelos Scout,
and the second stage as a Boy Scout. After completion of all the requirements the Boy Scout receives
the AKELA Award. The Award should be presented at a meeting of the Scout’s former pack, where he
stands as an example of the successful transition into Boy Scouting and the adventure it offers.
The Webelos Scout not only learns basic Boy Scout knowledge while earning his Arrow of Light, he
also has the opportunity to use these skills in troop activities. The AKELA Adventure helps the
Webelos Scout “bond” with a troop and provides a “head start” on his Boy Scout experience. He stays
involved in the advancement program through enhanced commitment, and does not lose “heart” or
interest.
The boy benefits by advancing within the Webelos program. His participation in Troop activities helps
him make friends with Scouts and their leaders. He also benefits through involvement in the Scouting
program, which furthers his physical, mental, and moral growth.
The pack benefits by having a program that helps guide the boy through his Webelos experience,
providing goals beyond Cub Scouting. When the boy returns to the pack to receive his AKELA award,
he helps build enthusiasm in the pack for both the AKELA Adventure program and eventual Scout
Adventures.
The troop benefits through increased membership: gaining boys who have already learned basic
Scouting skills and are eager to join the troop. These new Scouts will quickly become valuable, active
members. As a Boy Scout visiting the pack and sharing his troop activities, he further promotes interest
in the troop.
Leaders in both the pack and the troop benefit by having another “arrow” of interest and fun in their
“quiver” of program helps.
Scouting benefits by retaining youth in the Scouting Program, rather than losing them to other activities
or interests.
HOW THE AKELA PROGRAM WORKS
The AKELA Adventure in Webelos Scouting (Stage One):
1. Each boy receives an AKELA Adventure Trail record card after he earns his Webelos badge. He
should receive his card at least 6 months prior to his graduation from the Webelos program.
2. The Webelos Scout submits his card to be initialed by an adult leader when he completes an
AKELA Adventure requirement. The Webelos Leader also maintains an AKELA progress
record for each boy.
3. The Webelos Leader develops a program to assist the Scout in earning the AKELA award. This
program can be developed for an individual, or an entire Webelos den.
4. Upon completion of stage one requirements, the Webelos Scout
graduates into a Boy Scout troop. Graduation should take place
ideally no later than March or April. This enables the boy to have
enough time with the Troop to prepare for summer camp.
The AKELA Adventure in Boy Scouting (Stage Two):
1. When a boy graduates into a Boy Scout Troop, he beings his AKELA Adventure Trail record
card with him. The Webelos Leader forwards the AKELA progress record to the Scoutmaster.
2. The AKELA Adventure Boy Scout requirements do not call for any activities outside the regular
Scouting program. Requirements must be completed within six months of the date the boy
graduates from Webelos.
3. The Scoutmaster, other Scouters, and parents should offer continuing direction and
encouragement to the boy.
4. Upon completion, requirements are confirmed by the Scoutmaster.
Once the progress record has been completed, it is submitted to the
Council Office by the troop committee. The troop is then authorized
to purchase the AKELA Award.
5. The AKELA Award is presented to the boy by the Cubmaster and
the Scoutmaster together at a special ceremony during a meeting of
the boy’s original cub pack. NOT at a troop meeting.
As a WEBELOS SCOUT:
As a BOY SCOUT:
INITIAL
INITIAL
_______ Help select and learn you den name and yell. Describe
your den flag, wear your den medallion.
_______ Be active in your troop and patrol for 6 months.
_______ Attend both a troop meeting and a troop court of
honor.
_______ Work at least three hours on a troop service
project.
_______ Earn your Tenderfoot badge.
_______ Earn the Arrow of Light Award plus three additional
activity badges.
_______ Work at least 3 hours on a troop service project.
_______ Have a progress review with your Webelos Leader.
_______ Participate in one of the following outdoor activities:
A. Attend a week at summer camp with your troop.
B. Three outings of which two must be overnight
camping.
C. One day hike, one overnight hike, and three
additional hours of outdoor service. (This three hour
service may be combined with the other three hour Boy
Scout service project for a six hour service project.
_______ Graduate into a Scout Troop of your choice.
Date of Graduation _____/_____/_____ ___________________
Webelos Leader Signature
_______ Visit your former pack with your Scout Leader to
tell them about your troop activities.
_______ Have a Progress Review meeting with your Scout
Leader.
AKELA Adventure Award Completion Date _____/_____/_____
As a WEBELOS SCOUT:
As a BOY SCOUT:
INITIAL
INITIAL
_______ Help select and learn you den name and yell. Describe
your den flag, wear your den medallion.
_______ Be active in your troop and patrol for 6 months.
_______ Attend both a troop meeting and a troop court of
honor.
_______ Work at least three hours on a troop service
project.
_______ Earn your Tenderfoot badge.
_______ Earn the Arrow of Light Award plus three additional
activity badges.
_______ Work at least 3 hours on a troop service project.
_______ Have a progress review with your Webelos Leader.
_______ Graduate into a Scout Troop of your choice.
Date of Graduation _____/_____/_____ ___________________
Webelos Leader Signature
_______ Participate in one of the following outdoor activities:
D. Attend a week at summer camp with your troop.
E. Three outings of which two must be overnight
camping.
F. One day hike, one overnight hike, and three
additional hours of outdoor service. (This three hour
service may be combined with the other three hour Boy
Scout service project for a six hour service project.
_______ Visit your former pack with your Scout Leader to
tell them about your troop activities.
_______ Have a Progress Review meeting with your Scout
Leader.
AKELA Adventure Award Completion Date _____/_____/_____
I certify that ______________________________,
Webelos
Akela Adventure
of Troop _______ has completed the AKELA
Adventure Trail on _____/_____/_____
______________________
Scoutmaster
_____/_____/_____
Date
Requirements
&
Progress Record
I certify that ______________________________,
Webelos
Akela Adventure
of Troop _______ has completed the AKELA
Adventure Trail on _____/_____/_____
______________________
Scoutmaster
_____/_____/_____
Date
Requirements
&
Progress Record
Grand Canyon Council
Boy Scouts of America
AKELA REQUIREMENTS
Adult Leader Requirements
WEBELOS Leader Requirements:
1.
Meet with parents to explain the AKELA Adventure Program.
2.
If one does not exist, establish a Webelos den with medallion, flag and yell.
3.
Supervise Webelos Den Leader selection.
4.
Keep AKELA progress records current for all boys enrolled in the AKELA program.
5.
Conduct one or more progress review meetings with boys enrolled in the AKELA program.
6.
Complete Webelos Leader Specific Training.
7.
With your Cubmaster and the troop’s Scoutmaster, conduct a formal Webelos graduation into
the troop.
Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Requirements:
1. Conduct a parents’ meeting before Webelos graduation to explain the Boy Scout program and
troop policies.
2. Work with the Webelos Leaders to coordinate Webelos graduation.
3. Participate in a formal Webelos graduation into the troop.
4. Assign a Troop Guide to the graduated patrol.
5. Monitor progress. Keep AKELA progress records current and guide a minimum of three Boy
Scouts through completion of requirements for the AKELA Award.
6. Review progress with the boys and initial their AKELA Adventure cards, as requirements for the
AKELA Award are completed.
7. Arrange for the presentation by the Cubmaster and Scoutmaster of the AKELA Award (at a
meeting of the boy’s home pack) to each Boy Scout who has earned it.
Award Requirements Completed: ______/______/_______
Your Signature ___________________________________