Citizenship is about making a difference where you live. You'll choose a service project, plan it safely, and put in at least two hours helping others. Seeing the results of your work feels great.
Why it's worth it
Citizenship isn't just knowing about government; it's showing up for the people and places around you. Your patrol will pick a project that matters to you, plan it safely, and put in real hours. Service is a big part of life in a troop and of Eagle Scout someday, and it starts with projects like this one.
Start this week
- Make a list with your patrol of three places that could use help, like a park, a food pantry, or a school.
- Ask your adult to call one of them and find out what help they actually need.
- Start a simple log to track the date, hours, and what you did.
Stay safe
- Wear gloves when picking up trash, don't touch needles or broken glass (tell an adult), and stay away from traffic.
Requirements · 2
Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab).
- Requirement 1
Find a community service project your patrol or pack could do; use the SAFE Checklist to make a plan for doing it safely
Tip: Ask your school, church, or a local park what help they need. Use the SAFE Checklist to plan it.
For example: SAFE for a park cleanup: Supervision means two adults are there. Assessment means checking for sharp trash or traffic. Fitness and skill means everyone can work for two hours. Equipment and environment means gloves, trash grabbers, water, and sun protection.
- Requirement 2
Do at least two hours of service, in one project or in several that add up to two hours
Tip: Work with your patrol or family and keep track of your hours. Projects like park cleanups or food drives work well.
For example: Two hours could be one Saturday morning sorting donations at a food bank, or two one-hour visits: planting flowers at a school and collecting coats for a winter drive.
Talk about it together
- Why did your patrol choose this project?
- Who did your service help, and how do you know?
- What was harder or easier than you expected?
- What other needs did you notice in your community?
- What kind of service would you like to do in a troop?
Helpful reads
- Cub Scouts: a guide for families, How Cub Scout ranks and adventures work from kindergarten through fifth grade, what an adult partner does, and how to keep it fun at meetings and at home., Families · Leaders · 4 min read
- From Arrow of Light to a troop, What changes when you join a Scouts BSA troop, how to visit and choose one, good questions to ask, and how to make your first year a great one., Youth · Families · 4 min read
For leaders & parents
- Let the patrol choose and plan the project so they own it.
- Take a photo before and after so scouts can see the difference they made.
People & places that can help
- Local food bank or park department — Often has service projects for youth groups.
- Your chartered organization — May have projects your patrol can help with.
- AmeriCorps (opens in a new tab) — Find volunteer opportunities in your community.
- Feeding America (opens in a new tab) — Find a food bank near you and ways kids can help.
Pairs well with
Counts toward
More Arrow of Light adventures
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- Fishing, Elective, Adventure · 7 requirements
- High Tech Outdoors, Elective, Adventure · 4 requirements
- Into the Wild, Elective, Adventure · 5 requirements
- Into the Woods, Elective, Adventure · 5 requirements
- Knife Safety, Elective, Adventure · 5 requirements
- Paddle Craft, Elective, Adventure · 9 requirements
- Race Time, Elective, Adventure · 5 requirements
- Summertime Fun, Elective, Adventure · 1 requirement
- Swimming, Elective, Adventure · 4 requirements
Into this? Explore more
Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.