Crossing Over to Scouts BSA

Arrow of Light (5th grade) is the last rank in Cub Scouting. In the spring, Arrow of Light Scouts “cross over” to a Scouts BSA troop in a crossover ceremony, also called bridging. It’s one of the most meaningful moments of a Scout’s Cub Scout years.

Scouts BSA is Scouting America’s program for youth ages 11 to 17. A troop is a larger group than a den, organized into small teams called patrols, and the Scouts themselves help lead it, with adult leaders guiding them. Scouts can join a troop at age 10 once they’ve earned the Arrow of Light or finished 5th grade.

Jump to: This year’s dates · Choosing a troop · How crossover works

This year’s dates (2026-27)

When	What	Details
Winter	Troop evening events	Each troop invites our Arrow of Light Scouts to an evening event before crossover. Troop 139’s is Friday, December 11, 2026. Troop 39’s date is still to come.
Tuesday, March 9, 2027, 6:30 PM	Arrow of Light ceremony	At the March pack meeting, where Scouts receive their rank.
Sunday, March 14, 2027, 1:30 PM	Crossover ceremony	Boys and girls cross over together, and both troops are there to welcome them.
Monday, March 15, 2027, 7:00 PM	First meeting with Troop 39	At the Eagle’s Nest. Scouts joining Troop 139 or another troop should ask that troop when to start.

Your den leader will share the details for each event.

Choosing a troop

Our goal is for every Scout to keep going in Scouting. Two troops meet right here at Matthews United Methodist Church, and they’re a natural next step:

Troop 39 (boys)
Troop 139 (girls)

Joining Troop 39 or Troop 139 isn’t required. Scouts are welcome to join whichever troop is the right fit for them and their family. Visiting a few troops is a good way to decide. To find other troops nearby, use Scouting America’s Be A Scout troop finder.

How crossover works

Step	What happens
Visiting a troop	In the fall, Arrow of Light Scouts visit a troop meeting, which is part of their Bobcat adventure (the first adventure of each rank). It’s a chance to meet the older Scouts and see how a troop works. Later in the year, the troops invite them back for an evening event.
Earning the Arrow of Light	Scouts receive the Arrow of Light rank at a pack meeting in the spring.
The crossover ceremony	A separate event a few days after that pack meeting, held together with the troops.
Membership	Arrow of Light Scouts who cross over in the spring don’t renew with the Pack. Their new troop registers them.
Starting with the troop	After crossing over, Scouts start going to troop meetings. Your new troop will tell you about its dues, uniform, and what to bring.

Questions about crossover timing, or which troop might be the right fit? Email [email protected]. We’re happy to help you think it through.

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Crossing Over to Scouts BSA