Bear Paws for Action Adventure

Adventure Type: Citizenship, required
Number of Requirements: 4
Typical Time to Complete: 1 or 2 den meetings
Parent Involvement: Moderate
Preparation Needed: Gather craft supplies, arrange service project or nonprofit activity, prepare flag materials
Activity Level: Low to moderate
Indoor or Outdoor: Both
Special Requirements: Service project participation, flag etiquette practice
Supplies Snapshot: U.S. flag, craft materials, paper, markers, paint, scissors, playdough, internet access, trash bags, gardening supplies

The Bear Paws for Action Adventure helps Bear Cub Scouts learn what it means to be a good citizen. Scouts explore ways they can help their community and show respect for their country. They also learn that even young people can make a difference by helping others and doing their part.

As they work on this adventure, Scouts learn about the United States flag and how to handle and display it properly. They also learn about volunteering and how non-profit groups serve people in the community. These activities help Scouts understand the importance of kindness, responsibility, and service.

The Bear Paws for Action Adventure encourages Scouts to think about their role in their pack, school, neighborhood, and country. It helps them build habits of respect and service while living the Cub Scout motto and doing their best.

Printable requirements for the Bear Paws for Action Adventure

Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den's progress on the Bear Paws for Action Adventure

Printable checkoff sheet for the Bear Badge (for den or individual use)

Bear Paws for Action Den Meeting Plan

This den meeting plan helps Bear Cub Scouts learn about citizenship in a fun and active way. Scouts will explore the U.S. flag, create crafts of American symbols, and learn about non-profits. Each activity keeps them engaged while teaching respect for their country and community. The meeting includes a simple flag ceremony, a hands-on cootie catcher game, a creative craft project, and a discussion about helping others.

By the end of the meeting, Scouts will understand the importance of being helpful, kind, and loyal. They will see how small actions can make a big difference. This plan combines learning and fun, making it easy for Scouts to stay involved. With a simple snack and a thoughtful closing, the meeting wraps up in a meaningful way.

Get the free Bear Paws for Action den meeting Plan here.

Requirement 2: Explore American Symbols

Identify 3 symbols that represent the United States.  Pick your favorite and make a model, work of art, or other craft that depicts the symbol.  

This requirement works best when Scouts can be creative. Let them choose symbols they already recognize, such as the Statue of Liberty or the bald eagle. Simple crafts are usually better than complicated projects because they keep the focus on learning and fun.

Easy Option: Have Scouts draw and color their favorite American symbol on paper and share why they chose it with the den. See U.S.A. Symbols Drawing.

More options:

• Paint the Flag: Paint a picture of the United States  flag. 
• Statue of Liberty: Learn about the Statue of Liberty while building a replica.
• U.S.A. Symbol Model: Using playdough, create a symbol that represents the United States. 
• White House Model: Learn about United States symbols and build a model of the White House. 

Requirement 3: Learn About a Non-Profit

Learn about the mission of any non-profit.  Find out how they fund their activities and how volunteers are used to help.   

Help Scouts understand that non-profits exist to help people or communities. Keep the discussion simple and focus on what the group does and how volunteers help. Younger Scouts often connect best when they hear real examples of helping others.

Easy Option: Watch a short video or visit the website of a local food pantry or animal shelter and talk about how volunteers help there. See Groups That Help.

Here are more ideas:

• Guest Speaker: Invite someone from a non-profit to talk about their work, how they raise funds, and how volunteers help them achieve their goals.
• Nonprofit Visit: Cub Scouts learn about a nonprofit by visiting the organization. 

Requirement 4: Participate in a Service Project

Participate in a service project.

This requirement gives Scouts a chance to help others directly. Choose a project which is easy to organize and gives Scouts an active role. Short projects usually work best for Bear Scouts and help them see quick results from their efforts.

Easy Option: Do a quick park or playground cleanup with gloves and trash bags for one den meeting.

Here are more options:

• Eyeglasses Donation Drive: With your den, host a used eyeglasses drive to donate to an organization that recycles them for those in need. 
• Plant Trees: Cub Scouts plant a tree in their community. 
• Scouting for Food Bear: Participate in your Council-sponsored Scouting for Food event.

See more service project ideas for Cub Scouts.

These links will help with flag etiquette:

• Opening Flag Ceremony
• Closing Flag Ceremony
• How to Fold the US Flag
• Flag Retirement Ceremony
• Raising and Lowering the US Flag

History of the US Flag Cootie Catcher: A Cootie Catcher, also known as a fortune teller, is a paper origami toy. Use this free template as a resource for teaching the history of the US flag to Cub Scouts. 

The Bear Paws for Action Adventure is designed to teach Bear Cub Scouts about citizenship and their role in the community. Throughout the adventure, Scouts learn about the importance of the U.S. flag, symbols of America, the workings of non-profit organizations, and participating in service projects.

First, Scouts explore the history and etiquette of the U.S. flag. They practice raising, lowering, and folding the flag properly. This teaches respect for a key national symbol. Next, they identify symbols like the Bald Eagle and the Statue of Liberty. Scouts choose one symbol to create a craft, deepening their connection with American heritage.

The adventure also includes learning about non-profits. Scouts discover how these organizations help the community, how they are funded, and the role of volunteers. This knowledge is put into practice through participation in a service project, which could include cleaning a local park or helping at a food bank. These activities reinforce the Scout’s duty to help and show goodwill, as outlined in the Cub Scout Law.

So the Bear Paws for Action Adventure is a comprehensive program that fosters a sense of responsibility and pride in young Scouts, encouraging them to be active, thoughtful citizens.