Bear Salmon Run Adventure
Adventure Type: Elective
Number of Requirements: 6
Typical Time to Complete: 2–3 hours
Parent Involvement: Moderate to high
Preparation Needed: Pool arrangements, supervision, forms, safety planning
Activity Level: High
Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor or outdoor swimming area
Special Requirements: Qualified adult supervision, swimming access, buddy system
Supplies Snapshot: Swim gear, buddy tags, timer, rescue equipment, required forms
The Bear Salmon Run Adventure helps Bear Cub Scouts build confidence in the water while learning essential swimming and safety skills. Through hands-on activities, Scouts discover how to enjoy the water responsibly.
Scouts learn about qualified adult supervision, swimming ability groups, and the buddy system. They also spend time swimming and attempt the BSA beginner swim test.
The adventure introduces reach and throw rescues, teaching Scouts how to help someone in trouble without entering the water themselves. Along the way, they develop fitness, teamwork, and good judgment.
Requirements for the Bear Salmon Run Adventure
Bear Salmon Run Adventure Requirements
To earn this Adventure, Bear Cub Scouts may enroll in and complete a swimming instruction program offered by an accredited instructor OR pass the BSA swimmer test OR complete the requirements below.
- With your den or an adult, identify the attributes of qualified adult supervision at a swimming activity.
- Learn the three swimming ability groups for the Boy Scouts of America and water depths appropriate for each.
- Go swimming with your den, pack, or family for 30 minutes using the buddy system.
- Demonstrate the use the buddy system, buddy checks, and ability groups with your den or an adult.
- Attempt the BSA beginner swim test
- Demonstrate both a reach and throw rescue.
Printable requirements for the Bear Salmon Run Adventure
Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den's progress on the Bear Salmon Run Adventure
Printable checkoff sheet for the Bear Badge (for den or individual use)
Resources for the Bear Salmon Run Adventure
Requirement 1: Qualified Adult Supervision
With your den or an adult, identify the attributes of qualified adult supervision at a swimming activity.
Help Scouts recognize that good supervision means more than having an adult nearby. Discuss how a qualified supervisor stays attentive, understands water-safety rules, and knows what to do in an emergency.
Easy Option: Describe several swimming situations and let Scouts give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to show whether the adult is supervising safely. See Qualified Supervision Bear.
Requirement 2: Swimming Ability Groups
Learn the three swimming ability groups for the Scouting America and water depths appropriate for each.
Use simple examples to show why swimmers are grouped by ability and assigned appropriate swimming areas. Emphasize that these groups help everyone participate safely without feeling embarrassed about their skill level.
Easy Option: Label three areas “Non-Swimmer,” “Beginner,” and “Swimmer,” then have Scouts match prepared swimmer descriptions to the correct group. See Swimming Skills Set.
Requirement 3: Swim Using the Buddy System
Go swimming with your den, pack, or family for 30 minutes using the buddy system.
Make the 30-minute swim feel like active play while reinforcing that buddies remain together and watch out for one another. Choose a supervised swimming area, assign buddies before entering the water, and pause periodically for buddy checks.
Easy Option: Visit a local pool with families, pair each Scout with a buddy, and use a timer to conduct quick buddy checks throughout the swim. See Go Swimming Bear.
Resources
Requirement 4: Demonstrate Buddy Checks and Ability Groups
Demonstrate the use the buddy system, buddy checks, and ability groups with your den or an adult.
Give Scouts a chance to show that they understand how the safety system works instead of simply asking them to explain it. Keep the demonstration brief and let Scouts take turns pairing up, responding to a buddy check, and moving to the proper ability area.
Easy Option: Set out three ability-group signs and conduct a short practice buddy check with the entire den. See Buddies in Swimming.
Requirement 5: Attempt the Beginner Swim Test
Attempt the BSA beginner swim test
Present the swim test as a chance to try—not something Scouts must pass—to reduce anxiety and encourage their best effort. Review the test steps beforehand and make sure each Scout is assessed by an appropriate adult in a properly supervised swimming area.
Easy Option: Arrange for Scouts to attempt the test during the same pool visit used for Requirement 3.
Resources:
Requirement 6: Reach and Throw Rescues
Demonstrate both a reach and throw rescue.
Teach Scouts to help from a safe position without entering the water themselves. Let them practice reaching with a sturdy object and throwing a floating rescue item while an adult reinforces balance, accuracy, and clear communication.
Easy Option: At the pool’s edge, have each Scout perform one reach rescue with a pool noodle and one throw rescue with an approved flotation device.
Resources:
Safe Swim Defense: Safe Swim Defense provides the steps which a Scouting America unit must take to safely participate in an activity which involves swimming.
Swim Test: The swim test is used in Scouting America to determine ability level so that participants can swim in an area which is appropriate for them.
Water Rescue Methods: Water rescue methods are methods used to rescue someone who is in trouble in the water.
SCOUT Water Safety Chant: This chant helps younger Scouts learn the rules for safe aquatics activities.
Sharks and Minnows: This game can be used at your pack pool party or at a meeting focused on swimming skills.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Bear Salmon Run Adventure
What is the Bear Salmon Run Adventure?
The Bear Salmon Run Adventure is a Cub Scout activity that teaches Bear Scouts about swimming and water safety. They learn to swim, use the buddy system, and perform basic water rescues.
Who can participate in the Salmon Run adventure?
This adventure is designed for Bear Cub Scouts, usually third graders or scouts aged about 8 or 9 years old.
Do I need to be a good swimmer to start this adventure?
No, you don’t need to be a good swimmer to start. There are activities and tests suited for different swimming abilities, from non-swimmers to swimmers.
What are the three swimming ability groups in Scouting America?
The three groups are:
- Non-Swimmer: Stays in shallow water less than waist to chest deep.
- Beginner: Can swim 25 feet but not enough to be in deep water. May be in water which is barely over the head, but shallow water must be close.
- Swimmer: Can swim 75 yards in deep water and has good swimming skills. Can swim in depths of up to 12 feet in clear water.
What is the buddy system?
The buddy system is a safety rule where two scouts look after each other during all swimming activities. They stay together and watch out for each other’s safety.
What does a reach rescue and a throw rescue involve?
A reach rescue uses an object to reach someone in trouble in the water without entering the water yourself. A throw rescue involves throwing a lifeline or buoyant object to someone far away in the water to pull them to safety.
Can family members join in the Bear Salmon Run Adventure activities?
Yes, family members are encouraged to join and support the scouts during these activities, especially the swimming sessions.
What should I bring to a swimming session for the Bear Salmon Run Adventure?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water shoes if needed.
Where can these activities be completed?
These activities should be done in a safe and supervised swimming area. See the safety section.
Splashing Through Skills
The Bear Salmon Run Adventure is all about helping Bear Cub Scouts get comfortable and safe around water. In this adventure, scouts learn crucial swimming and water safety skills. They start by understanding who can supervise swimming activities and what makes someone a good supervisor.
Scouts then learn about different swimming ability groups. These groups help them know where they can swim safely. They spend time swimming with friends or family, using the buddy system to keep each other safe. They also practice buddy checks and using different ability groups.
One key part of the adventure is attempting the BSA beginner swim test. This test helps scouts see what they can do in the water. They learn two lifesaving techniques too: the reach rescue and the throw rescue. These are ways to help someone in trouble without getting in the water yourself.
Through the Bear Salmon Run Adventure, scouts not only improve their swimming but also learn how to be safe and help others in the water. It’s a fun way to build confidence and learn important skills that can save lives.
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