We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Song

“We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” is a fun and active song that works well in Scouting programs. It encourages participation and gets everyone involved. The song is easy to learn and repeat, making it perfect for groups of all ages. Leaders can teach it quickly, and Scouts enjoy acting out the motions.

This song is often used during campfires, pack meetings, or other group activities. It helps build energy and excitement. The repeating lines make it simple for everyone to follow along. Adding motions and exaggerated actions makes it even more entertaining. Scouts can laugh and bond while doing the silly movements together.

“We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” also teaches teamwork and listening skills. Scouts have to pay attention to the leader and respond in unison. Acting out the different parts of the song keeps them focused and involved. It’s a great way to encourage cooperation and group participation.

This song fits perfectly into Scouting’s emphasis on fun and interactive learning. It helps bring energy to any event and works as a quick icebreaker or energizer. It’s a simple activity that can create lasting memories for Scouts of all ages.

“We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” has its roots in traditional storytelling. It started as a spoken chant or story passed down over generations. It wasn’t written down or recorded in one place but was shared by families and groups for fun. The simple words and repetitive pattern made it easy to remember and share.

In 1989, author Michael Rosen and illustrator Helen Oxenbury adapted the story into a picture book. Their version became a hit with children and adults. The book added colorful illustrations and brought the story to life. It also helped spread the chant to new audiences around the world. The song version we sing today comes from this same tradition, adding motions and actions to make it even more engaging.

The tradition of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” fits well with group activities like Scouting. Leaders can use it as a song, chant, or game. Its roots in oral storytelling remind us of the importance of sharing stories in fun, interactive ways. Whether it’s sung or acted out, it continues to bring people together and create connections.

The song is typically sung as a repeat after me song, with a leader saying a line, and then everyone repeating it back. Exaggerate the actions, and feel free to add more.

Listen to it here to learn the tune.

We’re going on a bear hunt.
We’re going to catch a big one.
We’re not afraid.
It’s a beautiful day!

Uh-uh!
Grass!
Swishy-wishy grass.
We can’t go over it.
We can’t go under it.
Oh no!
We’ve got to go through it!

Swishy swashy! Swishy swashy! Swishy swashy! [pretend like you are pushing your way through tall grass]

We’re going on a bear hunt.
We’re going to catch a big one.
We’re not afraid.
It’s a beautiful day!

Uh-uh!
A river!
A cold dark river.
We can’t go over it.
We can’t go under it.
Oh no!
We’ve got to go through it!

Splash splosh! Splash splosh! Splash splosh! [pretend like you are wading through water]

We’re going on a bear hunt.
We’re going to catch a big one.
We’re not afraid.
It’s a beautiful day!

Uh-uh!
Mud!
Icky-gicky mud.
We can’t go over it.
We can’t go under it.
Oh no!
We’ve got to go through it!

Squelch squerch! Squelch squerch! Squelch squerch! [pretend like you are squishing and squelching through thick mud]

We’re going on a bear hunt.
We’re going to catch a big one.
We’re not afraid.
It’s a beautiful day!

Uh-uh!
A forest!
A tall, tall forest.
We can’t go over it.
We can’t go under it.
Oh no!
We’ve got to go through it!

Stumble trip! Stumble trip! Stumble trip! [pretend like you trip while hiking through the forest]

We’re going on a bear hunt.
We’re going to catch a big one.
We’re not afraid.
It’s a beautiful day!

Oh look, a snow storm!
A cold cold snow storm.
We can’t go over it, we can’t go under it.
Ohhh NO!
We gotta go through it.

Hoooo woooo! Hoooo woooo! Hoooo woooo! [pretend like snow is whirling around]

We’re going on a bear hunt.
We’re going to catch a big one.
We’re not afraid.
It’s a beautiful day!

Uh-uh!
A cave!
A tiny little cave.
We can’t go over it.
We can’t go under it.
Oh no!
We’ve got to go through it!

Tiptoe, tiptoe! Tiptoe, tiptoe! [pretend like you are tiptoeing through the cave]

Oh, what’s that?
Two big fuzzy ears
Two big googly eyes
One big mouth…
Ahhhhhhhhhh!
It’s a BEARRRRRR!

[repeat all of the actions on the return journey]

Quick!
Back through the cave! Tiptoe, tiptoe!
Back through the snowstorm! Hoooo woooo!
Back through the forest! Stumble trip!
Back through the mud! Squelch squerch!
Back through the river! Splash splosh!
Back through the grass! Swishy swashy!

Get to our front door.
Open the door.
Up the stairs.
Oh no!
We forgot to shut the door!

Back down the stairs.
Shut the door.
Up the stairs.
Into the room.
Under the bed.
Phew!
We’re not going on a bear hunt again!

Click here to download a printable PDF copy of the Going on a Bear Hunt lyrics.

Harmony of Scouting: The Power of Songs

More Songs

Looking for more songs like “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” to use with your Scouts? Check out my resource for a variety of songs perfect for campfires, meetings, and group activities. You’ll find songs that encourage teamwork, get everyone moving, and bring energy to your program. Visit Songs for Scouts to explore ideas that will keep your Scouts engaged and having fun together.

What is “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”?

It is a song or chant where a leader says a line, and the group repeats it. Participants act out the story with motions, making it active and fun.

What is the purpose of the song?

The song encourages group participation, movement, and listening. It’s great for building energy, teamwork, and having fun during Scouting events.

Where can I use this song?

You can use it at campfires, pack meetings, hikes, or any group gathering. It works well as an icebreaker or energizer.

Do I need music to sing it?

No music is needed. It’s a chant that anyone can lead without instruments. The leader and group simply repeat the words and act out the motions.

How do I teach it to Scouts?

Start by leading one verse at a time. Say the lines, and have the group repeat after you. Show the actions, and encourage everyone to join in. It’s easy to learn.

What age group is it good for?

This song works for all ages. Younger Scouts love the actions, and older Scouts enjoy the group energy. Everyone can join in.

“We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” is a fun, interactive song that works well for groups like Scouts. The song follows a leader as they guide everyone on a pretend journey to find a bear. Along the way, the group encounters obstacles like tall grass, rivers, and mud. They can’t go over or under these obstacles, so they act out going through them. Each part includes motions that match the words.

This song helps build teamwork and encourages group participation. Scouts repeat the lines, follow the leader, and do the actions together. It’s simple to learn, so all ages can join in. The repetitive structure and silly movements keep everyone engaged.

The song’s roots in oral storytelling make it a good fit for Scouting traditions. It works well at campfires, meetings, or as a fun break during activities. “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” is a great way to energize a group and create shared memories.