Bear Badge for Cub Scouts in 2024

Printable Bear Cub Scout requirements

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

Bobcat Adventure

The Bear Bobcat Adventure is the first adventure for Bear Cub Scouts. It helps them learn important Scout principles like the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Scouts start by getting to know each other through games. They also create a den Code of Conduct together, learn and demonstrate the Cub Scout sign, salute, and handshake, and share experiences where they did their best. Another key activity involves discussing child safety at home with their parents.

This adventure sets the foundation for all future Bear activities by building character, leadership, and a sense of community among the Scouts.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, and ideas for games and activities.

Bobcat Adventure Requirements

1. Get to know members of your den.
2. Recite the Scout Oath and Law with your den and den leader.  
3. Learn about the Scout Oath. Identify the three points of the Scout Oath. 
4. With your den create a den Code of Conduct. 
5. Learn about the denner position and responsibilities. 
6. Demonstrate the Cub Scout sign, Cub Scout salute and Cub Scout handshake.  Show how each is used. 
7. Share with your den, or family, a time when you demonstrated the Cub Scout motto “Do Your Best.” Explain why it is important to do your best.
8. At home, with your parent or legal guardian do the activities in the booklet “How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide.” 

Bear Habitat Adventure

The Bear Habitat Adventure is a fun outdoor activity for Bear Cub Scouts. It teaches them to prepare for a one-mile walk by gathering essential items and wearing appropriate clothing. During the walk, they practice Leave No Trace principles, like respecting wildlife and keeping the trail clean. They also learn to identify natural features and wildlife signs.

The adventure encourages Bears to take photos or draw their observations, enhancing their appreciation of nature. Overall, this adventure builds skills in preparation, observation, and respect for the environment, promoting responsible and enjoyable outdoor experiences.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, and more information about the Leave No Trace Principles for Kids.

Bear Habitat Adventure Requirements

1. Prepare for a 1-mile walk by gathering the Cub Scout Six Essentials and weather appropriate clothing and shoes.
2. “Know Before You Go” Identify the location of your walk on a map and confirm your 1-mile route.
3. “Choose the Right Path” Learn about the path and surrounding area you will be walking on.  
4. “Trash your Trash” Develop a plan for what you will do with your personal trash or trash you find along the trail. 
5. “Leave What You Find” Take pictures along your walk or bring a sketch book to draw 5 things that you want to remember on your walk.
6. “Be Careful with Fire” Determine the fire danger rating along your path.
7. “Respect Wildlife” From a safe distance, identify as you look up, down, and around you, 6 signs of any mammals, birds, insects, reptiles.
8. “Be Kind to Other Visitors” Identify what you need to do as a den to be kind to others on the path.
9. Go on your 1-mile walk while practicing your Leave No Trace Principles for Kids.

Bear Strong Adventure

The Bear Strong Adventure teaches Bear Cub Scouts about staying healthy and active. In this adventure, Scouts try different foods and do various exercises. They learn about the food groups and the importance of physical activities like stretching and moving. Scouts also talk with their parents about their health and what activities they can do safely.

This adventure helps them understand how to be healthy for life.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, and fun ways to work the fitness ideas into meetings.

Bear Strong Adventure Requirements

1. Sample food from 3 of the following: protein, vegetable, fruit, dairy,  and/or grain.  
2. Be active for 30 minutes with your den or at least 1 other person that includes both stretching and moving.
3. Be active for 15 minutes doing personal exercises that include cardio, muscular strength, and flexibility.
4. Do a relaxing activity for 10 minutes.
5. Review your BSA Annual Health and Medical record with your parent or guardian. Discuss your ability to participate in den and pack activities. 

Fellowship Adventure

The Bear Fellowship Adventure helps Bear Cub Scouts learn about different faiths and the importance of kindness. Scouts talk about their family’s faith, attend a religious event, do a kind act, and learn about another faith.

This adventure teaches them respect and kindness. It helps them see the similarities between different beliefs and shows them how to be good members of their community.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, and ideas for completing the requirements.

Fellowship Adventure Requirements

This Adventure may be earned by completing the requirements below OR by completing a Religious Emblem of the Cub Scouts family’s choosing.

1. With your parent or legal guardian talk about your family’s faith traditions.   Identify three holidays or celebrations that are part of your family’s faith traditions. Make a craft,  work of art, or a food item that is part  of your favorite family’s faith tradition holiday or celebration.
2. With your family, attend a religious service OR other gathering that shows how your family expresses reverence .
3. Carry out an act of kindness.
4. With your parent or legal guardian identify a religion or faith that is different from your own.  Determine two things that it has in common with your family’s beliefs. 

Paws for Action Adventure

Bear Paws for Action Adventure helps Bear Cub Scouts learn about good citizenship. Scouts learn about the U.S. flag, create crafts of American symbols, explore non-profits, and join in service projects. They practice respect, discover the importance of helping others, and see how they can contribute to their communities.

This adventure encourages Scouts to be responsible citizens and shows them how to put their Scout values into action.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, and ideas for projects.

Paws for Action Adventure Requirements

1. Familiarize yourself with the flag of the United States of America including the history, demonstrating how to raise and lower the flag, how to properly fold and display, and the United States etiquette.
2. 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.  
3. Learn about the mission of any non-profit.  Find out how they fund their activities and how volunteers are used to help.   
4. Participate in a service project.

Standing Tall Adventure

The Bear Standing Tall adventure teaches Bear Cub Scouts about safety. They watch a video to learn how to stay away from danger. They do a worksheet to understand who can get close to them. Bears make rules with parents about using phones and tablets safely. They also learn about safety gear like helmets and goggles, and they practice how to use it.

This adventure helps Bears know how to keep safe in their daily lives. It’s important for them to learn and feel strong.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, resources, and creative ways to work safety ideas into meetings.

Standing Tall Adventure Requirements

1. With permission from your parent or legal guardian, watch the Protect Yourself Rules video for the Bear rank. 
2. Complete the Personal Space Bubble worksheet that is part of the Protect Yourself Rules resources.
3. With  your parent or legal guardian, set up a family policy for digital devices.  
4. Identify common personal safety gear for your head, eyes, mouth, hands, and feet.  List how each of these items protect you.  Demonstrate the proper use of personal safety gear for an activity. 

A Bear Goes Fishing Adventure

The Bear Goes Fishing Adventure teaches Bear Cub Scouts about fishing in a hands-on way. They learn about different fish, fishing rules, and how to use fishing equipment safely. Scouts practice tying knots and setting up their gear. The adventure ends with a real fishing trip where they use what they’ve learned.

It’s a fun and educational experience that helps scouts respect nature and learn new skills.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, background material, and how to find places to fish near you.

A Bear Goes Fishing Adventure Requirements

1. Learn about three types of fish in your area. 
2. Learn about your local fishing regulations with your den leader or an adult. 
3. List three of the regulations you learned about, and one reason each regulation exists. 
4. Become familiar with the safe use of the fishing equipment you will be using on your outing. 
5. Learn the way to attach the hook, lure, or fly to the line.
6. Go on a fishing adventure, and for 30 minutes or more, put into practice the things you learned about fish and fishing equipment.  

Balancing Bears Adventure

The Balancing Bears adventure is a fun and educational activity for Bear Cub Scouts. It teaches them about patterns and symmetry in nature through engaging tasks. Scouts make trail mix using math skills, like measuring and counting. They also identify animals with unique patterns and learn why these patterns are important for survival. Additionally, Scouts explore symmetry by finding examples in nature, such as leaves and flowers.

This adventure combines outdoor learning with practical math, helping Scouts understand the world around them while working together and enjoying nature. It’s a great way for Scouts to learn, play, and grow.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, background information, and creative activities.

Balancing Bears Adventure Requirements

1. Make trail mix using trail mix math.
2. Identify an animal that has a pattern to their physical appearance.  Investigate how the animal uses their pattern.
3. Find examples of bilateral symmetry in nature. 
4. Find examples of radial symmetry in nature. 

Baloo the Builder Adventure

The Bear Baloo the Builder Adventure is part of the Bear Cub Scouts program. It introduces Scouts to basic woodworking tools and safety practices. Scouts learn about different tools, practice using them, choose a building project, plan it, and then build it. This adventure enhances their understanding of tool safety, project planning, and execution. It also teaches teamwork and boosts confidence as Scouts see their plans take shape.

The adventure is engaging and educational, providing Scouts with skills they can use in everyday life while promoting a sense of accomplishment and pride in their achievements.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, background material, and ideas for projects.

Baloo the Builder Adventure Requirements

1. Learn about some basic tools and the proper use of each tool. Learn about and understand the need for safety when you work with tools. 
2. Practice using four of the tools you learned about in requirement 1.
3. Choose a project to build.
4. Determine the tools and materials needed to build your project in requirement 3.
5. Build your project.

Bears Afloat Adventure

The Bears Afloat Adventure is a Cub Scout activity that teaches young Scouts about boating safely. Scouts choose to learn about canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards. They start by passing a swim test for safety. Then, they learn to pick and wear the right life jacket and understand basic safety rules for water activities. Scouts also practice paddling and learn how their movements affect the boat. They spend at least 30 minutes on the water to practice their new skills.

This adventure helps Scouts enjoy the outdoors, learn teamwork, and improve their fitness.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, safety notes, and background information.

Bears Afloat Adventure Requirements

1. Before attempting requirements 6 and 7 for this Adventure, you must pass the BSA swimmer test.      
2. Pick a paddle craft for which to complete all requirements: canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard (SUP). 
3. With your den or an adult, discuss the role of qualified adult supervision at a paddle craft activity.  
4. Explain the safety rules to follow when safely using a paddle craft. 
5. Discover how to tell if a life jacket is the correct size and approved for your paddle craft activity.  Demonstrate how to wear it .  
6. Explore how your paddle craft responds as you move your paddle through the water from different places.
7. Have 30 minutes, or more, of canoe, kayak, or SUP paddle time.

Bears on Bikes Adventure

The Bears on Bike” adventure teaches Bear Cub Scouts about safe biking and bike care. Scouts learn to wear helmets correctly, choose the right clothes for cycling, and use hand signals. They also practice adjusting the bike seat, operating brakes, and inflating tires.

The adventure includes lessons on maintaining bikes to avoid breakdowns. It ends with a 30-minute group bike ride, where Scouts apply their new skills and enjoy biking together. This program helps Scouts develop cycling skills and safety awareness, promoting lifelong enjoyment and fitness through biking.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, background information, and activity ideas.

Bears on Bikes Adventure Requirements

1. Show how to properly wear a bicycle helmet. 
2. Decide what you should wear when riding a bike.
3. Demonstrate proper hand signals. 
4. Demonstrate how to adjust saddle height.
5. Demonstrate how to operate brakes.
6. Learn how to use a pump to inflate your tires. Discuss why riding with low-pressure or flat tires is unsafe and can cause damage to your bike. 
7. With your family, den, or pack, follow the buddy system and go on a 30-minute bike ride.

Champions for Nature Adventure

The Bear Champions for Nature adventure is designed for Bear Cub Scouts to learn about the environment and how to protect it. Through this adventure, scouts explore natural resources, investigate how wastewater is treated, study soil, learn about air pollution, and participate in a conservation project.

These activities help scouts understand the importance of nature and teach them ways to help care for the Earth. By engaging in hands-on tasks, scouts develop a deeper appreciation for the environment and learn valuable teamwork skills. This adventure encourages them to become active participants in preserving natural resources for future generations.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, background information, and activity ideas.

Champions for Nature Adventure Requirements

1. Discover natural resources.   
2. Discover what happens to the wastewater in your community.   
3. Investigate soil. 
4. Investigate air pollution. 
5. Participate in a conservation project.

Chef Tech Adventure

The Bear Chef Tech Adventure is a Cub Scout activity where Bear Scouts learn to use technology in the kitchen. They start by choosing a kitchen appliance and reading its manual to understand safety rules. Then, with an adult’s help, they use a cooking app or the internet to find a recipe that uses their appliance. After that, they make the recipe, practicing safe cooking with adult supervision. Finally, Scouts think about how technology could improve the appliance they used.

This adventure teaches them about technology, cooking, and safety, encouraging creativity and problem-solving.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, background information, and examples.

Chef Tech Adventure Requirements

1. Pick a kitchen appliance that uses technology to complete the following requirements. 
2. With an adult, review the safety guidelines in the owner’s manual.
3. Download a cooking app or search online to find a recipe that uses the appliance selected in requirement 1.
4. With adult supervision, follow the selected recipe and make the recipe.
5. Think of a way technology can improve the appliance used to make your recipe.  

Critter Care Adventure Requirements

The Bear Critter Care Adventure teaches Bear Cub Scouts about responsible pet ownership. Scouts choose a pet that fits well with their family, learn about local pet rules, and compare different animals. They research how to care for their chosen pet, covering its daily needs. Scouts also explore the benefits pets offer, like companionship and health improvements.

This adventure helps Scouts develop responsibility and empathy through engaging activities. It’s ideal for third graders looking to understand more about animals and how to take care of them. Through this program, Scouts gain valuable life skills and a deeper appreciation for pets.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, and fun activities.

Critter Care Adventure Requirements

1. Identify an animal that would be good pet for your family.
2. Choose two animals that are allowed as pets in your community.  Compare and contrast why these pets may be a good choice for you.
3. Based on your choice in requirement 1, investigate how to properly care for your chosen animal.
4. Discover three ways a pet can help people.

Forensics Adventure

The Bear Forensics Adventure teaches Bear Cub Scouts about forensic science, the scientific method used to solve crimes. Through fun and interactive activities, Scouts learn to analyze fingerprints, make shoe imprints, and test different substances like salt and sugar. They also explore chromatography and how evidence is collected at crime scenes.

This adventure helps Scouts develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by applying science in practical scenarios. It’s an educational and enjoyable experience that broadens their understanding of science and its real-world applications.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, and creative ways to do the requirements.

Forensics Adventure Requirements

1. Explore the term “forensics” and how it is used to help solve crimes.
2. Analyze your fingerprints.
3. Make a shoe imprint.
4. Do an analysis of four different substances: salt, sugar, baking soda and cornstarch.
5. Learn about chromatography and how it is used in solving crimes.
6. Find out how officers collect evidence.

Let’s Camp Adventure

The Bear Let’s Camp Adventure teaches Bear Scouts essential camping skills and outdoor safety through engaging activities. Scouts review the buddy system, pack necessary gear including the Cub Scout Six Essentials, and learn to select a good campsite. They practice setting up tents and explain their site choice. The adventure culminates in attending a Cub Scout overnight camp, where Scouts apply what they’ve learned and participate in group activities.

This experience fosters teamwork, independence, and a love for the outdoors, providing Scouts with skills and memories that enrich their scouting journey and personal growth.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, packing list for camp, and fun activities.

Let’s Camp Adventure Requirements

1. Review the buddy system and how it works in the outdoors.
2. Pack your Cub Scout Six Essentials for the campout.
3. In addition to your 6 Cub Scout Essentials, show the personal items you need for your campout. 
4. Help set up a tent.  Determine a good spot for the tent.  Explain why you picked the spot.
5. Attend a Council or District Cub Scout overnight camp or attend a campout with your Pack.

Marble Madness Adventure

The Bear Marble Madness Adventure engages Bear Cub Scouts in creative and strategic activities. Scouts make their own marble bags, learn marble-related vocabulary, and play various marble games. They also build a marble racetrack and a marble maze. These activities enhance motor skills, creativity, and strategic thinking. The adventure teaches important life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. It is designed to be fun and educational, providing Scouts with opportunities to learn through play.

This adventure is an ideal mix of hands-on learning and enjoyable challenges that help Scouts grow and develop in a supportive environment.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, marble terminology, and games.

Marble Madness Adventure Requirements

1. Make a marble bag.
2. Learn five words that are used when talking about marbles.  
3. Play three different marble games.
4. Build a marble racetrack with at least two lanes.  
5. Build a marble maze. 

Race Time Adventure

The Race Time Adventure engages Bears in building and racing a vehicle, either a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat. This activity teaches Scouts about craftsmanship, the science of speed, and the importance of following rules. They learn to work with tools and materials, focusing on safety and creativity. Discussions on sportsmanship prepare them for the race day, emphasizing respect and fair play.

The highlight is participating in the race, experiencing the thrill of competition while reinforcing lessons in teamwork and community. This adventure combines fun with educational and character-building experiences.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, rules, and tips for speed.

Race Time Adventure Requirements

1. With an adult, build either a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat.
2. Learn the rules of the race for the vehicle chosen in requirement 1.
3. Identify how you could increase the speed of your chosen vehicle.
4. Before the race, discuss with your den how you will demonstrate good sportsmanship during the race.
5. Participate in a Pinewood Derby or a Raingutter Regatta.

Roaring Laugher Adventure

The Bear Roaring Laughter Adventure allows Bear Cub Scouts to discover what makes them laugh and develop their public speaking skills. Through activities like discussing humor, practicing tongue twisters, playing charades, telling jokes, and performing quick skits, Scouts enhance their communication abilities and boost their confidence.

This adventure is about having fun and learning to express oneself in front of others, fostering both personal growth and camaraderie within the den.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, run-ons, tongue-twisters, and more.

Roaring Laugher Adventure Requirements

1. Think about what makes you laugh. Discuss these with your den or family. 
2. Practice reading tongue twisters. 
3. Play charades with your den or family. 
4. Have a “Funniest Joke Contest” with your den or family.
5. Practice “Run-Ons” with your den or family. 

Salmon Run Adventure

The Bear Salmon Run Adventure teaches Bear Cub Scouts about swimming and water safety. They learn the roles of a good adult supervisor and the different swimming ability groups. Scouts practice swimming using the buddy system and do buddy checks. They also try a beginner swim test and learn rescue methods like reach and throw rescues.

This adventure helps scouts become safer in the water and more confident in their swimming skills. It’s a mix of learning and fun in a safe environment.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, safety information, and fun activities.

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. 

1. With your den or an adult, identify the attributes of qualified adult supervision at a swimming activity.
2. Learn the three swimming ability groups for the Boy Scouts of America and water depths appropriate for each.  
3. Go swimming with your den, pack, or family for 30 minutes using the buddy system. 
4. Demonstrate the use the buddy system, buddy checks, and ability groups with your den or an adult.  
5. Attempt the BSA beginner swim test 
6. Demonstrate both a reach and throw rescue. 

Summertime Fun Adventure

Bear Cub Scouts have a chance to make the most of their summer with the Summertime Fun Adventure. They should attend three different Scout-related activities from May through August. This could be anything from a day camp to a community service project.

Bears who meet these requirements earn a belt loop, celebrating their active participation and fun experiences over the summer months.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, and ideas for summertime activities.

Summertime Fun Adventure Requirements

1. Anytime during May through August participate in a total of 3 Cub Scout activities. 

Super Science Adventure

The Bear Super Science Adventure is a Cub Scout activity for Bear Cub Scouts. It includes fun, simple science experiments that teach basic concepts of electricity, buoyancy, and color. Scouts perform experiments like creating static electricity, testing whether objects float or sink, and exploring how colors mix and change.

These activities help Scouts learn about the world around them through direct experience and experimentation. By participating, Scouts develop important skills like critical thinking and teamwork. This is an excellent way for Scouts to engage with STEM in an enjoyable and educational setting.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, and ideas for investigations.

Super Science Adventure Requirements

1. Conduct static electricity investigation. 
2. Conduct the sink-or-float investigation.  
3. Conduct the color-morphing investigation.  
4. Conduct the color-layering investigation.

Whittling Adventure

The Bear Whittling Adventure teaches Bear Scouts in the Cub Scouts program how to use and care for knives safely. Scouts learn to follow safety rules, maintain a safety zone, and properly care for their knives. They practice these skills by making two carvings with a pocketknife.

This adventure not only enhances their crafting skills but also builds responsibility, safety awareness, and confidence. It’s a practical activity that combines fun and learning, emphasizing the importance of careful handling and respect for tools that can be dangerous if not used correctly.

See more information about this adventure here, including printable requirements, check off sheets, safety information, and ideas for carving.

Whittling Adventure Requirements

1. Read, understand, and promise to abide by the “Cub Scout Knife Safety Rules.”
2. Demonstrate the knife safety circle.
3. Demonstrate that you know how to care for and use your pocketknife safely. 
4. Make two carvings with a pocketknife.

Archery Adventure Requirements

Shooting sports adventures can only be completed at district and council events.

1. Identify and wear the appropriate safety gear.
2. Demonstrate the archery range safety rules and whistle commands.
3. Demonstrate proper range commands.
4. Identify the main parts of your shooting equipment and how to properly use them.
5. Demonstrate proper stance and shooting techniques.
6. Shoot 5 arrows at a target. Repeat twice and do your best to improve your score each time. Shoot at least 15 arrows.
7. Demonstrate how to safely retrieve your arrows.

BB Guns Adventure Requirements

Shooting sports adventures can only be completed at district and council events.

1. Identify and wear the appropriate safety gear.
2. Recite the four safety reminders.
3. Demonstrate proper range commands.
4. Show how to use the safety mechanism.
5. Demonstrate how to properly load, fire, and secure your BB gun.
6. Demonstrate one of the positions for shooting a BB gun.
7. Fire 5 BBs at the target and score your target. Repeat twice and do your best to improve your score. Fire at least 15 BBs.
8. Demonstrate how to put away and properly store your BB gun and shooting equipment after use.

Slingshot Adventure Requirements

Shooting sports adventures can only be completed at district and council events.

1. Identify and wear the appropriate safety gear.
2. Recite the safety rules for using a slingshot.
3. Demonstrate proper range commands.
4. Explore the parts of a slingshot and their usage
5. Discover the types of ammunition that may be used and types that may not be used.
6. Discover the types of targets that may be used and types that may not be used.
7. Shoot 5 shots at a target. Repeat twice and do your best to improve your score each time. Shoot at least 15 shots.
8. Demonstrate how to put away and properly store your slingshot and shooting equipment after use.

Bear Badge Overview (Video)