Bear Bobcat Adventure for 2024

Printable requirements for the Bear Bobcat Adventure

Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the Bear Bobcat Adventure

Printable check off sheet for the Bear Badge

Scout Oath and Law

Recite the Scout Oath and Law with your den and den leader.  

Learning the Scout Oath and Scout Law for Bear Bobcat requirement 2 is important. It helps Scouts understand the values they should live by. Here are some simple games to make learning these easier and more fun:

• Scout Law Game: This game involves calling out statements related to the points of the Scout Law (like “A Scout is kind”). Scouts decide if the statement matches a point of the Scout Law and respond accordingly. This not only helps memorize the Scout Law but also understand its application.
• Oath and Law Puzzle Race: Print out the Scout Oath and Scout Law, each line on a separate piece of paper. Mix them up and divide the Scouts into teams. Each team races to put the lines in the correct order. This helps Scouts learn the order and wording of the Oath and Law.
• Repeat After Me: The leader or a Scout says a line of the Scout Oath or Law, and the rest of the group repeats it back. This can be done in a fun way, changing the tone or speed each time, which helps keep the Scouts engaged.
• Scout Law Tag: Each Scout is given a point of the Scout Law to remember. While playing tag, when tagged, a Scout must say their point of the Scout Law before they can rejoin the game. This repetition helps with memorization.

Here are some options for fulfilling Bear Bobcat Adventure requirement 2:

• Bobcat Beanbag Toss
  • While tossing bean bags,  Cub Scouts are moving while learning the Scout Law. 
  • Supplies: poster board, index cards, bean bags, marker
  • indoor, high energy, 3 to 5 days prep
• Recite the Oath and Law Bear
  • Recite the Scout Oath and Scout Law with the den. 
  • Supplies: Bear handbook
  • indoor, very low energy, minimal prep
• Scout Law Hop
  • Cub Scouts learn the Scout Law by playing a hopping game.
  • Supplies: marker, paper
  • indoor, high energy, 1 to 3 days days prep

Using games like these can make learning the Scout Oath and Scout Law engaging and memorable for Scouts.

Understanding the Scout Oath

Learn about the Scout Oath. Identify the three points of the Scout Oath. 

The Scout Oath is a promise that Scouts make to show their commitment to the values of Scouting. It is a key part of being a Scout and is recited at meetings and events. The Scout Oath has three main points, which are: Duty to God and country, Duty to others, and Duty to self.

1. Duty to God and country: This means being faithful to religious beliefs and loyal to the country.
2. Duty to others: This involves helping other people and being considerate and respectful.
3. Duty to self: This is about keeping oneself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Here are some options for fulfilling Bear Bobcat Adventure requirement 3:

• Bear Charades
  • Using charades, Cub Scouts act out the three points of the Scout Oath. 
  • Supplies: Charades Signs, tape, bowl, timer
  • indoor, moderate energy, 1 to 3 days prep
• Lights, Camera, Action
  • Cub Scouts work together to create a photo or video demonstrating one of the three points of the Scout Oath. 
  • Supplies: camera or video recording device, props, Bear handbook
  • indoor, moderate energy, 1 to 3 days prep
• Scout Oath Poster
  • Create a poster of the Scout Oath. 
  • Supplies: poster board or large paper, markers, stickers, construction paper, scissors, tape or glue, Bear handbook
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Understanding and practicing these values will help you grow as a Scout and as a person. Each point is a step toward becoming a better leader and friend.

Code of Conduct

With your den create a den Code of Conduct. 

Creating a den Code of Conduct for Bear Bobcat requirement 4 helps Scouts understand how to behave during meetings and activities. Here’s how you can do it and an example:

Steps to Create a Den Code of Conduct

1. Gather Ideas: Start by asking each Scout what behaviors they think are important for everyone to follow. Talk about why these are important.
2. Discuss: Have a discussion about these behaviors and decide as a group which ones should be included in the Code of Conduct.
3. Write It Down: Write down the agreed-upon rules. Make sure the language is clear and simple.
4. Agree Together: Have everyone agree to follow these rules by signing the Code of Conduct.

Example of a Den Code of Conduct

• Be Kind: Treat everyone with respect at all times.
• Listen: When someone else is talking, we listen without interrupting.
• Share: We share materials and take turns.
• Help: We help each other and work together.
• Stay Safe: We follow all safety rules during activities.
• Clean Up: We clean up after ourselves and take care of our meeting space.

Here is an option for fulfilling Bear Bobcat Adventure requirement 4:

• Code of Conduct Bear
  • Cub Scouts will be invested in their own conduct when they help create their den code of conduct. 
  • Supplies: posterboard, Den Code of Conduct poster (optional), markers
  • indoor, very low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

This example covers basic behaviors that ensure meetings are respectful, productive, and safe. It’s a simple way to make sure everyone knows what’s expected and can help maintain a positive environment for all.

The Denner Position

Learn about the denner position and responsibilities. 

The denner is a special role in the Cub Scout den. It’s a position that lets a Scout help lead their peers. To help with Bear Bobcat requirement 5, here’s what a denner does:

What is a Denner?
A denner is a Cub Scout chosen to help the den leader and assistant den leader with certain tasks. It’s like being a helper for a few weeks.

Responsibilities of a Denner:

• Lead: Help start and finish meetings with flags or pledges.
• Organize: Help set up and clean up during den meetings.
• Help: Assist in leading games or activities under the supervision of the den leader.
• Represent: Speak for other Scouts in the den, sharing ideas or concerns with the den leader.

Why Be a Denner?
Being a denner teaches leadership and responsibility. It’s a chance to learn how to guide friends and be a role model.

Choosing a Denner:
Denners can be chosen by the den leader or elected by the Scouts. It’s good to let different Scouts have a turn.

Here are some options for fulfilling Bear Bobcat Adventure requirement 5:

• A Bear Denner
  • Use popsicle sticks to pick the den meeting denner. 
  • Supplies: popsicle sticks, jar or paper bag
  • indoor, very low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
• Denner Jobs
  • Working together, Cub Scouts make a chart of denner responsibilities. 
  • Supplies: posterboard, paper, markers or pens, colored paper and decorations
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Being a denner is a great way for Scouts to practice leadership and help their den.

Cub Scout Sign, Salute, and Handshake

Demonstrate the Cub Scout sign, Cub Scout salute and Cub Scout handshake.  Show how each is used. 

For Bear Bobcat requirement 6, Cub Scout learn to use the Cub Scout sign, salute, and handshake. Here’s a simple explanation of each and when to use them:

Cub Scout Sign

• How to Make It: Raise your right hand to shoulder level with your arm straight. Your fingers should be together, and your thumb separated from your fingers, forming the ears of the Wolf.
• When to Use It: Use this sign when you need to be quiet and listen, or when saying the Scout Oath or Scout Law.

Cub Scout Salute:

• How to Make It: Place your fingers together as in the sign but bring your hand up to your forehead. If you’re wearing a hat, the fingertips should touch the brim; if not, they should touch just above your eyebrow.
• When to Use It: Use the salute when you are in uniform to show respect, like during the flag ceremony or when greeting someone.

Cub Scout Handshake:

• How to Make It: Extend your right hand as you would for a regular handshake. Place your first two fingers along the inside of the other person’s wrist. This signifies the ears of the Wolf, like in the Cub Scout sign.
• When to Use It: Use this handshake when greeting other Scouts or Scout leaders. It’s a sign of friendship and respect.

Here are some options for fulfilling Bear Bobcat Adventure requirement 6:

• Bobcat Relay Bear
  • In this Cub Scout relay game, teams show the Cub Scout sign, salute, and handshake.
  • Supplies: Cub Scout Sign, Salute, and Handshake printout
  • indoor, moderate energy, minimal prep
• Flag Opening
  • Participate in an opening ceremony that includes the use the Cub Scout salute, sign, and handshake. 
  • Supplies: US flag, opening flag ceremony instructions
  • indoor, low energy, minimal prep
  • Get my instructions for a simple opening flag ceremony

These are ways to show you are a Cub Scout and respect the values of Scouting. They help during meetings and ceremonies to keep order and show respect.

Do Your Best

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.

Sharing stories about doing your best for Bear Bobcat requirement 7 helps Scouts learn from each other and stay motivated. Here’s how to share stories:

1. Think of a Time: Reflect on a moment when you tried really hard to do something. It could be at school, in sports, at home, or during a Scout activity.
2. Describe What Happened: Tell your den or family what the challenge was and what you did to meet it. Explain any obstacles you faced and how you overcame them.
3. Share What You Learned: Talk about what this experience taught you. Maybe you learned that hard work pays off, or that it’s okay to ask for help.
4. Discuss How You Felt: Describe how you felt after trying your best, even if things didn’t turn out perfectly.

Here’s a simple example:

“I wanted to build a birdhouse for a project. It was hard because I had never used some of the tools before. I read the instructions and asked my dad to show me how to use the tools safely. Even though my birdhouse wasn’t perfect, I was proud because I did my best and learned how to use new tools. It felt great to see the birds use it.”

Here is an option for fulfilling Bear Bobcat Adventure requirement 7:

• Do Your Best Showcase
  • Cub Scouts share a time when they did their best. 
  • Supplies: none
  • indoor, very low energy, minimal prep

Sharing stories like this helps everyone see how trying your best is valuable, no matter the outcome. It’s all about the effort and what you learn along the way.

Parent’s Guide

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.” 

For Bear Bobcat requirement 8, Scouts need to complete activities from the booklet “How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide” at home with a parent or legal guardian. This is an important step to help Scouts and their families understand safety and protection.

Steps for Den Leaders:

1. Inform Parents: Let parents know about this requirement. Explain that it is to be done at home.
2. Distribute the Booklet: Make sure each family has a copy of the booklet. You can hand these out during a den meeting or send the information digitally.
3. Encourage Completion: Remind parents to go through the booklet with their Scout. Stress the importance of understanding and discussing the content together.
4. Follow Up: Check in with parents at a later meeting to ensure they have completed the activities and to answer any questions.

Suggested Message for Parents:
“Please take some time to go through the ‘How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide’ booklet with your Scout. This activity is crucial for learning about safety and protection. It’s designed to be informative and helpful for both you and your child. If you have any questions after completing it, feel free to bring them up during our next den meeting.”

Here is an option for fulfilling Bear Bobcat Adventure requirement 8:

• Child Abuse Protection Review Bear
  • Review the activities in the booklet “How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide.” 
  • Supplies: How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide
  • indoor, very low energy, minimal prep

This requirement is vital for fostering a safe environment and encouraging open communication between Scouts and their families.

Before any activity, check the SAFE Checklist to make sure everyone is safe. Everyone involved in Scouting America activities should know the Guide to Safe Scouting and other relevant guides or books. Also follow any state or local rules that are more strict than Scouting America rules and guidelines.

Before starting a craft activity, watch the Craft Tips video.

More information

The Bear Bobcat Adventure is a crucial step for every Bear Cub Scout. It introduces them to the fundamental principles and practices of Scouting, setting the stage for their journey ahead. By completing this adventure, Scouts not only earn their first Bear belt loop but also build a strong foundation in character and leadership skills.

Throughout the Bear Bobcat Adventure, Scouts engage in activities that promote teamwork, respect, and responsibility. From getting to know their fellow Scouts to discussing important safety measures with their families, each requirement is designed to foster a supportive and understanding environment. These experiences are essential as they help Scouts navigate both their Scouting path and everyday challenges.

As Scouts move forward, the lessons learned in the Bear Bobcat Adventure will serve as valuable guides. They’ll recall the Scout Oath and Scout Law in future activities, applying these principles in more advanced projects and while interacting with others. The adventure might be one of the first steps in Cub Scouting, but its impact lasts throughout their Scouting career.

The Bear Bobcat Adventure is where the fun and learning start, and where young Scouts begin to see how they can make a difference in their den, their community, and beyond. As they progress, the confidence and skills they gain here will help them tackle new adventures that await.