Bear Bobcat Adventure
Adventure Type: Required
Number of Requirements: 8
Typical Time to Complete: 1–2 meetings, plus one at-home family activity
Parent Involvement: Required for the at-home safety activity
Preparation Needed: Gather handbooks, prepare activities, send home the Parent’s Guide
Activity Level: Low to moderate
Indoor or Outdoor: Primarily indoor, adaptable for outdoors
Special Requirements: Complete the Parent’s Guide activities at home
Supplies Snapshot: Bear handbook, Oath and Law copies, poster board, markers, Parent’s Guide
The Bear Bobcat Adventure helps Bear Cub Scouts begin the year with confidence and excitement. As they get to know one another, they start building a supportive den based on friendship and teamwork.
Scouts explore the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, create a den Code of Conduct, and learn about the denner’s leadership role. These activities encourage responsibility, respect, and cooperation.
Bears also practice the Cub Scout sign, salute, and handshake and share how they have followed the motto “Do Your Best.” Together, these experiences provide a strong foundation for a successful year in Cub Scouting.
Bear Bobcat Adventure Requirements
Bear Bobcat Adventure Requirements
- Get to know members of your den.
- Recite the Scout Oath and Law with your den and den leader.
- Learn about the Scout Oath. Identify the three points of the Scout Oath.
- With your den create a den Code of Conduct.
- Learn about the denner position and responsibilities.
- Demonstrate the Cub Scout sign, Cub Scout salute and Cub Scout handshake. Show how each is used.
- 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.
- 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.”
Printable requirements for the Bear Bobcat Adventure
Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den's progress on the Bear Bobcat Adventure
Printable checkoff sheet for the Bear Badge (for den or individual use)
Resources for the Bear Bobcat Adventure
Bear Bobcat Den Meeting Plan
This den meeting plan helps Bear Cub Scouts complete the Bear Bobcat Adventure in a fun and engaging way. Scouts will learn the Scout Oath and Law, create a Den Code of Conduct, and practice the Cub Scout sign, salute, and handshake. They will also learn about leadership through the denner role and share stories about doing their best. Games and hands-on activities keep them active while reinforcing important lessons.
By the end of the meeting, Scouts will feel more confident and connected to their den. They will understand the basics of being a Cub Scout and be ready for the year ahead. This meeting sets a strong foundation for teamwork, respect, and leadership.
More Ways to Complete the Requirements
Requirement 1: Getting to Know the Den
Get to know members of your den.
Help Scouts discover shared interests and learn one another’s names. Choose an active icebreaker so everyone participates and no Scout feels pressured to speak for too long.
Easy Option: Play Bear Line Up and have Scouts arrange themselves by birthday month, height, or alphabetical order. See Bear Line Up.
More options:
- Den Doodle Bear: Create a den doodle to record advancement progress and other accomplishments.
- Learn more about den doodles and see a different simple method to make one
- Den Flag Bear: Create a den flag that allows Cub Scouts to show their personality and creativity while getting to know each other.
Requirement 2: Learning the Scout Oath and Scout Law
Recite the Scout Oath and Law with your den and den leader.
Use movement, repetition, and games to make the words easier to remember. Briefly discuss how Scouts can practice these values at home, at school, and during den activities.
Easy Option: Say one line at a time and have the Scouts repeat it together using different voices or speeds.
More resources:
- The Scout Oath: See more resources and ideas related to the Scout Oath.
- The Scout Law: See more resources and ideas related to the Scout Law.
- Bobcat Beanbag Toss: While tossing bean bags, Cub Scouts are moving while learning the Scout Law.
- Recite the Oath and Law Bear: Recite the Scout Oath and Scout Law with the den.
- Scout Law Hop: Cub Scouts learn the Scout Law by playing a hopping game.
Requirement 3: Understanding the Scout Oath
Learn about the Scout Oath. Identify the three points of the Scout Oath.
Help Scouts connect the three parts of the Oath—duty to God and country, duty to others, and duty to self—with situations they understand. Invite them to give simple examples from their own lives.
Easy Option: Play Bear Charades and let Scouts act out one of the three duties while the den guesses. See Bear Charades.
More ideas:
- Lights, Camera, Action: Cub Scouts work together to create a photo or video demonstrating one of the three points of the Scout Oath.
- Scout Oath Poster: Create a poster of the Scout Oath.
- The Scout Oath: See more resources and ideas related to the Scout Oath.
Requirement 4: Creating a Den Code of Conduct
With your den create a den Code of Conduct.
Let the Scouts suggest the behaviors that will make meetings safe, respectful, and fun. Keep the final list short, positive, and easy to remember so it can guide the den throughout the year.
Easy Option: Write five agreed-upon rules on poster board and have every Scout sign the poster. See Code of Conduct Bear.
Requirement 5: Learning About the Denner
Learn about the denner position and responsibilities.
Explain that the denner is a Scout who helps the den leader and sets a good example. Give each Scout an opportunity to practice a small leadership job during the year.
Easy Option: Write each Scout’s name on a craft stick and draw one at the beginning of the meeting to select the day’s denner. See A Bear Denner.
More resources:
- Denner Jobs: Working together, Cub Scouts make a chart of denner responsibilities.
Requirement 6: Practicing Cub Scout Traditions
Demonstrate the Cub Scout sign, Cub Scout salute and Cub Scout handshake. Show how each is used.
Demonstrate the Cub Scout sign, salute, and handshake, then let every Scout practice. Explain when each is used and offer gentle corrections as needed.
Easy Option: Hold a quick relay in which each Scout demonstrates all three actions before tagging the next teammate. See Bobcat Relay Bear.
More ideas:
- Flag Opening: Participate in an opening ceremony that includes the use the Cub Scout salute, sign, and handshake.
Requirement 7: Doing 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.
Encourage Scouts to share a simple story about trying hard, learning something, or continuing after a mistake. Remind them that doing their best does not mean everything must turn out perfectly.
Easy Option: Go around the circle and invite each Scout to complete the sentence, “I did my best when…” See Do Your Best Showcase.
Requirement 8: Completing the 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.”
Give families clear instructions for completing this activity privately at home. Share the booklet early, provide a friendly reminder, and allow parents or guardians to report completion.
Easy Option: Send the booklet home or send the information digitally with a short due-date reminder and ask the parent or guardian to confirm when the activity is finished. See Child Abuse Protection Review Bear.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Bear Bobcat Adventure
What is the Bear Bobcat Adventure?
The Bear Bobcat Adventure is the first set of activities Bear Cub Scouts complete. It helps Scouts learn the basics of Scouting and start the year strong.
Who needs to complete the Bear Bobcat Adventure?
Every Bear Cub Scout needs to complete the Bear Bobcat Adventure. It’s an essential step for Bear Cub Scouts.
How do Scouts start the Bear Bobcat Adventure?
Scouts start by getting to know each other and learning the Scout Oath and Scout Law with their den and den leader.
What are some activities in the Bear Bobcat Adventure?
Activities include creating a den Code of Conduct, learning the Cub Scout sign and salute, and discussing child safety with parents.
Why do Scouts need to discuss child abuse prevention at home?
It’s important for safety. Scouts do this with their parents to understand how to protect themselves and what to do if they ever feel unsafe.
How can parents help with the Bear Bobcat Adventure?
Parents help by participating in activities like discussing child safety and supporting their Scout in learning and practicing the Scout Oath and Law.
Can Scouts work on other adventures at the same time as Bear Bobcat?
Completing the Bear Bobcat Adventure first is recommended as it covers fundamental Scout skills and knowledge.
Wrapping Up the Bobcat Basics
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.
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