This for the 2024 program year Cub Scout updates. This is a preview and is not official information yet. This new program takes effect on June 1, 2024. See more details about the overall program updates here.
In the Bear Strong Adventure, Bear Cub Scouts learn about the importance of staying active and eating well. This adventure teaches them how to make healthy choices that benefit their physical fitness and overall well-being. By participating in this adventure, Bears develop good habits that can last a lifetime.
The activities designed for Bear Strong focus on both exercise and nutrition. Scouts engage in various physical activities that not only improve their strength and flexibility but also encourage them to have fun while being active. This hands-on experience helps them understand why staying active is key to a healthy life.
Nutrition is another critical component of the Bear Strong Adventure. Bears explore different food groups and learn about the nutrients that help their bodies grow strong. This knowledge empowers them to make healthier food choices. Understanding what foods are good for them and why also supports their overall health education.
Overall, the Bear Strong Adventure offers a balanced approach to learning about physical health. It combines fun, engaging activities with important educational outcomes, ensuring that Bear Cub Scouts develop a solid foundation for a healthy lifestyle. This adventure not only benefits them now but also sets the stage for healthy habits as they grow older.
Requirements for the Bear Strong Adventure
Bear Strong Adventure Requirements
- Sample food from 3 of the following: protein, vegetable, fruit, dairy, and/or grain.
- Be active for 30 minutes with your den or at least 1 other person that includes both stretching and moving.
- Be active for 15 minutes doing personal exercises that include cardio, muscular strength, and flexibility.
- Do a relaxing activity for 10 minutes.
- Review your BSA Annual Health and Medical record with your parent or guardian. Discuss your ability to participate in den and pack activities.
Printable requirements for the Bear Strong Adventure
Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the Bear Strong Adventure
Resources for the Bear Strong Adventure
Try Something Different
Here are some creative ideas for den leaders to help Bear Cub Scouts complete the first requirement of the Bear Strong Adventure:
- Food Group Relay: Set up stations for each food group – protein, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and grains. Have Scouts run to each station, grab a sample of food, and learn a quick fact about it. This keeps them moving and learning about each food group.
- Make-Your-Own Trail Mix: Provide ingredients from different food groups, such as nuts (protein), dried fruits (fruits), cereal (grains), and maybe some yogurt-covered raisins (dairy). Let each Scout mix their own snack bag while discussing what each ingredient represents.
- Colorful Salad Competition: Challenge the Scouts to create the most colorful salad using vegetables and fruits. Include options for protein like chicken or beans, and a dairy component like cheese. This activity can be a fun way for Scouts to learn about combining food groups.
- Healthy Snack Preparation: Teach the Scouts how to make simple, healthy snacks. For example, they could make fruit kebabs, yogurt parfaits, or mini sandwiches with various fillings representing different food groups.
- Food Group Bingo: Create bingo cards with pictures of different foods from the required groups. As Scouts sample each food, they can mark it off on their card. First to complete a line wins, encouraging them to try a variety of foods.
These activities make learning about food groups interactive and fun, helping Bear Cub Scouts understand the importance of a balanced diet.
Be Active
Here are some simple and fun ideas for den leaders to help Bear Cub Scouts meet the second requirement of the Bear Strong Adventure:
- Scout Yoga: Start with a short yoga session that includes basic stretches. Then, lead the Scouts in a fun game like follow-the-leader or Simon Says, incorporating more active movements.
- Nature Hike and Stretch: Take the Scouts on a nature hike. Every few minutes, stop to do different stretches or quick exercises like jumping jacks or squats. This keeps the activity varied and interesting.
- Obstacle Course: Set up a simple obstacle course that includes stations for different movements like crawling, hopping, or balancing. Include a stretch station where Scouts can do stretches before moving to the next challenge.
- Dance Party: Have a dance party where the Scouts can freely dance to their favorite songs. Intersperse the dancing with stretching breaks to ensure they are moving and stretching together.
- Animal Movements Game: Play a game where each Scout mimics animal movements. For example, hop like a frog, stretch like a cat, or flap like a bird. This activity is fun and gets kids moving and stretching in creative ways.
These activities are designed to be engaging and active, helping Scouts enjoy their 30 minutes of physical activity and stretching.
Personal Exercise
Here are some straightforward and enjoyable ideas for den leaders to help Bear Cub Scouts meet the third requirement of the Bear Strong Adventure:
- Circuit Training: Set up a circuit training course with different stations. Each station could have a different exercise like jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups, and stretches. Scouts can spend a few minutes at each station, rotating to get a full-body workout.
- Tag Games: Play different versions of tag that keep everyone moving fast. Games like freeze tag or shark tag are fun and increase heart rate, providing a good mix of running and quick movements.
- Fitness Challenge: Create a short fitness challenge where Scouts can count how many squats, lunges, or toe touches they can do in a minute. Encourage them to try and improve their numbers in a second round, promoting both muscle use and flexibility.
- Jump Rope Fun: Have a jump rope session where Scouts can try different styles like single jumps, double jumps, or even some fun tricks. Jumping rope is excellent for boosting heart rate and improving coordination.
- Balloon Keep-Up: Give each Scout a balloon that they must keep in the air using any part of their body except their hands. This game encourages lots of movement and flexibility as they bend and stretch to keep the balloon up.
These activities are designed to be fun and engaging, ensuring Scouts are actively boosting their heart rate, using their muscles, and working on their flexibility for at least 15 minutes.
Relax
Here are some simple and calming ideas for den leaders to help Bear Cub Scouts fulfill the fourth requirement of the Bear Strong Adventure:
- Nature Sounds Relaxation: Play recordings of nature sounds, like a forest or ocean waves. Have the Scouts sit quietly, close their eyes, and listen to the sounds for 10 minutes. This can help them feel relaxed and connected to nature.
- Guided Imagery: Lead the Scouts through a guided imagery session. Describe a peaceful scene, like lying on a beach or walking through a quiet forest. Ask them to imagine the sights, sounds, and smells. This helps them relax and focus.
- Breathing Exercises: Teach the Scouts simple breathing exercises. For example, breathe in slowly for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for four counts. Repeat this for 10 minutes to help them calm down and relax.
- Storytime: Read a short, calming story or a chapter from a book. Choose something with a gentle, soothing narrative. Have the Scouts sit or lie down comfortably while they listen.
- Cloud Watching or Star Gazing: If the weather is good, have the Scouts lie on their backs outdoors and watch the clouds go by or look at the stars. This activity is naturally relaxing and gives them a chance to unwind quietly.
These activities are designed to help Scouts slow down and enjoy a moment of calm, promoting relaxation.
Medical Record
Here are some simple tips for den leaders to encourage Bear Cub Scouts and their parents to review the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record at home:
- Communicate the Importance: Explain to parents and Scouts why it’s important to keep health records up to date. Highlight that it ensures everyone’s safety during Scout activities.
- Provide the Form: Send home instructions for how to access the form on the BSA website.
- Remind About Updates: Remind parents to update the health records if any information has changed. This keeps all records current and relevant.
- Follow Up: After giving parents some time to review the records at home, follow up at the next meeting. Ask if there are any updates or if they have any questions.
These steps can help den leaders ensure that health record reviews are conducted thoroughly and thoughtfully, promoting safety and preparedness in all activities.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Bear Strong Adventure
What is the Bear Strong Adventure?
The Bear Strong Adventure helps Bear Cub Scouts learn about staying active and eating healthy.
Why do we focus on physical activity in this adventure?
Physical activity helps Scouts stay healthy and strong. It’s fun and good for their bodies.
Why is nutrition part of the Bear Strong Adventure?
Eating different kinds of healthy foods helps Scouts grow and stay active.
What activities will Scouts do in this adventure?
- Scouts will try different exercises, learn about healthy foods, and do relaxing activities.
How long does each activity take?
Activities range from 10 to 30 minutes. The whole adventure can be spread over several meetings.
Can parents help with the Bear Strong Adventure?
Yes, parents are encouraged to join in, especially for reviewing health records and discussing nutrition and exercise at home.
What should Scouts bring to Bear Strong meetings?
Scouts should wear comfortable clothes for moving around and bring water to stay hydrated.
Fitness Fun for Bears
Bear Strong Adventure: Fitness Fun for Cubs!
The Bear Strong Adventure is all about teaching Bear Cub Scouts the importance of physical fitness and healthy eating. This adventure is part of the Bear rank in Cub Scouting and focuses on helping young Scouts develop habits that lead to a healthier lifestyle.
In this adventure, Scouts will participate in various activities that promote physical health. They will sample foods from major food groups, including proteins, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and grains. This helps them learn about balanced diets and the benefits of different types of foods.
Physical activities are also a big part of the Bear Strong Adventure. Scouts will spend time doing exercises that boost their heart rate, use their muscles, and increase their flexibility. These activities are not only fun but also teach Scouts the importance of regular physical activity. They will engage in group exercises, personal fitness challenges, and even relaxing activities to understand how different types of exercise contribute to overall health.
Finally, the adventure includes a component where Scouts review their health records with their parents. This ensures they are aware of any health considerations that might affect their participation in Scouting activities. It’s also an opportunity for parents to engage with their child’s development in Scouting.
The Bear Strong Adventure is a comprehensive approach to teaching young Scouts about the benefits of staying active and eating well. It’s a fun way to integrate fitness and nutrition education into their Scouting experience, preparing them for a lifetime of healthy habits.
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