Bear Strong Adventure

Adventure Type: Required
Number of Requirements: 5
Typical Time to Complete: 1–2 den meetings, health record review at home
Parent Involvement: Review health record and discuss participation with Scout
Preparation Needed: Prepare food samples, plan exercises and relaxation, send family reminder
Activity Level: High energy, quiet relaxation
Indoor or Outdoor: Either
Special Requirements: Check food allergies, include stretching, cardio, strength, and flexibility
Supplies Snapshot: Food samples, plates, napkins, water bottles, activity supplies, health record

The Bear Strong Adventure helps Bear Cub Scouts explore healthy eating, exercise, and relaxation. Bears sample foods from different food groups and try activities that get them moving. Games, stretches, and simple exercises give them ways to practice healthy habits while having fun.

Bears work on cardio, muscular strength, and flexibility through both group activities and personal exercise. They also spend time relaxing. A quiet story, gentle music, or time outdoors can help Scouts slow down after being active.

This guide includes the Bear Strong requirements, a den meeting plan, and activity ideas for each step. It also offers tips for helping families review their Scout’s health and medical record and discuss participation 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

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

Bear Strong Den Meeting Plan

This Bear Strong Adventure den meeting helps Scouts learn about healthy eating and staying active in a fun way. Scouts will start with a food group sorting game, then sample different foods to see how they help the body. They will also take on an obstacle course and an animal movements game to get moving. A fitness circuit will challenge them to work on strength, cardio, and flexibility.

After all the activity, Scouts will practice relaxation techniques with a guided story and deep breathing. They will also learn why keeping their BSA Annual Health and Medical Record up to date is important. A healthy snack reinforces the nutrition lesson. If time runs short, a Healthy Choices Log can be sent home. This meeting is designed to be engaging and active while helping Scouts build good habits. They will have fun, learn valuable skills, and leave feeling energized!

See the Bear Strong Den Meeting Plan

Requirement 2: Be Active

Be active for 30 minutes with your den or at least 1 other person that includes both stretching and moving.

Choose games that keep everyone involved, with little time spent waiting for a turn. Include gentle stretching and adjust movements so each Scout can participate at a comfortable level.

Easy Option: Lead five minutes of stretching, followed by 25 minutes of follow-the-leader with walking, marching, hopping, and other movements.

More ideas:

• Basketball Challenge: Play a game of “HORSE.”
• Tennis Titans: Play a game of tennis.
• Ultimate Frisbee: Play a game of ultimate frisbee.

Requirement 3: Personal Exercise

Be active for 15 minutes doing personal exercises that include cardio, muscular strength, and flexibility.

Show Scouts a few simple exercises that work on cardio, strength, and flexibility. Encourage each Scout to go at their own pace and focus on good form rather than competing with others.

Easy Option: Lead a 15-minute routine with five minutes each of marching or jogging in place, wall push-ups and squats, and gentle stretches. Allow short breaks as needed.

More resources:

• Dance Memory Grooves: Dancing memory contests are a fun way to exercise that includes cardio and muscle memory.
• Energizing Workout: Cub Scouts create a short workout to explore different exercises.
• Fitness Expert: Invite a fitness professional to your Cub Scout den meeting to lead a 15-min activity.

Requirement 4: Relax

Do a relaxing activity for 10 minutes.

Help Scouts settle into a comfortable spot away from distractions. Explain that relaxing takes practice, and let them choose whether to sit or lie down while they listen or rest.

Easy Option: Read a calm story aloud for 10 minutes while Scouts sit quietly. See Reading Escape.

More options:

• Listening to Music: Listen to relaxing music to create a calming effect.
• Yoga Salutation: Practice yoga.

Requirement 5: Medical Record

Review your America Annual Health and Medical record with your parent or guardian. Discuss your ability to participate in den and pack activities. 

Send families a reminder to review their Scout’s health and medical record together and discuss any needs that could affect participation. Ask parents to share relevant updates privately with the appropriate leader.

Easy Option: Send home a short checklist asking families to review the record, discuss participation, and confirm when they have finished. See Health & Medical Record Review Bear.

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.