Bears Afloat Adventure for 2024

Printable requirements for the Bears Afloat Adventure

Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the Bears Afloat Adventure

Printable check off sheet for the Bear Badge

Pick a Paddlecraft

Pick a paddle craft for which to complete all requirements: canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard (SUP). 

Requirement 2 of the Bears Afloat Adventure asks Scouts to choose one type of paddle craft to use: a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. Here’s a simple description of each:

• Canoe: A canoe is a long, narrow boat that you sit or kneel in. It is paddled with a single-bladed paddle. Canoes are good for carrying more than one person and some gear. They are stable but require teamwork to steer and propel.
• Kayak: A kayak is a smaller, more streamlined boat compared to a canoe. You sit down with your legs in front, using a double-bladed paddle to move and steer. Kayaks are fast and agile, but they can take some practice to control, especially in turning.
• Stand-up Paddleboard (SUP): This is a large, sturdy board similar to a surfboard. You stand up on it and use a long paddle to move through the water. Paddleboarding helps improve balance and strength, as you must maintain your stance while paddling.

Each craft requires different skills:

• Canoeing involves coordination and cooperation if paddling with others.
• Kayaking needs good paddle handling and control skills.
• Paddleboarding requires balance and physical strength.

Scouts can pick any of these based on what interests them and what skills they want to develop.

Here is an option for fulfilling Bears Afloat Adventure requirement 2:

• Picking Paddle Craft
  • Cub Scouts pick from one of the paddle crafts to complete remaining requirements.
  • Supplies: paper, pencils
  • indoor, very low energy, one week prep

Qualified Supervision

With your den or an adult, discuss the role of qualified adult supervision at a paddle craft activity.  

Requirement 3 of the Bears Afloat Adventure focuses on the importance of having qualified adults supervising any paddle craft activity. When Scouts discuss this with their den or an adult, they learn about the role these adults play in keeping everyone safe on the water.

Qualified adult supervision means that the adults overseeing the activities are trained and know how to handle any situation that might come up. They ensure that safety rules are followed and can help Scouts manage the paddle crafts properly.

Learn more about Safety Afloat training.

Here is an option for fulfilling Bears Afloat Adventure requirement 3:

• Qualified Supervision
  • Cub Scouts identify the attributes of a qualified adult at a boating activity.
  • Supplies: none
  • indoor, very low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

This requirement teaches Scouts that safety is a priority and that experienced guidance is crucial when learning new skills, especially in water activities.

Safety Rules

Explain the safety rules to follow when safely using a paddle craft. 

Requirement 4 of the Bears Afloat Adventure asks Scouts to learn and explain the safety rules for using a paddle craft. Here is a summary of basic safety rules for Cub Scouts:

• Wear a Life Jacket: Always wear a properly fitting life jacket approved for paddle sports.
• Know Your Limits: Paddle within your skill level and physical limits.
• Check the Weather: Always check the weather conditions before you go paddling.
• Follow Local Rules: Know and follow all local rules and regulations for the waterway.
• Plan Your Route: Plan your paddling route and share it with someone who is not going.
• Stay Alert: Keep a lookout for other boats, obstacles, and changes in the water conditions.
• Use Proper Equipment: Ensure your paddle craft and all equipment are in good condition.
• Know How to Swim: Knowing how to swim is important when participating in any water activities.
• Safety Afloat: Follow all of the BSA Safety Afloat guidelines.

Here is an option for fulfilling Bears Afloat Adventure requirement 4:

• Paddling Safely Rule Game
  • Cub Scouts learn the safety rules to follow when using a paddle craft.
  • Supplies: Paddling Safely Rules Game, Paddling Safely Rules Key
  • indoor, very low energy, minimal prep

These rules help ensure that Scouts enjoy paddle sports safely and responsibly.

Life Jacket (PFD)

Discover how to tell if a life jacket is the correct size and approved for your paddle craft activity.  Demonstrate how to wear it .  

Requirement 5 of the Bears Afloat Adventure teaches Scouts how to select and wear a life jacket correctly. This is crucial for safety during any paddle craft activity. Here’s how to check if a life jacket is the right size and approved:

Checking the Size and Approval

• Look for Labels: Check the label to ensure it is U.S. Coast Guard approved. The label will also list the size and weight range it’s designed for.
• Try It On: The life jacket should fit snugly without being too tight. It shouldn’t be able to lift above your ears when pulled up.

How to Wear a Life Jacket

• Open the Life Jacket: Make sure all straps and zippers are fully open.
• Put It On: Slip your arms through the armholes and place the jacket over your head.
• Fasten It: Zip up any zippers and buckle the straps.
• Adjust the Fit: Tighten all straps starting from the waist and moving upwards. The jacket should fit snugly but still allow you to breathe and move freely.
• Double Check: Once all straps are adjusted, tug the jacket upward by the shoulders. If it moves past your chin or face, it’s too loose. Adjust it to fit more snugly.

Here is an option for fulfilling Bears Afloat Adventure requirement 5:

• Life Jacket Education
  • Cub Scouts learn about life jackets.
  • Supplies: life jackets
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Learning to choose and wear a life jacket properly helps ensure that Scouts stay safe while enjoying water activities.

Steering and Moving

Explore how your paddle craft responds as you move your paddle through the water from different places.

Requirement 6 of the Bears Afloat Adventure encourages Scouts to understand how their paddle craft moves and responds in the water when they use their paddles from different positions. This helps Scouts learn the basics of steering and propelling their craft effectively.

• Forward Stroke: This is the main stroke to move the craft forward. Place your paddle blade in the water near the front of the craft and pull it back towards you, keeping the paddle close to the side of the craft.
• Backward Stroke: To move backwards or slow down, reverse the forward stroke. Push the paddle blade forward through the water, from near the back of the craft towards the front.
• Sweep Stroke: Use this to turn the craft. For a wide turn, paddle in a long, sweeping motion from the front to the back of your craft on the opposite side you want to turn.
• Draw Stroke: To move sideways, reach out to the side with your paddle and pull the water towards your craft. This is useful for moving closer to something like a dock or another boat.

Specifics depend on the type of paddlecraft you are using.

Here is an option for fulfilling Bears Afloat Adventure requirement 6:

• Paddle Practice
  • Cub Scouts practice paddling strokes.
  • Supplies: paddle craft and paddles, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, whistles for lifeguards and look-outs
  • requires travel, very high energy, more than one week prep

These strokes help Scouts control the paddle craft and navigate through the water efficiently. Practicing these will make their paddling experience safer and more enjoyable.

Go Paddling

Have 30 minutes, or more, of canoe, kayak, or SUP paddle time.

Requirement 7 of the Bears Afloat Adventure is simple: Scouts need to spend at least 30 minutes paddling their chosen craft, whether it’s a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. This time on the water allows Scouts to practice the skills they’ve learned, like different paddling strokes and how to handle the craft in various situations.

Here is an option for fulfilling Bears Afloat Adventure requirement 7:

• Paddling Around for Fun
  • Cub Scouts enjoy 30 minutes of paddle craft activity.
  • Supplies: paddle craft and paddles, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, whistles for lifeguards and look-outs, buddy tags, buddy board
  • requires travel, very high energy, more than one week prep

The purpose of this requirement is to give Scouts hands-on experience. By actively paddling, they can better understand how their movements affect the craft and improve their confidence and ability in handling it. This practical experience is essential for becoming proficient in paddle sports and enjoying them safely.

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.

Supervision by an adult, 21 or older, who is trained in BSA Safety Afloat, is required. At least one leader must be trained in first aid, including CPR. Any swimming must follow BSA Safe Swim Defense standards.

• Complete the BSA Safety Afloat training on my.scouting.
• Ensure enough adults to maintain a ratio of one supervisor for every 5 Cub Scouts.
• Have buddy tags for everyone near the water, both youth and adults.

During the Adventure:

• Give an overview and instruction on Safety Afloat before the activity.
• Provide continuous, qualified adult supervision and discipline during the activity.
• All participants, Cub Scouts and adults, must wear life jackets during boating activities. Review the Life Jackets / Personal Flotation Devices Safety Moment.

More information

The Bears Afloat Adventure is a fun way for Cub Scouts to learn about boating through hands-on experiences. This adventure is designed for Scouts to explore different types of paddle crafts such as canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. It focuses on teaching the basics of paddling, safety on the water, and the importance of teamwork.

First, Scouts must pass the BSA Swimmer Test to ensure they can handle themselves safely in the water. This test is crucial for participating in any water-related activities. Once they have passed the test, Scouts choose the type of paddle craft they want to use for the adventure. Each type of craft offers a unique experience and requires different skills, allowing Scouts to learn in a way that best suits their interests and abilities.

Safety is a major focus of the Bears Afloat Adventure. Scouts learn how to select and wear life jackets properly, ensuring they stay safe while enjoying their time on the water. They also learn about the roles of qualified adult supervision, which helps maintain safety during paddle craft activities. Moreover, Scouts are taught the essential safety rules and procedures for using paddle crafts, such as how to handle the craft, what to do in emergencies, and how to respect other water users.

Scouts practice their paddling skills during a required 30-minute session on the water, where they can apply what they’ve learned about maneuvering their paddle craft. This practical experience is vital for building confidence and competence in paddle sports.

The Bears Afloat Adventure offers a great way for Scouts to learn about and enjoy the outdoors, promote physical fitness, and develop key life skills. Bears make waves in a safe and fun environment!