Bear Let’s Camp Adventure

Printable requirements for the Bear Let’s Camp Adventure

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

Printable check off sheet for the Bear Badge

Cub Scout Six Essentials

Pack your Cub Scout Six Essentials for the campout.

The Cub Scout Six Essentials are items every Scout should carry on outings to stay safe and prepared. Here are the six essentials:

1. Water bottle – To stay hydrated.
2. Flashlight – For seeing in the dark.
3. Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses) – To protect from sunburn.
4. Trail food – Like granola bars, to keep energy up.
5. First aid kit – For minor cuts and scrapes.
6. Whistle – To signal for help if needed.

To teach Scouts how to pack these essentials, you can use these creative ideas:

• Packing Relay Race: Create a fun relay race where Scouts run to a packing station, pick one essential item, and run back to start packing their backpack. This helps them learn quickly what needs to be packed.
• Essentials Scavenger Hunt: Hide the six essentials around your meeting area and have the Scouts find them. Each Scout or pair can then explain why the item is essential for a campout.
• What’s Missing? Game: Show the Scouts a backpack with some items missing. Let them figure out what’s missing from the six essentials and why each item is important.

Here are some options for fulfilling Bear Let’s Camp Adventure requirement 2:

• Bear Backpack
  • Cub Scouts review the Cub Scout Six Essentials.
  • Supplies: backpack, water bottle, sun protection, flashlight, whistle, first aid kit, trail snack, picture of a family member, small mirror, deck of cards, small board game, pillow, stuffed animal, other items
  • indoor, low energy, 3 to 5 days prep
• Cub Scout Six Essentials Word Search
  • Cub Scouts review the Cub Scout Essential Six with a word search puzzle.
  • Supplies: Cub Scout Six Essentials Word Search, pencils, Cub Scout Six Essentials Word Search key
  • indoor, very low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

These activities for the Bear Let’s Camp Adventure make packing the six essentials a fun and engaging learning experience.

Personal Items

In addition to your 6 Cub Scout Essentials, show the personal items you need for your campout. 

For the Bear Let’s Camp Adventure campout, Scouts need to bring personal items in addition to the Cub Scout Six Essentials. These personal items make camping more comfortable and safe. Here are some typical personal items:

• Clothing: Bring enough clothes for the weather, including a warm jacket and rain gear.
• Sleeping bag: Needed for sleeping comfortably and staying warm at night.
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap help keep Scouts clean.
• Towel: Useful for drying off after washing or swimming.
• Insect repellent: Helps keep bugs away.
• Personal medication: Important for Scouts who need special medicine.

See a complete suggested camping packing list here.

To teach Scouts how to choose and pack these items, you can:

• Checklist Challenge: Give each Scout a checklist of personal items. They can mark each item as they pack it. This helps them learn not to forget important things.
• Personal Item Show and Tell: Have Scouts bring one personal item and explain why it’s important for camping. This helps them understand not just what to bring, but why.
• Pack It Right Demo: Demonstrate how to pack a backpack efficiently, showing where to put heavier items (near the bottom) and how to distribute weight evenly.

Here are some options for fulfilling Bear Let’s Camp Adventure requirement 3:

• Check It Off The List
  • Cub Scouts review items needed for a campout.
  • Supplies: Camping Checklist, pencils
  • indoor, very low energy, minimal prep
• Den Approval
  • Cub Scouts learn about items needed for a campout other than their Cub Scout Six Essentials.
  • Supplies: camping items brought from home
  • indoor, low energy, minimal prep
• Musical Gear
  • Cub Scouts choose extra gear needed for a campout that is not the Cub Scout Six Essentials by playing a game similar to musical chairs.
  • Supplies: tent, sleeping bag, pillow, camp stove, cooking gear, Nintendo Switch, board game, deck of cards, computer, rain gear, camp chair, firewood, laundry basket, other items, electronic device that plays music
  • indoor, very high energy, 3 to 5 days prep

These methods help Scouts learn to pack effectively and understand the importance of each item they bring on a campout.

Set Up a Tent

Help set up a tent.  Determine a good spot for the tent.  Explain why you picked the spot.

Setting up a tent is a key part of camping. It’s important to pick the right spot for the tent to make sure Scouts are comfortable and safe. Here are some criteria for choosing a good tent spot:

• Flat ground: Look for a level area so you can sleep comfortably.
• Dry ground: Avoid low areas that might collect water when it rains.
• Shade: If possible, find a spot under trees to keep the tent cool during the day.
• Distance from water: Set up the tent at least 200 feet away from lakes or rivers to protect water sources and avoid flooding.
• Away from hazards: Avoid placing the tent under dead trees or large branches that could fall.

When teaching Scouts how to pick a spot for their tent, you can:

• Spot Selection Walk: Take a walk with the Scouts around the campsite and discuss the pros and cons of different spots. This helps them understand what to look for.
• Role-Playing Scenarios: Create scenarios where Scouts must choose the best spot based on different camping conditions, like rainy weather or in a heavily wooded area.
• Setup Tents: Let Scouts set up their tents in the spot they choose. Discuss the choices afterward to reinforce learning.

Here are some options for fulfilling Bear Let’s Camp Adventure requirement 4:

• Pitch It Fast
  • Cub Scouts practice setting up a tent.
  • Supplies: two tents, Bear handbook
  • indoor, high energy, 3 to 5 days prep
• Tent Set Up
  • Cub Scouts practice setting up a tent outside.
  • Supplies: tents, Bear handbook
  • outdoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

This part of the Bear Let’s Camp Adventure helps Scouts learn to think critically about where they set up their tent, considering comfort, safety, and environmental impact.

Go Camping

Attend a Council or District Cub Scout overnight camp or attend a campout with your Pack.

Attending a council or district Cub Scout overnight camp, or a campout with your pack, is the final requirement for the Bear Let’s Camp Adventure. This experience helps Scouts learn to live and work with others in an outdoor setting. It’s a great chance for them to use the skills they’ve learned, like setting up a tent and using the buddy system.

Here’s why attending these campouts is important:

• Teamwork: Scouts work together, building teamwork and leadership skills.
• Skills Practice: They get to practice camping skills in a real setting.
• Fun Activities: These campouts often include fun activities like hiking, campfires, and games.
• Nature Connection: Scouts spend more time outdoors, which helps them appreciate nature.

To prepare Scouts for these experiences, you can:

• Pre-Camp Meeting: Hold a meeting to discuss what to expect at the campout, what to pack, and review the schedule of activities.
• Skill Refresher: Before the campout, review important camping skills, like packing a backpack or setting up a tent.
• Post-Camp Recap: After the campout, have a discussion with the Scouts about what they learned and enjoyed.

Here is an option for fulfilling Bear Let’s Camp Adventure requirement 5:

• Let’s Camp Bear
  • Cub Scouts will attend an overnight campout with your pack or at a council or district event.
  • Supplies: campground reservations, Individual Campout Checklist for Pack Overnighter, Cub Scout Six Essentials, BALOO trained adult leader, BSA Health and Medical Record for every Cub Scout, Activity Consent Form, camping gear
  • outdoor, very high energy, more than a week prep

These steps ensure Scouts are prepared, engaged, and get the most out of their camping experience.

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.

Review Age Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities before camping.

When camping:

• BALOO training is required for a pack overnighter. At least one registered adult leader attending must complete BALOO training. This training includes an online prerequisite and an overnight practical session. It covers Cub Scout camping policies and tools for a successful camping experience. Check with your local council for upcoming BALOO training dates.
• Complete the online “Hazardous Weather” training module on my.scouting. If you have already finished den leader, Cubmaster, or pack committee chair training online, you have completed this module.
• Watch the Weather Related Safety Moment video.
• Review the Guide to Safe Scouting for camping.
• If building a campfire, review Behavior Around Campfires.

More information

The Bear Let’s Camp Adventure is designed for Cub Scouts to gain practical skills and confidence in camping. This adventure encourages Scouts to understand and enjoy the outdoors. It starts with reviewing the buddy system, teaching Scouts to look out for one another and stay safe.

Scouts then learn to pack the right gear, including the Cub Scout Six Essentials—necessary items for any outdoor activity. They also learn to consider what personal items they might need for a specific campout, like extra clothing or a sleeping bag.

Setting up a tent correctly is another key component of the Bear Let’s Camp Adventure. Scouts choose a spot for their tent and learn to evaluate the location based on safety and comfort. This teaches them about outdoor safety and environmental care.

Finally, attending a council or district overnight camp or a pack campout allows Scouts to put all these skills into practice. They engage in fun activities that build teamwork and leadership.

The Bear Let’s Camp Adventure not only teaches Scouts how to camp but also instills a deeper appreciation for nature and the importance of protecting it.