Bear Let’s Camp Adventure
Adventure Type: Elective
Number of Requirements: 5
Typical Time to Complete: 1–2 meetings, plus an overnight campout
Parent Involvement: Help pack gear and attend the campout
Preparation Needed: Arrange a pack, council, or district campout; share a packing list
Activity Level: Moderate
Indoor or Outdoor: Both, with an outdoor campout
Special Requirements: Overnight campout, BALOO-trained adult leader
Supplies Snapshot: Cub Scout Six Essentials, personal camping gear, tent, sleeping bag
The Bear Let’s Camp Adventure helps Bear Cub Scouts get ready for a night outdoors. They learn how the buddy system keeps everyone safe and what to bring on a campout.
Scouts pack their Cub Scout Six Essentials and personal gear. They also help set up a tent, choose a good spot for it, and explain their choice.
Then they put those skills to use at a pack, council, or district overnight campout. It’s a chance to work together, spend time outside, and grow more comfortable with camping.
Requirements for the Bear Let’s Camp Adventure
Bear Let’s Camp Adventure Requirements
- Review the buddy system and how it works in the outdoors.
- Pack your Cub Scout Six Essentials for the campout.
- In addition to your 6 Cub Scout Essentials, show the personal items you need for your campout.
- Help set up a tent. Determine a good spot for the tent. Explain why you picked the spot.
- Attend a Council or District Cub Scout overnight camp or attend a campout with your Pack.
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 checkoff sheet for the Bear Badge (for den or individual use)
Resources for the Bear Let’s Camp Adventure
Requirement 1: The Buddy System
Review the buddy system and how it works in the outdoors.
Help Scouts practice staying with a buddy before the campout. Try a few “Buddy Check!” calls during a den activity so they get used to finding their partner quickly.
Easy Option: Pair Scouts up, review how buddies look out for each other outdoors, and practice two or three buddy checks.
More resources:
- The Buddy System: See more information and resources for the buddy system.
- Bear Buddies Rule: Cub Scouts review what to do while using the buddy system.
- Standing Bear Buddies: Cub Scouts learn about the buddy system by playing a game.
Requirement 2: Cub Scout Six Essentials
Pack your Cub Scout Six Essentials for the campout.
Give Scouts a chance to pack the essentials themselves and explain when they might use each one. A quick check of their backpacks can help you spot anything missing before the campout.
Easy Option: Lay out the six essentials and have each Scout pack them into a backpack.
Here are some options for fulfilling Bear Let’s Camp Adventure requirement 2:
- The Cub Scout Six Essentials: See more information and resources for the 6 essentials.
- Bear Backpack: Cub Scouts review the Cub Scout Six Essentials.
- Cub Scout Six Essentials Word Search: Cub Scouts review the Cub Scout Essential Six with a word search puzzle.
Requirement 3: Personal Items
In addition to your 6 Cub Scout Essentials, show the personal items you need for your campout.
Ask families to bring the gear their Scout plans to use so Scouts can show what they need beyond the six essentials. Talk briefly about the weather and overnight needs to help them decide whether they have packed enough clothing and bedding.
Easy Option: Use a camping checklist at a den meeting, then have each Scout show the personal items they plan to bring.
Here are some options for fulfilling Bear Let’s Camp Adventure requirement 3:
- Packing List: See a suggested packing list for camp.
- Check It Off The List: Cub Scouts review items needed for a campout.
- Den Approval: Cub Scouts learn about items needed for a campout other than their Cub Scout Six Essentials.
- 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.
Requirement 4: Set Up a Tent
Help set up a tent. Determine a good spot for the tent. Explain why you picked the spot.
Let Scouts compare possible tent spots and talk through their choices. Guide them toward level, dry ground away from hazards, then give everyone a job while setting up the tent.
Easy Option: At the campsite, have Scouts choose between two possible spots, explain which is better, and help pitch the tent there.
More options:
- Pitch It Fast: Cub Scouts practice setting up a tent.
- Tent Set Up: Cub Scouts practice setting up a tent outside.
Requirement 5: Go Camping
Attend a Council or District Cub Scout overnight camp or attend a campout with your Pack.
Plan to complete this requirement at a pack campout or a council or district Cub Scout overnight camp. Beforehand, tell families what to expect and give Scouts a chance to use the packing, buddy system, and tent skills they practiced.
Easy Option: Join an already scheduled pack campout so the den can camp together without organizing a separate event. See Let’s Camp Bear.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Bear Let’s Camp Adventure
What are the Cub Scout Six Essentials?
The Cub Scout Six Essentials are items every Scout should bring on campouts: water bottle, flashlight, sun protection, trail food, first aid kit, and a whistle.
Why do we use the buddy system?
The buddy system keeps Scouts safe by making sure each Scout has a partner to watch out for them, especially outdoors.
What should I bring besides the Six Essentials?
Bring personal items like extra clothes, a sleeping bag, toiletries, a towel, insect repellent, and any personal medications.
How do I choose a good spot for my tent?
Look for flat, dry ground away from water and hazards like dead trees. A spot with some shade is also good.
What happens at a council or district Cub Scout overnight camp?
Scouts participate in organized activities like games, hikes, and campfires, practice camping skills, and learn to work together with other Scouts.
A Scout’s Guide to the Great Outdoors
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.
Leave a Reply