Bear Den Leader Guide

Being a Bear Den Leader is a fun and rewarding experience. Bear Cub Scouts are in third grade, usually around nine years old. At this age, they are eager to explore, learn new skills, and be part of a team. Your job is to guide them through their adventures, helping them grow in confidence, responsibility, and friendship.

The Bear program builds on what they learned in previous ranks. It introduces new challenges that encourage personal growth. The required adventures focus on outdoor skills, citizenship, personal fitness, and safety. Elective adventures let them explore interests like science, building, fishing, and cooking. Each adventure is designed to be hands-on and engaging.

Den meetings should be active and fun. Bears learn best by doing, not by sitting and listening. Your meetings should include games, projects, and outdoor activities whenever possible. They will enjoy working together, trying new things, and earning their badges.

Planning ahead will make leading a Bear den easier. A well-organized den leader ensures that meetings run smoothly and Scouts stay engaged. This guide will help you plan your den’s activities, understand the Bear requirements, and keep your Cub Scouts excited about Scouting.

Planning is the key to a fun and successful Bear year. A well-organized den leader makes meetings run smoothly and keeps Cub Scouts excited. Without a plan, meetings can feel chaotic, and you may find yourself scrambling to come up with activities at the last minute. A little preparation will make a big difference.

Start by looking at the required adventures. These adventures must be completed for your Bears to earn their rank. Spread them out over the year so you have time to complete them without feeling rushed. Some adventures work better in certain seasons, so plan accordingly. Outdoor activities are best in good weather, while indoor projects can be saved for colder months.

Next, choose elective adventures. These add variety and allow Cub Scouts to explore their interests. Since Bears need to complete at least two elective adventures, ask your den which ones sound the most fun. Giving them a say makes them more excited about meetings. Any electives not done as a den can still be completed at home with their families.

Coordinate with your pack when needed. Some requirements can be completed at pack activities, such as service projects or outdoor events. Since Bear dens can’t go camping alone, plan to attend a pack campout or a council-organized family camp. If other dens are working on similar activities, consider teaming up for a joint meeting.

When planning meetings, keep a good balance of active and quiet activities. Nine-year-olds have a lot of energy and need time to move. If a meeting includes a lot of discussion or crafts, plan a game or outdoor activity to keep things fun. The den meeting plans are designed with this balance in mind, so use them as a guide.

It’s also important to communicate with families. Some adventures, like the duty to God requirements, are often completed at home. Let parents know what they need to do and when to report progress. Good communication helps ensure that all Scouts stay on track.

Finally, be flexible. Even the best plans may need to change. Weather, Scout availability, and other surprises can affect your schedule. Be ready to adjust as needed, and always have a backup activity in case something doesn’t go as planned. A prepared den leader can handle anything with a smile (or at least a deep breath).

The Bear rank is made up of required and elective adventures. Each adventure is designed to teach new skills, build confidence, and keep Cub Scouts engaged. As a den leader, you will guide them through these activities, making sure they have fun while learning.

The required adventures cover important topics like outdoor skills, health, citizenship, and safety. These adventures help Scouts grow in character and responsibility. The first adventure, Bobcat, introduces them to Scouting basics. Other required adventures focus on nature, community service, and personal fitness. These activities give Scouts a strong foundation as they move toward earning their Bear badge.

These are the required adventures:

• Bobcat
• Bear Habitat
• Bear Strong
• Fellowship
• Paws for Action
• Standing Tall

Elective adventures add variety and let Scouts explore their interests. Some involve science, building projects, or outdoor skills. Others focus on teamwork and creativity. Since Bears only need to complete two electives, ask your den which ones interest them most. Letting them choose makes meetings more exciting and keeps them engaged. Any electives not done in the den can be completed at home with family.

These are the elective adventures:

• A Bear Goes Fishing
• Balancing Bears
• Baloo the Builder
• Bears Afloat
• Bears on Bikes
• Champions for Nature
• Chef Tech
• Critter Care
• Forensics
• Let’s Camp
• Marble Madness
• Race Time
• Roaring Laugher
• Salmon Run
• Summertime Fun
• Super Science
• Whittling
• Archery
• BB Guns
• Slingshot

As a den leader, you will need to plan each adventure carefully. Some activities require supplies, outdoor space, or help from other adults. Check the requirements ahead of time so you have everything ready. Be sure to mix active adventures with quieter ones to keep meetings balanced. If an adventure seems too complex for your group, break it into smaller parts or adjust it to fit their needs. The goal is to keep Scouts learning and having fun.

Most importantly, keep the energy up and make it an adventure. Bears love hands-on activities, games, and challenges. The more engaged they are, the more they will learn. A good den leader makes every meeting feel like an exciting journey, not just another after-school activity.

Den meetings are the heart of the Bear Cub Scout experience. This is where Scouts learn new skills, complete adventures, and build friendships. A well-planned den meeting keeps them engaged and excited about coming back. As a den leader, your job is to make meetings fun, organized, and meaningful.

To help you plan, I have created den meeting plans for each required adventure. These guides give step-by-step instructions on activities, discussions, and games. Using them will save you time and help make sure you cover all the requirements. But you can also create your own den meeting plans based on the interests of your den and the resources available.

• Bobcat Den Meeting Plan
• Bear Habitat Den Meeting Plan
• Bear Strong Den Meeting Plan
• Fellowship Den Meeting Plan
• Paws for Action Den Meeting Plan
• Standing Tall Den Meeting Plan

Check back later for meeting plans for the elective adventures, as those will be added over time.

It’s a good idea to mix in plenty of field trips. A trip to a nature center, fire station, or museum can bring an adventure to life. Plan meetings where Scouts learn the basics first, then take them on an outing to see those lessons in action. This keeps things exciting and helps Scouts connect what they learn to the real world.

Flexibility is key. Some activities take longer than expected, and some Scouts may need extra help. Be ready to adjust when needed. Keep meetings active, encourage participation, and always have a backup plan. A prepared den leader makes every meeting a great experience, and that’s what keeps Cub Scouts coming back for more.

Third graders are a fun and enthusiastic group. They are full of energy, curious about the world, and eager to try new things. As a den leader, understanding their age group will help you plan meetings that keep them engaged and active. The more hands-on the activities, the better they will learn and enjoy their time in Cub Scouts.

Bears love to move. Sitting still for long periods is tough for them, so plan meetings with plenty of action. Start with a gathering activity to keep them busy while everyone arrives. Mix in games, projects, and outdoor activities. If you have a discussion or craft, follow it up with something active to burn off energy. Keeping a good balance will help them stay focused.

Nine-year-olds are still learning how to work as a team. They want to be independent but still need guidance. They like to do things their way and may struggle with taking turns or sharing. Encourage teamwork with group games and projects. If conflicts arise, remind them of the den code of conduct and help them work through problems in a positive way.

Cub Scouts this age respond well to encouragement. They love earning awards and being recognized for their efforts. As a den leader, praise their achievements and good behavior often. Be patient when they make mistakes and guide them toward improvement. A little encouragement goes a long way in helping them build confidence and keep trying new things.

Finally, keep things fun and flexible. If an activity isn’t working, be ready to switch gears. Have a backup game or quick project on hand. Third graders are full of ideas and imagination, so let them take part in decision-making when possible. The more involved they feel, the more excited they will be to participate.

Being a den leader is a rewarding job, but it comes with challenges. Keeping a group of nine-year-olds engaged, organized, and learning takes some strategy. A little planning and a few simple tricks will make meetings run more smoothly and keep Cub Scouts excited about Scouting.

Keep meetings active and hands-on. Third graders have short attention spans and lots of energy. Plan activities that get them moving, building, or exploring. If they have to sit still for a discussion or craft, follow it up with a game or active challenge. Switching things up keeps them engaged and helps with behavior.

Set clear expectations. At the start of the year, create a den code of conduct with the Scouts. Keep rules simple and positive, like listening when others speak and respecting each other. When behavior issues arise, stay calm and remind them of the rules. Praise good behavior often. Positive reinforcement works better than discipline at this age.

Encourage teamwork. Bears are learning how to cooperate and work in groups. They may struggle with taking turns or sharing. Use group games and projects to help them practice these skills. Assign small tasks to each Scout, like leading a game or setting up materials. This keeps them involved and gives them a sense of responsibility.

Stay flexible. Even the best plans can go off track. If an activity isn’t working, be ready to adjust. Have a backup game or quick project on hand in case something needs to change. A prepared den leader can handle surprises without stress.

Communicate with families. Parents play a big role in helping Cub Scouts complete requirements, especially for adventures like duty to God. Keep them informed about what their Scout needs to do at home and encourage them to get involved. A strong partnership between the den leader and families makes the program more successful.

Most of all, have fun. If you are enjoying the meetings, the Scouts will too. Laugh with them, celebrate their successes, and make each meeting an adventure. The best den leader is one who makes Scouting exciting and memorable.

Bear Badge for Cub Scouts

The Bear rank is an exciting step in a Cub Scout’s journey. Designed for third graders, it builds on what they have already learned and introduces new skills. Bear Cub Scouts complete six required adventures that focus on nature, health, citizenship, and safety. They also choose at least two elective adventures, exploring interests like science, building, fishing, and cooking. Each adventure is hands-on, making learning fun and engaging.

As a den leader, your role is to guide Scouts through these activities, keeping them active and involved. The Bear program encourages teamwork, leadership, and personal growth. Cubs gain confidence as they try new things and earn badges for their achievements. With well-planned meetings and plenty of enthusiasm, you can create a great experience for your den.

See more resources for the Bear Badge for Cub Scouts here.

Welcome New Den Leaders

Scout Moms, Dads, and Leaders Facebook group

Ask Scouter Mom a question or share your ideas with others

Printable Bear Cub Scout requirements

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

How often should we meet?

Most Bear dens meet one to three times a month. It is common for dens to have activities beyond den meetings, like field trips or a pack events. Find a schedule that works for your group and stick to it as much as possible.

How long should a den meeting last?

A good den meeting is about an hour. Any longer, and the Scouts may lose focus. Keep things moving with a mix of activities to hold their attention.

What if a Scout misses a meeting?

Let parents know what was covered and if anything needs to be made up at home. Some adventures require group activities, but others can be completed with family. Encourage families to stay involved so Scouts stay on track.

How do I handle behavior issues?

Set clear expectations from the start. Create a den code of conduct with your Scouts and remind them of it when needed. Praise good behavior often. If a Scout is disruptive, calmly redirect them. If problems continue, talk to their parents for support.

How do I keep Scouts engaged?

Make meetings hands-on. Third graders learn best by doing. Include games, projects, and outdoor activities. Keep discussions short and interactive. If they start losing focus, switch things up with a quick game or movement break.

Do I have to teach the duty to God adventure?

No, this adventure is often done at home with the family. As the den leader, remind parents to help their Scouts complete it and let you know when it’s finished.

Can we go camping as a Bear den?

No, but Bears can attend pack overnighters or council-organized family camps. Work with your pack to plan camping opportunities that include all dens.

What if a parent wants to help?

That’s great! More adult help makes meetings run smoother. Give them small jobs, like leading a game or setting up an activity. If they want to be more involved, encourage them to register as a leader.

What if a Scout has special needs?

Scouting is flexible. Adjust activities as needed so all Scouts can participate. Talk with parents to understand how to best support their child.

What should I do if a meeting plan isn’t working?

Be flexible. If something isn’t working, move on to another activity. Always have a backup game or project ready. Keep meetings fun, and don’t stress if things don’t go exactly as planned.

Being a Bear den leader is an adventure of its own. You will plan meetings, teach new skills, and guide Scouts as they grow in confidence and ability. It may feel overwhelming at times, but remember—Cub Scouting is about fun, learning, and teamwork. You don’t have to be perfect. Just be prepared, stay flexible, and keep things exciting.

The key to a great den is planning ahead, keeping Scouts engaged, and working with families. Use the den meeting plans to stay on track, mix in field trips to bring lessons to life, and balance active and quiet activities. Let Scouts take part in decisions when possible. The more involved they feel, the more excited they will be.

Most of all, enjoy the experience. The time you spend as a den leader will have a lasting impact on your Scouts. You are helping them develop skills, build friendships, and gain confidence. Years from now, they may not remember every adventure they completed, but they will remember the fun they had and the leader who made it possible.

So take a deep breath and dive in. You’ve got this!