Bear Strong Den Meeting Plan

Staying active and eating well are important for growing bodies. In the Bear Strong Adventure, Bear Cub Scouts learn how to take care of themselves by making smart choices about food and exercise. This den meeting is designed to keep them moving, learning, and having fun while building good habits.

This Bear Strong den meeting combines action and education. Scouts will taste different foods, try new exercises, and learn ways to relax. They will discover how different foods help their bodies stay strong. They will also stretch, move, and challenge themselves with fun activities. By the end of the meeting, they will understand how fitness and nutrition work together.

Scouts will also learn about taking care of their health in other ways. They will review their BSA Annual Health and Medical Record at home with their parents. This helps ensure they are ready for all the adventures that Scouting brings.

This Bear Strong den meeting is packed with energy and excitement. It teaches important life skills in a way that keeps Scouts engaged. When learning feels like fun, good habits can last a lifetime!

Total Time: 90 Minutes

Gathering Activity – Food Group Sorting Game (10 minutes)

• As Scouts arrive, they participate in a food group sorting game. Lay out pictures or packaged food items, and have them match each to the correct food group.
• Briefly discuss why eating a variety of foods is important for staying strong and healthy.

Requirement 1: Sampling Different Food Groups – Taste Test Challenge (10 Minutes)

• Provide small samples from at least three food groups:
  • Protein: Cheese cubes or nuts
  • Fruits/Veggies: Apple slices, baby carrots, or grapes
  • Grains: Whole-grain crackers or cereal
• As Scouts taste each item, discuss:
  • What food group it belongs to.
  • How it helps their body stay strong.
  • If they have tried this food before or if it’s new to them.
• Encourage Scouts to try something they don’t normally eat.

Requirement 2: Group Physical Activity (30 Minutes) – Obstacle Course & Animal Movements Game

• Start with a quick stretching session to warm up.
• Set up an obstacle course that includes:
  • Stretching station before starting.
  • Hopping challenge (jumping over cones or hurdles).
  • Balancing activity (walking across a beam or taped line).
  • Crawling tunnel (under a table or through a pop-up tunnel).
• Follow with an Animal Movements Game, where Scouts move like different animals:
  • Bear crawl (muscular strength)
  • Frog jumps (cardio)
  • Flamingo balance (flexibility)
  • Snake slither (core strength)

Requirement 3: Personal Exercise (15 Minutes) – Fitness Circuit Challenge

• Rotate through a Fitness Circuit with three stations:
  • Cardio: Jumping jacks, jogging in place, or skipping.
  • Muscular Strength: Push-ups, sit-ups, or squats.
  • Flexibility: Toe touches, arm stretches, and side bends.
• Each station lasts about 4 minutes, with short water breaks in between.

Requirement 4: Relaxing Activity – Guided Imagery & Breathing Exercise (10 Minutes)

• Scouts sit or lie down and listen to a guided relaxation story, imagining a peaceful scene (beach, forest, or mountain).
• Follow up with deep breathing exercises:
  • Breathe in slowly for four counts, hold for four counts, exhale for four counts. Repeat for several rounds.

Requirement 5: Health & Medical Record Discussion & Snack (10 Minutes)

• Review the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record:
  • Explain why it is important to keep health records updated.
  • Encourage Scouts to review their forms with their parents before the next meeting.
• Snack Time: Serve something simple that reinforces the food group lesson, such as:
  • Apple slices with yogurt dip
  • Cheese and whole-grain crackers
  • Veggies and hummus

Closing & Scout Law Connection

• Scout Law Connection: Discuss how being thrifty means making smart choices about food and exercise, and how being cheerful can come from staying active and feeling good.
• Closing Cheer or quick discussion: “What was your favorite activity today?”

Take-Home Items

• If parents have not reviewed the medical form yet, remind them to complete this at home with their Scout.
• If time runs short, send home a Healthy Choices Log where Scouts track their food and exercise for a day. They can share it at the next meeting.

Materials Needed:

• For the Gathering Activity (Food Group Sorting Game):
  • Pictures of different foods or real packaged food items
  • Labels or signs for the five food groups (Protein, Vegetables, Fruits, Dairy, Grains)
• For the Taste Test Challenge (Requirement 1):
  • Small food samples from at least three food groups
    • Protein: Cheese cubes or nuts
    • Fruits/Veggies: Apple slices, baby carrots, or grapes
    • Grains: Whole-grain crackers or cereal
  • Plates or napkins for serving
• For the Obstacle Course & Animal Movements Game (Requirement 2):
  • Cones, hurdles, or objects to jump over
  • Tape or a balance beam for the balancing challenge
  • A table or pop-up tunnel for the crawling challenge
  • Open space for movement activities
• For the Fitness Circuit Challenge (Requirement 3):
  • Signs or markers for three stations
  • A list of exercises for each station (Cardio, Strength, Flexibility)
  • Water for short breaks
• For the Relaxing Activity (Requirement 4):
  • A quiet space for Scouts to sit or lie down
  • A printed or written version of the guided imagery story
  • A calm voice to read the story
• For the Health & Medical Record Discussion and Snack (Requirement 5):
  • A sample copy of the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record to show Scouts
  • A reminder for parents to review health forms at home
  • Healthy snack options such as:
    • Apple slices with yogurt dip
    • Cheese and whole-grain crackers
    • Veggies and hummus
  • Plates and napkins for serving
• For Take-Home Items (If Needed):
  • Copies of the Healthy Choices Log for Scouts to complete at home

Leader Preparation Before the Den Meeting:

• Gather all materials and prepare food samples ahead of time
• Set up the obstacle course and fitness stations in an open space
• Print or write out the guided imagery story for the relaxing activity
• Have a copy of the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record ready for discussion
• Prepare a closing discussion question or cheer

What to Ask Parents to Provide or Help With:

• Review the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record with their Scout at home
• Donate food items for the taste test or snack (if needed)
• Assist with setting up or supervising the obstacle course and fitness circuit
• Provide extra napkins, plates, or water bottles for the meeting

Having everything ready beforehand will help the meeting run smoothly. With good preparation, Scouts will have a fun and active time while learning important skills for a healthy life!

This gathering activity for the Bear Strong den meeting is a simple and fun way to get Scouts thinking about healthy food. As they arrive, they will play a food group sorting game. This will help them learn about different types of food and why they are important. It is a quick and hands-on way to start the meeting.

The game takes about 10 minutes. Scouts will match different foods to the correct food group. This will help them see how different foods help their bodies grow strong. After sorting, we will have a short discussion about why eating a variety of foods is important.

This activity keeps Scouts engaged while they wait for everyone to arrive. It also helps them start thinking about food and health right away. It is an easy way to introduce the ideas we will explore during the meeting.

1. Set up the materials. Before the meeting, lay out pictures of foods or real packaged food items. Use foods from different food groups: protein, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and grains. If using pictures, print or cut them from magazines.
2. Give each Scout a turn. When a Scout arrives, hand them a food picture or package. Ask them to decide which food group it belongs to.
3. Sort the foods. Have five labeled areas for each food group. Scouts place their item in the right spot. If they are unsure, they can ask for help.
4. Talk about the choices. Once all items are sorted, quickly go over them. Ask questions like:
   • “What kinds of foods give us energy?”
   • “What foods help us build strong muscles?”
   • “Which foods help our bones stay strong?”
   • “Did any food surprise you?”
5. Wrap it up. Remind Scouts that eating different kinds of food helps them grow strong and stay healthy. Tell them they will learn more about food and fitness during the meeting.

This is a fun and active way to start the Bear Strong den meeting. It gets Scouts thinking and talking about healthy eating. Plus, it is a great way to keep them busy as they arrive. By the end of the game, they will already be learning without even realizing it!

Taste the Rainbow! A Food Adventure

This activity for Bear Strong requirement 1 helps Scouts learn about different food groups by tasting them! Trying new foods can be fun and exciting. Scouts will get to sample small bites from at least three food groups. They will also talk about how these foods help their bodies stay strong and healthy.

This activity takes about 10 minutes. Scouts will try foods from protein, fruits or vegetables, and grains. They will guess which food group each belongs to and discuss how it helps their body. If they have never tried a food before, they can be brave and give it a taste!

This is a simple way to help Scouts think about what they eat. It also encourages them to try something new. Eating a variety of foods helps them grow, play, and stay strong.

1. Set up the food samples. Before the meeting, prepare small portions of:
   • Protein: Cheese cubes or nuts
   • Fruits/Veggies: Apple slices, baby carrots, or grapes
   • Grains: Whole-grain crackers or cereal
2. Pass out the food. Give each Scout a sample of one food at a time. Let them look at it, smell it, and taste it.
3. Ask questions. As they eat, ask:
   • “What food group do you think this is?”
   • “What do you think this food does for your body?”
   • “Have you eaten this before? Do you like it?”
4. Encourage bravery. If a Scout does not want to try something, that is okay. But remind them that trying new foods can be fun!
5. Discuss the big picture. Explain that eating different foods gives them energy, helps muscles grow, and keeps bones strong. No one food can do it all. That is why it is important to eat a mix of foods every day.

This activity is a fun way to explore healthy eating. Scouts get to taste different foods and talk about what makes them good for the body. They may even find a new favorite snack!

Move Like an Animal! A Fun Fitness Challenge

This activity for Bear Strong requirement 2 gets Scouts moving and having fun while learning about fitness. They will stretch, run, balance, and crawl through an obstacle course. Then, they will play a game where they move like different animals. These activities help them build strength, flexibility, and endurance.

This part of the Bear Strong den meeting takes 30 minutes. First, Scouts will warm up with simple stretches. Then, they will complete an obstacle course with different challenges. After that, they will play an Animal Movements Game. This keeps them active while having fun.

Exercise is important for staying strong and healthy. Moving in different ways helps muscles grow and keeps the body flexible. This activity will show Scouts that being active does not have to be boring!

1. Start with stretching. Before any activity, it is important to stretch. Lead Scouts in simple stretches like:
   • Reaching for their toes
   • Arm circles
   • Side stretches
2. Set up the obstacle course. Use simple materials to create fun challenges:
   • Stretching station: Scouts do a quick stretch before starting.
   • Hopping challenge: Scouts jump over cones or hurdles.
   • Balancing activity: Scouts walk across a beam or a taped line.
   • Crawling tunnel: Scouts crawl under a table or through a pop-up tunnel.
3. Run the obstacle course. Time the Scouts or let them go through it at their own pace. Encourage them to do their best!
4. Play the Animal Movements Game. Call out an animal, and Scouts move like that animal:
   • Bear crawl (walking on hands and feet) – builds strength
   • Frog jumps (jumping forward) – boosts cardio
   • Flamingo balance (standing on one foot) – improves balance
   • Snake slither (wiggling across the ground) – strengthens the core
5. Cool down and talk. After the game, have Scouts take deep breaths and stretch again. Ask them:
   • “Which challenge was the hardest?”
   • “What was your favorite way to move?”
   • “Why is it important to stay active?”

This activity keeps Scouts moving and having fun. They will work their muscles, test their balance, and challenge themselves. Best of all, they will see that exercise can be a game!

Get Strong! A Fitness Circuit Challenge

This activity for Bear Strong requirement 3 helps Scouts build strength, endurance, and flexibility. They will move through a fitness circuit with three different stations. Each station focuses on a different type of exercise: cardio, muscular strength, and flexibility. This will help them see how different exercises help their bodies in different ways.

This activity takes 15 minutes. Scouts will spend about 4 minutes at each station with short water breaks in between. They will do exercises to get their heart pumping, strengthen their muscles, and improve their flexibility.

Exercise is an important part of staying healthy. Moving in different ways helps the body stay strong. This challenge will show Scouts that fitness can be fun and simple.

1. Set up three stations. Find open space where Scouts can move safely. Mark each station with a sign or cone.
2. Start with a quick warm-up. Have Scouts do light stretching before beginning.
3. Run the circuit. Scouts rotate through each station, spending about 4 minutes at each:
   • Cardio Station: Jumping jacks, jogging in place, or skipping. This gets their heart beating faster.
   • Muscular Strength Station: Push-ups, sit-ups, or squats. This helps build strong muscles.
   • Flexibility Station: Toe touches, arm stretches, and side bends. This keeps their bodies flexible.
4. Take short water breaks. After each station, let Scouts take a quick water break before moving to the next one.
5. Cool down and talk. After all stations are completed, lead a few final stretches. Ask Scouts:
   • “Which station was the hardest?”
   • “What was your favorite exercise?”
   • “Why do we need to stay strong and flexible?”

This challenge keeps Scouts moving and engaged. They will work on different parts of fitness while having fun. By the end, they will see that staying active is easy and enjoyable!

Breathe and Relax! A Calm Break

This activity for Bear Strong requirement 4 helps Scouts slow down and relax. After all the moving and exercising, it is good to take a moment to rest. Scouts will listen to a calming story and use their imagination to picture a peaceful place. Then, they will practice deep breathing to help their bodies and minds feel calm.

This activity takes 10 minutes. First, Scouts will sit or lie down and listen to a short guided imagery story. They will imagine they are in a quiet forest. After that, they will do a simple breathing exercise. This will help them feel relaxed and refreshed.

Relaxing is just as important as moving. It helps the body rest and get ready for the next adventure. This activity will teach Scouts how to use their breath to calm down anytime they feel tired or stressed.

1. Find a quiet space. Have Scouts sit or lie down in a comfortable spot. They can close their eyes if they want.
2. Read a guided imagery story. For example, speak slowly and gently as you read the story below. Give a long pause between sentences:
   • Imagine you are walking through a quiet forest. The trees are tall and green. The leaves gently move in the breeze. You hear birds singing in the branches. The ground is soft beneath your feet. You take a deep breath in. The air smells fresh and clean. You feel peaceful as you walk. You see a small stream flowing over smooth rocks. The water sparkles in the sunlight. You sit on a soft patch of grass and listen to the sound of the stream. You feel warm and safe. You take another deep breath in and let it out slowly. You feel calm and happy.
3. Practice deep breathing. Guide Scouts through this exercise:
   • Breathe in slowly while counting to four.
   • Hold the breath for four counts.
   • Exhale slowly for four counts.
   • Repeat several times.
4. Discuss the experience. Ask Scouts:
   • “How did that make you feel?”
   • “What was your favorite part of the story?”
   • “When could you use deep breathing to help you relax?”

This activity helps Scouts learn how to calm their bodies and minds. They can use these skills whenever they feel tired, nervous, or stressed. Taking time to relax is just as important as staying active!

This activity helps Scouts understand why keeping their health records up to date is important. The BSA Annual Health and Medical Record makes sure everyone is safe during activities. If a Scout has allergies, needs medicine, or has any health concerns, leaders need to know. This helps everyone be prepared.

This part of the Bear Strong den meeting takes 10 minutes. First, we will have a short talk about health records. Then, Scouts will be reminded to review their form with their parents before the next meeting. After that, it is time for a healthy snack!

Good health is not just about exercise and eating well. It also means making sure adults have the right information to keep Scouts safe. Reviewing health records is an important step in being prepared for adventures.

1. Talk about health records. Explain that health records help leaders keep Scouts safe. Ask:
   • “Why do you think it is important for adults to know about food allergies?”
   • “What happens if someone gets sick or hurt during an activity?”
   • “How can a health record help in an emergency?”
2. Remind Scouts to review their forms. Ask Scouts to talk with their parents about their BSA Annual Health and Medical Record before the next meeting. Make sure they understand that this is a simple but important step.
3. Snack time! Serve a healthy snack that fits what they learned earlier in the meeting. Some easy choices are:
   • Apple slices with yogurt dip (fruit and dairy)
   • Cheese and whole-grain crackers (dairy and grains)
   • Veggies and hummus (vegetables and protein)
4. Wrap up with a quick talk. While eating, ask:
   • “What was your favorite part of the meeting today?”
   • “What is one healthy food you want to eat more often?”
   • “How can you stay strong and healthy every day?”

This activity helps Scouts understand the importance of health records while enjoying a good snack. Keeping records updated helps keep everyone safe. Eating well helps keep everyone strong. Both are important for a great Scouting adventure!

Now that we have finished our activities, it is time to reflect on what we learned. Staying healthy is not just about food and exercise. It is also about making smart choices and having a good attitude. The Scout Law teaches us how to do this.

This closing takes 5 minutes. We will talk about how being thrifty means making smart choices about food and exercise. We will also talk about how being cheerful helps us feel good when we take care of ourselves. Then, we will end with a fun cheer or quick discussion.

Being thrifty means using what we have wisely. This includes choosing healthy foods that help us grow strong. It also means finding ways to stay active without needing fancy equipment. Walking, playing outside, or doing simple exercises are great ways to stay healthy without spending money.

Being cheerful comes from feeling good. When we eat well and move our bodies, we have more energy. We feel happy and ready for adventure. Taking care of our bodies helps us enjoy life and do our best in everything we do.

Before we finish, let’s share. What was your favorite activity today? What is one thing you learned that you want to use in your daily life? After everyone has shared, we will end with a fun cheer to celebrate a great meeting.

Taking care of our health is a lifelong adventure. If we make smart choices and keep a positive attitude, we will stay strong, happy, and ready for anything!

Healthy Choices at Home!

Some things are best done at home with a parent. One of these is reviewing the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record. If parents have not looked over this form yet, remind them to do it with their Scout. This form helps leaders keep everyone safe during activities. It is important that it is up to date.

If we run out of time at the Bear Strong den meeting, I will send home a Healthy Choices Log. This is a simple worksheet where Scouts track their food and exercise for a day. They will write down what they eat and what activities they do. This helps them see how their choices affect their health.

Scouts can bring the log back to the next meeting and share what they learned. This keeps them thinking about good habits even after the meeting is over. It also gives parents a way to talk with their Scout about healthy choices.

This Bear Strong den meeting plan covers all five requirements in a fun and active way. If we need more time, the take-home log helps Scouts complete the learning at home. Either way, they will walk away with new knowledge and skills to stay strong and healthy!

Bear Strong Adventure

The Bear Strong Adventure is a key part of the Bear Cub Scout program. It teaches Scouts about staying active and making healthy food choices. Through fun activities, Scouts learn the importance of physical fitness and good nutrition. They engage in exercises that improve strength and flexibility, and explore different food groups to understand how each benefits their bodies. This adventure helps Scouts develop lifelong healthy habits.

By participating in the Bear Strong Adventure, Scouts gain hands-on experience in making healthy choices. They learn to enjoy being active and understand the value of a balanced diet. This adventure combines education with engaging activities, ensuring that Scouts build a solid foundation for a healthy lifestyle. It not only benefits them now but also sets the stage for healthy habits as they grow older.

See more resources for Bear Strong.

How long should this Bear Strong den meeting take?

The meeting should last about 90 minutes. Each activity is planned to fit within this time.

What if I don’t have space for an obstacle course?

You can adjust the activities to fit your space. Instead of an obstacle course, do a relay race or simple movement challenges like hopping, crawling, and balancing in place.

What if a Scout refuses to try a food during the taste test?

Encourage them to try but do not force them. Remind them that trying new foods can be fun. If they are not ready, they can still participate in the discussion.

Can I change the snack for the Bear Strong den meeting?

Yes! Just make sure it includes at least two food groups. Keep it simple and easy to serve.

What if a Scout has food allergies?

Check with parents ahead of time. Offer safe alternatives so all Scouts can participate.

What if we run out of time at the Bear Strong den meeting?

If needed, send home the Healthy Choices Log for Scouts to complete at home. They can share it at the next meeting.

How do I explain the medical form to Scouts?

Keep it simple. Tell them it helps leaders keep them safe. Remind them to review it with their parents before the next meeting.

What if a Scout struggles with the exercises?

Encourage them to do their best. Let them go at their own pace. The goal is to be active and have fun, not to be perfect.

Do I need extra adults to help with the Bear Strong den meeting?

It is helpful! Ask parents to assist with food prep, supervising the obstacle course, or setting up stations.

How does this Bear Strong den meeting connect to the Scout Law?

Scouts learn to be thrifty by making smart food and exercise choices. They also practice being cheerful by staying active and feeling good.

This den meeting is a great way for Scouts to learn about staying active and eating well. They will move, stretch, and play while discovering how different foods help their bodies. They will also learn simple ways to stay healthy every day. Best of all, they will have fun while doing it!

Healthy habits start with small choices. This meeting helps Scouts see that being active does not have to be boring. Running, jumping, and even pretending to be animals can help them stay strong. Trying new foods can be an adventure, too!

This meeting also teaches Scouts to be thrifty by making smart choices about food and exercise. They learn to be cheerful by staying active and feeling good. These lessons will help them build habits that can last a lifetime.

By the end of the meeting, Scouts will leave feeling energized and confident. They will have new knowledge, new experiences, and maybe even a new favorite food! Most importantly, they will see that taking care of their health can be fun.