Bear Fellowship Den Meeting Plan

Cub Scouts are curious. They ask big questions and wonder about the world. The Bear Fellowship Adventure helps them explore faith, respect, and kindness. This Bear Fellowship den meeting plan gives them a chance to learn about their own beliefs and those of others. They will discover that even though people have different traditions, they often share the same values.

This den meeting is a mix of fun, learning, and hands-on activities. Scouts will talk about their family’s faith, make a craft, and prepare a snack. They will also do a small act of kindness and explore what different religions have in common. Through these activities, they will see that respect and kindness bring people together, no matter what they believe.

By the end of the den meeting, Scouts will have a better understanding of their own traditions. They will also learn to appreciate the beliefs of others. Most importantly, they will see that the Golden Rule—treating others with kindness—is something that connects all faiths. This Bear Fellowship den meeting is about growing, learning, and having fun together.

Timeline (60 minutes total)

Gathering Activity: Faith Traditions Craft (10 minutes)
As Scouts arrive, have them create a simple craft related to their family’s faith traditions or to kindness. Provide materials for making a freestyle craft. This gets them thinking about their own traditions in a fun and hands-on way.

Opening: Scout Oath and Discussion on Reverence (5 minutes)
Gather Scouts in a circle. Say the Scout Oath together. Ask them what “reverence” means and why it is part of the Scout Law. Briefly explain that people show reverence in different ways, through faith, traditions, or personal beliefs.

Acts of Kindness: Kindness Jar Activity (10 minutes)
Each Scout decorates a small jar and writes kind notes to put inside. These can be for family members, teachers, or friends. Encourage them to continue adding notes at home and share them with others.

Exploring Common Ground: Interfaith Discussion (10 minutes)
In this activity, Scouts discuss their family’s faith and explore different religions using a comparison chart. They learn that while faiths have unique traditions, they share common values like kindness and respect. The discussion highlights the Golden Rule, showing that all religions teach treating others as you wish to be treated.

Snack and Family Traditions Activity (15 minutes)
Have Scouts help prepare a simple snack that connects to a faith tradition. Options: making honey butter for Rosh Hashanah, decorating cookies for Christmas, or mixing a fruit salad to represent togetherness. While eating, discuss different family traditions. Ask Scouts to share a favorite holiday or celebration in their family.

0:50–1:00 Closing: Reflection and Scout Law Connection
Sit in a circle and ask each Scout to share one new thing they learned. Connect it to the Scout Law: “A Scout is reverent” and “A Scout is kind.” End with a short thank-you and reminder to complete Requirement 2 (attending a religious service or gathering) with their families.

Materials Needed for the Den Meeting

Gathering Activity: Faith Traditions Craft

• Construction paper, cardstock, or craft foam
• Scissors, glue, tape
• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
• Stickers, ribbon, or other decorations

Snack and Family Traditions Activity

• Ingredients for the chosen snack (honey and butter for honey butter, sugar cookies and icing for decorating, or assorted fruit for fruit salad)
• Plastic knives or butter knives for spreading
• Small plates and napkins
• Spoons or mixing bowls if needed

Acts of Kindness: Kindness Jar Activity

• Small jars, plastic cups, or small boxes
• Paper for writing kind notes
• Markers, stickers, and ribbon for decorating

Exploring Common Ground: Interfaith Discussion

• Religion comparison chart (printed for reference)
• Copies of the Golden Rule statements from different faiths

Closing: Reflection and Scout Law Connection

• No extra materials needed, just a quiet space for discussion

Leader Preparation Before the Den Meeting

• Choose a snack that is simple to make and has a connection to a faith tradition
• Gather and organize all craft and snack materials
• Print out the religion comparison chart
• Review the discussion questions and be ready to guide conversations

What to Ask Parents to Provide or Help With

• Small jars or containers for the kindness jar activity
• A few extra craft supplies like glue sticks or markers
• Help supervising snack preparation and craft time
• Assistance with cleanup at the end of the meeting
• Remind them to do requirement 2 at home

This gathering activity helps Scouts think about their family’s faith traditions in a fun and creative way. As they arrive, they will make a simple craft connected to their beliefs. This helps them feel comfortable and gets them talking about their own traditions. It is a great way to start the den meeting with a hands-on activity.

The craft choices reflect different faith traditions. If a Scout is unsure what to make, encourage them to choose a design that looks interesting to them. The goal is to explore and create, not to make something perfect. This activity should take about 10 minutes.

1. Set up a table with an assortment of supplies before the den meeting starts. Have colored paper, glue, scissors, markers, and other materials.
2. As Scouts arrive, invite them use the materials to make a craft. Let them know it can represent their faith or just be something which represents kindness.
3. Show them simple examples or pictures of what they can make. For example, a cross , or a Star of David, a heart. Keep instructions minimal and let them be creative.
4. Give them time to cut, glue, and decorate. Walk around and ask them about their craft and why they chose it.
5. When they finish, let them share their craft with a friend. Encourage them to talk about what it represents.

This activity gives Scouts a way to start thinking about faith in a relaxed and creative way. It also helps them see that different traditions have fun and meaningful symbols.

Scouts do not need to know a lot about their faith to enjoy this activity. The goal is to get them thinking, creating, and sharing. By the time the opening starts, they will already be engaged and ready to learn more.

What Does Reverence Mean?

This part of the den meeting should take about five minutes. It helps Scouts understand what reverence means and why it is important. Reverence is about showing respect. People show it in different ways, through faith, traditions, or personal beliefs.

Start by gathering the Scouts in a circle. Say the Scout Oath together. This reminds them of their duty to God and their promise to help others. After saying the oath, ask them, “What does reverence mean?” Give them a moment to think and share their ideas. Some might say it means praying, being quiet in a special place, or treating others with kindness.

Explain that reverence is about showing respect for things that are important. Some people show reverence by going to a place of worship. Others show it by helping their family or being kind to nature. There are many ways to be reverent. The important thing is to respect others and their beliefs, even if they are different from our own.

End with a short discussion. Ask, “Can you think of a way you have shown reverence?” Let a few Scouts share. Tell them that today’s meeting is about learning more about reverence, kindness, and different traditions. Then move on to the next activity.

A Jar Full of Kindness

This activity takes about ten minutes. It helps Scouts think about the power of kind words. They will decorate a small jar and fill it with kind notes. These notes can be for family members, teachers, or friends. They can also add more notes at home and share them later.

Kindness is a simple way to make people feel happy. A kind word or a small note can brighten someone’s day. This activity teaches Scouts that kindness does not have to be big or complicated. Even small gestures matter.

1. Give each Scout a small jar or container. A clean baby food jar, a plastic cup, or a small box will work.
2. Provide markers, stickers, and ribbon. Let them decorate their jars however they like.
3. Hand out small slips of paper. Have Scouts write kind messages on them. Examples: “You are a great friend,” “Thank you for helping me,” or “You make me smile.”
4. Ask each Scout to put their notes inside their jar. They can write as many as they have time for.
5. Encourage them to take the jar home and to give out the notes inside. They can keep adding kind notes and give them to someone special later.

This activity shows Scouts that words have power. A kind message can make someone feel valued. It also helps them practice thinking about others and spreading kindness.

At the end, remind them to keep filling their jars. They can use them to thank people or cheer up a friend. Kindness is something they can share every day.

Different Faiths, Same Kindness

This activity takes about ten minutes. It helps Scouts learn about different religions. They will see that even though people have different beliefs, they share many of the same values. One of the most important values is kindness. Every major religion teaches the Golden Rule—treat others the way you want to be treated.

Start by asking Scouts what faith their family practices. Some may follow a religion, and some may not. That is okay. The goal is to help them understand that people have different beliefs and traditions. Use the comparison chart to talk about different religions. Show how they have different places of worship, leaders, and holy books.

Next, focus on the Golden Rule. Read the Golden Rule from different religions. Ask Scouts what they notice. They should see that every faith teaches kindness and respect. Even if people believe different things, they all believe in treating others well.

End with a short discussion. Ask Scouts, “Why do you think kindness is important?” Let them share their thoughts. Remind them that learning about others helps us respect and understand them. This is part of being a good Scout and a good friend.

This activity takes about fifteen minutes. It gives Scouts a chance to make and enjoy a simple snack while learning about different traditions. Many faiths have special foods for holidays and celebrations. Food brings people together and helps tell the story of a tradition.

Start by choosing a simple snack that connects to a faith tradition. You could make honey butter, which is eaten during Rosh Hashanah to symbolize a sweet new year. Decorating cookies is popular for Christmas and other holidays. A fruit salad can represent togetherness, with different fruits coming together just like people in a community.

Have Scouts help with the snack. Give them small tasks like mixing ingredients, spreading honey butter on bread, or placing fruit in a bowl. Keep it simple so everyone can participate. As they work, ask them if their family has any special foods for holidays. Let them share their favorite treats and why they are important.

After making the snack, sit together and enjoy it. While eating, continue the conversation. Ask each Scout to share a favorite holiday or celebration from their family. Talk about how different families celebrate in different ways, but all traditions bring people together. This helps Scouts see that even though traditions may be different, they all bring joy and connection.

This closing activity takes about ten minutes. It gives Scouts a chance to reflect on what they learned. It also connects the den meeting to the Scout Law. A Scout is reverent, and a Scout is kind. These values help Scouts respect others and treat people with kindness.

Have Scouts sit in a circle. Ask each one to share one new thing they learned today. It could be about a different faith, a new tradition, or the meaning of reverence. If a Scout is unsure, encourage them to think about the activities. They might remember the Golden Rule, the kindness jar, or the special foods from different traditions.

After everyone shares, talk about how this connects to the Scout Law. Ask, “How does being reverent help us be better Scouts?” Let them answer. Then ask, “Why is kindness important in all faiths?” This helps them see that respect and kindness bring people together.

End with a short thank-you. Remind them to complete Requirement 2 with their families. Encourage them to attend a religious service or gathering and talk about what they learned. Tell them that understanding others makes the world a better place. Then close the meeting and send them off with a smile.

Bear Fellowship Adventure

The Bear Fellowship Adventure helps Bear Cub Scouts learn about faith, respect, and kindness. They explore their own family traditions and learn about different beliefs. This helps them understand that while people may have different customs, they often share common values. By talking with their families, Scouts discover the meaning behind their celebrations and traditions.

Scouts also practice kindness by doing something helpful for others. This shows them that small actions can make a big difference. They also learn about a faith that is different from their own. By finding common values, they see that respect and understanding bring people together.

See more resources for the Bear Fellowship adventure here.

How do I handle Scouts from different faiths or those who do not practice a religion?

Keep the focus on respect, kindness, and learning about different traditions. Encourage Scouts to share what is important to their family, whether it is a religious tradition or another kind of celebration. No one should feel pressured to share personal beliefs.

What if a Scout does not want to participate in a certain activity?

That is okay. Offer them another way to be involved. For example, if they do not want to talk about their faith, they can listen and learn about others. If they do not want to do the craft, they can help organize materials.

How do I keep the discussion respectful?

Remind Scouts that everyone’s beliefs are different, and that is okay. Focus on what different traditions have in common, like kindness and family. If a Scout makes a negative comment, gently correct them and guide the conversation back to respect.

Can I change the snack or craft for the Bear Fellowship den meeting?

Yes. Choose something that fits your group. Just make sure the snack connects to a faith tradition and the craft helps Scouts think about their family’s traditions.

What if parents have concerns about the topic?

Explain that this adventure is about learning and respect. It is not about teaching religion but about understanding different traditions. Let parents know they can talk to you if they have any concerns.

How do I make sure we stay on schedule?

Keep activities simple and set time limits. If a discussion is going too long, remind Scouts that they can continue talking after the den meeting. Have materials ready so you do not waste time setting up.

What if a Scout does not finish their kindness jar?

That is fine. Encourage them to take it home and keep adding kind notes. The goal is for them to think about kindness, not to finish quickly.

This Bear Fellowship den meeting helps Scouts learn about faith, respect, and kindness. They explore their own family traditions and hear about others. They see that even though people have different beliefs, they share common values. The Golden Rule is one thing that connects all faiths.

Through crafts, food, and discussion, Scouts get a hands-on way to understand reverence. They also practice kindness by making a kindness jar. These activities help them see that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

By the end of the Bear Fellowship den meeting, Scouts will have learned something new about themselves and others. They will understand that respect and kindness help bring people together. Encourage them to keep showing reverence and kindness in their daily lives. These lessons will help them grow into thoughtful and caring individuals.