Bear Paws for Action Den Meeting Plan

Teaching Bear Cub Scouts about citizenship can be fun and engaging. This Paws for Action Den den meeting plan helps Scouts learn about their country, important symbols, and how they can help their community. Through hands-on activities, they will explore the U.S. flag, create crafts, and learn about non-profit organizations. The goal is to make learning about responsibility and patriotism exciting.

Scouts will start with a gathering activity that introduces them to the flag in a creative way. They will get to play a game, make a craft, and talk about how they can make a difference. These activities will keep them moving and thinking while also reinforcing what they learn. The den meeting will end with a snack and a discussion that connects everything to the Scout Law.

This plan is designed to keep Scouts engaged from start to finish. It balances learning with fun so that they leave the den meeting with new knowledge and a sense of accomplishment. Whether they are folding a flag, making a model of the Statue of Liberty, or learning about helping others, they will be actively involved. This Paws for Action Den den meeting is a great way to help Scouts develop pride in their country and a desire to serve their community.

Total time: 90 Minutes

Gathering Activity: Coloring the U.S. Flag Cootie Catcher (10 minutes)
As Scouts arrive, they receive a printed U.S. Flag Cootie Catcher template to color and decorate. Then Scouts cut, fold, and assemble their cootie catchers. This keeps them engaged while waiting for everyone to arrive.

Opening Ceremony and Flag Etiquette Discussion (20 minutes)
Start with a simple flag ceremony. Briefly explain the history and meaning of the U.S. flag. Discuss flag etiquette, including how to treat, display, and fold the flag properly. Practice flag folding.

Learning About the U.S. Flag with the Cootie Catcher (10 minutes)
In pairs, Scouts take turns using them to answer flag-related questions. This makes learning fun and interactive.

American Symbols Craft Activity (15 minutes)
Scouts choose a U.S. symbol (Statue of Liberty, Bald Eagle, Liberty Bell, etc.) and create a simple craft. Options include drawing, building with playdough, or making a collage. They share their chosen symbol and explain why they picked it.

Learning About Non-Profits (15 minutes)
Introduce a local non-profit and discuss its mission, funding, and volunteer efforts. Scouts can either watch a short video or hear from a guest speaker (if available).

Snack: Red, White, and Blue Treats (10 minutes)
Serve themed snacks such as strawberries, blueberries, and white yogurt or crackers. Discuss how working together in a community is like bringing different ingredients together to make something great.

Closing: Connecting to the Scout Law (10 minutes)
Discuss what Scouts learned and how it connects to the Scout Law (Helpful, Kind, and Loyal). End with a closing thought or a simple reflection. Optionally, close with a Scout tradition like a cheer or handshake.

General Supplies

• U.S. flag for the flag ceremony
• Flagpole or flag stand (if available)
• Copies of the U.S. Flag Cootie Catcher template
• Scissors, crayons, and markers for the cootie catcher activity
• Craft supplies for American symbols (construction paper, glue, playdough, scissors)
• Information about a local non-profit (printed handouts, video, or guest speaker)
• Small cups or plates for the snack
• Strawberries, blueberries, and white yogurt or crackers for the snack

Leader Preparation

• Print and cut out U.S. Flag Cootie Catcher templates before the den meeting
• Gather all materials and organize them into activity stations
• Review flag folding steps to help Scouts practice correctly
• Research a local non-profit to share with the Scouts
• Arrange a short video or invite a guest speaker if possible
• Plan a simple closing thought or reflection to connect to the Scout Law

Parent Help and Supplies

• Ask parents to bring extra craft supplies if needed
• Request a parent to bring the snack or help serve it
• If a guest speaker is planned, confirm their availability with a parent contact
• Ask for extra adult volunteers to help with flag folding practice and crafts

Having everything ready ahead of time will keep the den meeting running smoothly and fun for the Scouts.

As Scouts arrive, give each one a printed U.S. Flag Cootie Catcher template. Have crayons or markers ready so they can embellish the template. This is a great way to keep them busy while waiting for everyone to get settled. It also gets them thinking about the flag before we start talking about it.

Encourage them to take their time and be creative. When they finish coloring, they should start folding their cootie catchers. This keeps them engaged while waiting for the next part of the den meeting.

Get the template and see instructions for folding here.

As they do this activity, walk around and talk to them about the flag. Ask if they know what the stars and stripes stand for. See if they can name any flag rules. Keep the conversation light and fun. This helps them learn without feeling like they are in a classroom.

After about 10 minutes, move on to the next activity. If some Scouts aren’t done, they can finish later. The important thing is that they had fun and got interested in learning about the flag. Now they are ready to dive into the rest of the den meeting.

Raising the Flag: Opening Ceremony and Flag Etiquette

Start the den meeting with a simple flag ceremony. Choose two Scouts to carry the flag and one to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. If you have a flagpole, show them how to properly raise the flag. If not, use a flag stand or hold the flag with care. This sets a respectful tone for the den meeting.

These links will help you with details for flag etiquette:

• Opening Flag Ceremony
• Closing Flag Ceremony
• How to Fold the US Flag
• Flag Retirement Ceremony
• Raising and Lowering the US Flag
• Displaying the US Flag with Other Flags

After the ceremony, talk briefly about the history of the U.S. flag. Ask the Scouts if they know why there are 50 stars and 13 stripes. Explain that the flag represents our country and should always be treated with respect. Keep it short and simple so they stay interested.

Next, go over basic flag etiquette. Show them how to hold the flag without letting it touch the ground. Explain when and where the flag should be displayed. Talk about what to do with a flag that is old or damaged. Make it interactive by asking them questions or letting them share what they already know.

Now it’s time to practice folding the flag. Demonstrate first, then have the Scouts work in pairs to try it themselves. Guide them through each step until they get the classic triangle shape. If they struggle, remind them that learning takes practice. End by reminding them that showing respect for the flag is part of being a good citizen.

Flag Fun with the Cootie Catcher

Now that the Scouts have their cootie catchers ready, it’s time to play. Have them pair up and take turns using the cootie catcher to ask each other flag-related questions. This turns learning into a game and keeps them engaged.

Show them how to use the cootie catcher if they don’t already know. One Scout picks a number and moves the cootie catcher back and forth that many times. Then they pick a color or word inside, and their partner reads the question underneath. The first Scout tries to answer before switching turns.

Encourage them to help each other if they don’t know an answer. The goal is to learn, not to be perfect. Walk around and listen to their answers. If they struggle with a question, step in and explain it in a simple way.

After about 10 minutes, bring the group back together. Ask a few of the questions out loud and let the Scouts answer as a group. This helps reinforce what they learned. Let them know they can take their cootie catchers home to teach family members about the flag.

Creating American Symbols

Now it’s time for the Scouts to get creative. Tell them they will each choose an important U.S. symbol and make a simple craft to represent it. They can pick the Statue of Liberty, the Bald Eagle, the Liberty Bell, or another well-known symbol. Give them a few ideas to get them thinking.

Set out the craft supplies. Have paper, crayons, playdough, glue, and scissors ready. They can draw their symbol, build it with playdough, or make a collage with different materials. Let them choose how they want to create their symbol. The goal is to have fun while learning.

As they work, walk around and ask them why they chose their symbol. Encourage them to share what they know. If they aren’t sure, give them a few facts. For example, the Bald Eagle stands for strength and freedom, and the Liberty Bell is a symbol of independence. Keep the conversation going while they create.

After about 10 minutes, have them share their crafts with the group. Each Scout should say what their symbol is and why they picked it. This helps them learn from each other. Finish by reminding them that these symbols help tell the story of our country.

Helping Others: Learning About Non-Profits

Now it’s time to teach the Scouts about non-profits. These are groups that help people and make communities better. Start by asking the Scouts if they know any organizations that help others. Some may mention food banks, animal shelters, or charities that help kids.

Introduce a local non-profit that does good work in your area. Explain what the group does, how they get money to operate, and how volunteers help. Keep it simple. For example, if it’s a food bank, tell them it gives food to people who need it. If it’s an animal shelter, explain that it cares for animals until they find homes.

If you have a short video about the non-profit, show it now. If a guest speaker is available, let them talk to the Scouts about their work. Encourage the Scouts to ask questions. If neither of these is possible, just share a few facts and stories about the organization.

Wrap up by talking about how Scouts can help. Explain that volunteers make a big difference. Even small acts of kindness, like collecting canned food or picking up litter, can help the community. Let them know that their upcoming service project is a way to be part of something bigger.

Now it’s time for a snack. Serve simple red, white, and blue treats, like strawberries, blueberries, and white yogurt or crackers. If you want, you can mix them together in small cups to make a fun patriotic snack. Keep it simple so Scouts can grab their food and enjoy.

While they eat, start a short discussion. Ask them what they notice about the snack. They will probably say the colors match the U.S. flag. Then, connect this to what they have been learning about citizenship and community. Just like the different foods in their snack, people in a community bring different skills and talents to make things better.

Encourage the Scouts to share ways people work together in their town. Some might mention firefighters, teachers, or volunteers. Remind them that teamwork is important, just like in Scouting. Every person plays a role, and small efforts can make a big difference.

After about 10 minutes, clean up quickly so you can move on to the closing activity. Let the Scouts know they did a great job today. Now, it’s time to reflect on what they learned and connect it to the Scout Law.

Gather the Scouts in a circle and ask them to think about everything they did today. Remind them that they learned about the flag, made crafts, and talked about helping others. Now, connect these lessons to the Scout Law. Focus on Helpful, Kind, and Loyal.

Ask them how they were helpful today. They might say they helped fold the flag, worked together on crafts, or listened to a friend. Then, talk about kindness. Ask how learning about non-profits showed the importance of being kind. Helping others in the community is a great way to show kindness.

Finally, discuss loyalty. Loyalty means standing up for what is right and respecting your country and community. Taking care of the flag and learning about U.S. symbols are ways to show loyalty. Remind them that being a good citizen means following the Scout Law every day.

End with a simple reflection or tradition. You can have each Scout say one thing they learned or enjoyed. Or, finish with a Scout handshake or cheer. Keep it positive and remind them that they can take what they learned today and use it to make a difference.

Bear Paws for Action Adventure

The Bear Paws for Action Adventure teaches Bear Cub Scouts about citizenship and their role in the community. Scouts learn about the U.S. flag, including its history, proper handling, and display. They also explore important American symbols by choosing one to create as a craft or model. This helps them understand the meaning behind national symbols and their connection to American values.

Scouts also learn about non-profit organizations and how they help people. They discover how these groups operate, raise funds, and use volunteers to make a difference. To put their learning into action, Scouts participate in a service project to help their community. This adventure helps Scouts develop responsibility, respect, and a desire to give back.

See more resources for the Bear Paws for Action Adventure here and here.

How long should this Paws for Action Den den meeting last?

This den meeting should take about 90 minutes. Each activity is planned to keep Scouts engaged without feeling rushed.

What if we don’t have a flagpole for the flag ceremony?

That’s okay. You can use a small flag on a stand or have Scouts hold the flag with care. The important thing is teaching them respect for the flag.

What if some Scouts finish their cootie catchers early?

Encourage them to help others or start folding theirs. You can also ask them questions about the flag to keep them engaged.

What if a Scout struggles with flag folding?

Pair them with a buddy or an adult to guide them. Remind them that it takes practice. The goal is to learn, not to be perfect.

What kind of craft should Scouts make for the American symbols activity?

They can draw, build with playdough, or make a collage. Let them choose what works best for them.

What if I can’t find a guest speaker for the non-profit discussion?

You can show a short video or simply talk about a local non-profit. Focus on what they do, how they get money, and how volunteers help.

What if a Scout doesn’t want to share their craft?

That’s okay. Encourage sharing but don’t force it. They can hold up their craft while you share a fun fact about their symbol.

Can I change the snack if needed?

Yes. The goal is to have a simple, red, white, and blue snack. You can adjust based on what is available.

How should I close the Paws for Action Den den meeting?

Connect everything to the Scout Law, focusing on Helpful, Kind, and Loyal. Ask Scouts to share one thing they learned or enjoyed. End with a cheer, handshake, or simple reflection.

This Paws for Action Den den meeting is a fun way to teach Bear Cub Scouts about citizenship. They will learn about the U.S. flag, create crafts, and explore how non-profits help the community. These activities keep them moving and engaged while learning important lessons.

Hands-on activities like the flag cootie catcher and flag folding make learning fun. The American symbols craft lets Scouts be creative while thinking about what these symbols mean. The discussion about non-profits helps them understand how people work together to help others.

The den meeting ends with a snack and a reflection on the Scout Law. Scouts will leave with a better understanding of their country and their role in the community. They will also feel proud of what they made and learned.

This Paws for Action Den den meeting is a great mix of fun and learning. It helps Scouts see that citizenship is not just about knowing facts—it is about showing respect, helping others, and being a good member of the community.