Bear Habitat Den Meeting Plan

Exploring nature is a big part of Cub Scouting. The Bear Habitat Adventure helps Bear Cub Scouts learn how to prepare for outdoor activities, respect nature, and enjoy the outdoors safely. This Bear Habitat den meeting plan is designed to make learning fun while covering all the requirements for the adventure.

During this meeting, Bears will get ready for a one-mile walk by packing their gear and learning about their route. They will practice Leave No Trace principles to help keep nature clean and safe. Along the way, they will look for signs of wildlife, learn about fire safety, and find ways to be considerate to others on the trail.

This Bear Habitat den meeting is not just about learning—it’s about having fun. Bears will play games, explore the outdoors, and work together as a team. They will also enjoy a snack that ties into the adventure. By the end of the meeting, they will be more confident about outdoor skills and better prepared for future adventures.

This plan makes it easy for den leaders to guide Bears through the adventure in an engaging and active way. Whether they are packing their gear, following a trail, or spotting wildlife, Bears will learn by doing. Get ready for a Bear Habitat den meeting filled with exploration, teamwork, and outdoor fun!

Total Time: 90 minutes

Gathering Activity: Backpack Packing Challenge (10 minutes)

• As Bears arrive, they participate in a Backpack Packing Challenge.
• Provide a backpack and a variety of items, some essential and some unnecessary.
• Bears take turns selecting what they think should go in a properly packed daypack.
• Discuss the Cub Scout Six Essentials and why each one is important.

Introduction & Mapping the Walk (10 minutes)

• Introduce the Bear Habitat Adventure and the activities for the den meeting.
• Show a simple map of the trail.
• Have Bears identify the starting point, route, and landmarks.
• Discuss trail safety and what to do if they get lost.

Trail Safety & Fire Danger Game (10 minutes)

• Introduce the “Choose the Right Path” concept by discussing the importance of staying on trails.
• Explain how different paths have different conditions (rocky, muddy, hilly).
• Play the Fire Danger Matching Game where Bears match fire safety levels with different outdoor conditions.
• Discuss what to do if they see fire risk signs on the trail.

Trash Your Trash & Leave What You Find (10 minutes)

• Give each Bear a small trash bag to carry during the walk.
• Introduce the Trash Timeline Game, where Bears guess how long different types of litter take to decompose.
• Hand out sketchbooks and pencils for Bears to take pictures or make drawings of five things they want to remember.

Wildlife Observation & Trail Manners (10 minutes)

• Teach Bears how to look for wildlife signs like tracks, nests, and chewed leaves.
• Challenge them to find six signs of mammals, birds, insects, or reptiles.
• Talk about trail etiquette, including staying to the right, passing on the left, and keeping voices low to respect other visitors.

One-Mile Walk: Leave No Trace in Action (25 minutes)

• Start the one-mile walk, putting all the learned principles into practice.
• Along the way, have Bears point out their five “Leave What You Find” objects.
• Stop occasionally to observe wildlife signs and discuss what they see.
• Pick up litter and discuss how it affects the environment.
• Reinforce trail etiquette when encountering other hikers.

Snack: Trail Mix with the Six Essentials (10 minutes)

• Set up a DIY trail mix bar with ingredients like nuts, dried fruit, pretzels, and chocolate chips.
• Discuss how food, water, and sun protection are essential for outdoor adventures.

Closing: Scout Law Reflection (5 minutes)

• Gather Bears and ask them how they followed Leave No Trace and parts of the Scout Law during the walk.
• Encourage them to share something interesting they observed.
• End with a Scout motto or cheer to reinforce teamwork and respect for nature.

General Supplies

• Backpack for the Backpack Packing Challenge
• Variety of items for packing (Cub Scout Six Essentials plus extra unnecessary items)
• Simple map of the one-mile trail
• Printed fire danger level signs or pictures
• Fire Danger Matching Game cards
• Small trash bags (one per Bear)
• Sketchbooks and pencils (one per Bear)
• Cards for the Trash Timeline Game
• Bowls and spoons for trail mix bar
• Ingredients for trail mix (nuts, dried fruit, pretzels, chocolate chips, etc.)
• Small bags or cups for each Bear to make their mix
• Hand sanitizer or wipes for snack time

Leader To-Do List Before the Den Meeting

• Choose and scout the one-mile walking route ahead of time
• Print out or gather maps, game cards, and fire danger signs
• Prepare Backpack Packing Challenge by collecting a mix of correct and incorrect items
• Set up the Trash Timeline Game with different types of litter for discussion
• Arrange sketchbooks and pencils for each Bear
• Purchase trail mix ingredients and ensure food safety for any allergies
• Pack a first aid kit and extra water for the walk
• Arrange for a safe trash disposal plan after the walk

What to Ask Parents to Provide or Help With

• Snacks for the trail mix bar (assign different ingredients to different families)
• Extra backpacks if needed for the packing activity
• Extra water bottles for hydration during the walk
• Help with leading small groups on the walk
• Assistance with cleaning up after the den meeting

Having everything ready ahead of time will make the Bear Habitat den meeting smooth, fun, and engaging for the Bears!

This is a great way to start the Bear Habitat den meeting. As the Bears arrive, they will test their skills by packing a backpack for a hike. This activity helps them learn what to bring on a walk and why it matters. It also keeps them busy while you wait for everyone to arrive.

This challenge will teach them about the Cub Scout Six Essentials in a fun way. Some items will be useful, and some will not. The Bears will have to decide what belongs in the backpack. Then, we will talk about why each essential is important.

This activity should take about 10 minutes. Keep it light and fun. The goal is to get them thinking about being prepared.

How to Run the Activity

1. Gather Supplies – Before the den meeting, fill a bag with items. Include the Cub Scout Six Essentials: water bottle, sun protection, flashlight, first aid kit, whistle, and trail food. Also add some silly or unnecessary items, like a toy, book, or kitchen spoon.
2. Start the Challenge – Hand the empty backpack to one Bear. Spread the items out on a table or the floor. Ask the Bear to pick something they think belongs in a good daypack for a hike.
3. Take Turns – After one Bear picks an item, they put it in the backpack and pass it to the next Bear. Keep going until all items are picked.
4. Review the Choices – Once the backpack is full, open it up and go through the items. Ask the Bears why they picked each thing. If they picked something unnecessary, talk about why it is not needed. If they forgot an essential, show them what was missing.
5. Teach the Six Essentials – Explain that every Scout should bring these six things when going on a hike. Go through each one and talk about why it is important. Keep it simple. For example, “We need water so we don’t get thirsty,” or “A whistle can help others find you if you get lost.”

After the review, thank the Bears for their good thinking. Tell them that being prepared makes a hike safer and more fun. Now they know what to pack for their one-mile walk later in the den meeting. If there is time, you can ask them which essential they think is the most important and why.

This activity is a simple way to teach the Cub Scout Six Essentials and get the Bears thinking about outdoor safety. Plus, they will love digging through the items and making choices. Now that they are packed and ready, it’s time to move on to the next adventure!

This is a great time to talk about why food, water, and sun protection are important for outdoor adventures. Instead of just handing out a snack, let them make their own trail mix. This keeps them engaged and helps them think about choosing the right fuel for their bodies.

Trail mix is a perfect hiking snack because it is lightweight, easy to carry, and full of energy. Set up a DIY trail mix bar with a few different ingredients. Some good options are nuts, dried fruit, pretzels, and chocolate chips. Let each Bear build their own mix in a small bag or cup.

This activity should take about 10 minutes. While they enjoy their snack, talk about how food, water, and sun protection help them stay strong and safe when exploring outdoors.

This snack helps Bears learn about smart outdoor choices.

Find the Path: Mapping the Walk

Now that the Bears have packed their gear, it’s time to plan the adventure. This activity helps them understand where they are going and how to stay safe on the trail. They will look at a simple map, find important landmarks, and talk about what to do if they get lost.

Learning to read a map is an important skill for any outdoor trip. It helps Scouts know where they are and where they are going. This also builds confidence, so they feel prepared for the walk. We will also talk about trail safety and what to do if they get separated from the group.

This activity should take about 10 minutes. Keep it simple. The goal is to help Bears understand the route and feel ready for their one-mile walk.

1. Show the Map – Use a simple map of the area where you will walk. A park map or printed trail map works best. Show the Bears where you are starting and where the walk will take them.
2. Find the Landmarks – Ask the Bears to look for important features on the map. These could be a big tree, a bridge, a stream, or a turn in the trail. This helps them recognize these spots during the walk.
3. Trace the Route – Have the Bears follow the path with their fingers. Ask them to point out where the walk begins, where it ends, and any spots where they might stop along the way.
4. Talk About Safety – Ask the Bears what they should do if they get lost. Guide them to the three rules:
   • Stop – Stay in one place.
   • Look and Listen – Call out or blow a whistle.
   • Stay Visible – Stay near the trail so others can find them.
5. Check for Questions – Let the Bears ask questions about the trail or safety rules. Make sure they feel ready for the walk.

Tell the Bears that knowing the route makes a walk easier and safer. Now they know what to expect and can help watch for landmarks along the way. If they ever go on a longer hike, these same skills will help them stay on track and stay safe.

Now that they have their gear and know the path, they are ready to head outside. Up next, they will learn how to choose the right trail and stay safe on their adventure!

Stay on Track: Trail Safety & Fire Danger

Before we start our walk, the Bears need to learn how to choose the right path and stay safe. Trails come in all types—some are flat and easy, while others are rocky or muddy. Bears should learn how to pick a safe trail and follow it. Staying on the trail keeps them from getting lost and helps protect nature.

We will also talk about fire safety on the trail. The Fire Danger Rating Guide is a system used to describe how easily a fire can start and spread under different conditions. It helps people understand the risk of wildfires based on things like weather, dryness, and wind speed. The rating system has five levels:

• Low – Fires do not start easily. If they do, they spread slowly and are easy to control.
• Moderate – Fires can start from most causes but usually spread slowly. They are easier to put out.
• High – Fires start easily and spread quickly, especially in dry grass or on windy days. Fire control can be difficult if not handled early.
• Very High – Fires start quickly and spread fast. Spot fires, which are small fires starting from embers, are common. Fires can become dangerous and hard to stop.
• Extremely High – Fires start very easily and spread rapidly. Flames can jump long distances, and fires can quickly become uncontrollable and very dangerous.

Before going outdoors, it is important to check the fire danger level for the area. If fire danger is high or extreme, campfires, outdoor cooking, and certain activities may not be safe. This system helps protect nature and people from wildfires.

This activity should take about 10 minutes. It is a mix of discussion and a fun game. The goal is to help Bears make smart choices when hiking and to be aware of fire danger.

1. Talk About Trails – Ask the Bears what kinds of trails they have seen before. Are they flat, steep, rocky, or muddy? Explain that different trails need different kinds of planning. For example, a rocky trail may require sturdy shoes, and a muddy trail might be slippery.
2. Explain Trail Safety – Tell the Bears that staying on the trail is important. It keeps them from getting lost and protects plants and animals. If they ever need to step off the trail, they should go back the same way so they don’t get turned around.
3. Introduce Fire Danger – Show pictures or signs of different fire danger levels (Low, Moderate, High, Very High, Extreme). Explain that hot, dry, and windy weather makes fire more likely.
4. Play the Fire Danger Matching Game
   • Set Up the Game – Place the Fire Danger Level Cards (Low, Moderate, High, Very High, Extremely High) in order on the table face up. Shuffle the Fire Danger Description Cards and place them face down in a stack.
   • Explain the Fire Danger Rating System – Use the Fire Danger Rating Guide to give a short explanation of what each level means.
   • Start the Game – Choose a Bear to go first. Have them draw a card from the stack, read it aloud, and decide which fire danger level it matches.
   • Place the Card in the Correct Pile – The Bear places the card face up in the correct fire danger pile. If they are unsure, help guide them with questions.
   • Continue Playing – The next Bear takes a turn drawing, reading, and placing a card. Keep going until all cards have been placed.
   • Discuss the Results – Once all the cards are sorted, review the piles. Ask the Bears if they see any patterns in the descriptions.
5. Discuss What to Do – Ask the Bears what they should do if they see a fire risk sign on a trail. They should follow the rules, never start a fire, and tell an adult if they see smoke or fire.

Trail safety helps Bears stay safe and protect nature. Fire safety helps prevent wildfires. Remind them to always stay on the trail and follow fire danger signs when they see them. Now that they know how to choose the right path, they are ready to learn about keeping the trail clean and respecting nature!

Leave No Trace: Keep It Clean and Take Only Memories

Bears need to learn how to take care of nature while they enjoy it. This activity will help them understand why it’s important to pack out their trash and leave nature as they found it. They will also practice observing nature by sketching or taking pictures of interesting things they see.

Litter can harm plants, animals, and even the water we drink. Bears will play a Trash Timeline Game, where they guess how long different types of litter take to break down. This will show them why even small pieces of trash can be a big problem. Then, they will use sketchbooks and pencils to record five things they want to remember from the walk. This helps them enjoy nature without disturbing it.

This activity should take about 10 minutes. It will prepare the Bears for their walk by helping them understand their role in keeping the outdoors clean and beautiful.

1. Hand Out Trash Bags – Give each Bear a small trash bag to carry during the walk. Explain that they will use it to collect any trash they see.
2. Play the Trash Timeline Game – Show the Bears different types of trash (a plastic bag, a banana peel, newspaper, etc.), or just name the items. Ask them to guess how long each item takes to break down. Then, share the real answers. For example, an banana peel breaks down less than a year, but a plastic bottle can take 20 years.
3. Introduce Leave What You Find – Tell the Bears that instead of picking flowers, taking rocks, or moving things around, they should leave nature as it is so others can enjoy it too. Instead, they can take pictures or make drawings of things they want to remember.
4. Hand Out Sketchbooks and Pencils – Give each Bear a small sketchbook and a pencil. Explain that during the walk, they should find five interesting things to draw or take pictures of. These could be a cool leaf, an animal track, a bug, or a big tree.
5. Talk About Why It Matters – Ask the Bears why it’s important to leave things where they are. Discuss how animals use rocks and leaves for homes, and how picking too many flowers can change the way nature grows.

Keeping nature clean helps protect wildlife and keeps trails beautiful for everyone. Remind the Bears that they should always pack out their trash and leave nature just as they found it. Now they are ready to explore, look for signs of wildlife, and see how many interesting things they can find along the way!

Eyes Wide Open: Wildlife and Trail Manners

Nature is full of surprises if you know how to look and listen. Bears will learn how to spot signs of wildlife like tracks, nests, and chewed leaves. They will also practice good trail manners, so they can share the path with other hikers and keep nature peaceful.

Wild animals are usually good at hiding, but they always leave clues. Bears will search for six signs of mammals, birds, insects, or reptiles. They will also learn how to walk respectfully on the trail by staying to the right, passing on the left, and keeping their voices low.

This activity should take about 10 minutes. It will help Bears pay attention to nature and respect others while they hike.

1. Introduce Wildlife Signs – Ask the Bears how they think they can tell animals have been nearby. Talk about common signs like:
   • Footprints or tracks in mud or dirt.
   • Nests or burrows in trees or on the ground.
   • Chewed leaves or bark from animals eating plants.
   • Feathers or fur left behind.
   • Scat (animal droppings) that show where an animal has been.
   • Sounds, like bird calls or rustling in the bushes.
2. Challenge the Bears – Tell them that during their walk, they should find at least six animal signs. Remind them to look up, down, and all around. They can share their discoveries at the end of the hike.
3. Teach Trail Manners – Ask the Bears what they should do when they see other hikers on the trail. Explain three simple rules:
   • Stay to the right so others can pass.
   • Pass on the left and say “Excuse me” if needed.
   • Keep voices low so they don’t scare wildlife or disturb other hikers.
4. Practice Before the Walk – Have the Bears pretend to walk on a trail and practice stepping aside when someone “passes” them. Make it fun by having them act as hikers, slow walkers, or even animals crossing the path.

Being a good hiker means respecting nature and other people. Remind the Bears that wildlife is all around them if they watch and listen carefully. Now they are ready for their one-mile walk, where they will put all of these skills to the test!

Step by Step: Walking with Care

Now it’s time to put everything into action. The Bears will go on a one-mile walk and practice all the skills they have learned. They will look for wildlife signs, pick up trash, and respect nature by following Leave No Trace principles. This is their chance to see the outdoors in a new way.

Along the way, they will stop to observe and discuss what they see. They will also find their five “Leave What You Find” objects and record them with sketches or pictures. If they spot litter, they will pick it up and talk about why trash is bad for the environment. This will help them understand how small actions can make a big difference.

This activity should take about 25 minutes. Keep the pace slow and steady so the Bears have time to explore. Encourage them to ask questions and share their observations.

This walk helps Bears see nature in a new way. They protected the trail, noticed wildlife, and left things as they found them. Ask them what their favorite discovery was and how they felt about keeping the trail clean.

Before ending the Bear Habitat den meeting, take a few minutes to reflect on the adventure. This helps Bears connect what they learned to the Scout Law and Leave No Trace. It also gives them a chance to share their favorite moments from the walk.

Gather the Bears in a circle and ask them to think about how they were good Scouts today. Did they pick up trash to keep nature clean? Did they respect wildlife by leaving things as they found them? Did they show kindness by using good trail manners? Encourage them to share their thoughts.

Ask each Bear to name one interesting thing they saw on the walk. It could be an animal track, a cool rock, or a big tree. If they drew a picture in their sketchbook, they can hold it up and talk about it. This helps them appreciate nature and remember their experience.

End with a Scout motto or cheer to bring everyone together. You could say, “A Scout is Kind! A Scout is Clean!” and have the Bears repeat it back. Or, you could do a team cheer like “Leave No Trace, Keep It Great!” This reinforces teamwork, respect for nature, and a sense of accomplishment.

Thank the Bears for a great den meeting and remind them that they can use what they learned today on future outdoor adventures!

Bear Habitat Adventure

The Bear Habitat Adventure teaches Bear Cub Scouts how to prepare for and respect nature while exploring the outdoors. They learn to pack the Cub Scout Six Essentials and dress for the weather before going on a one-mile walk. They study a map to plan their route and learn about the path they will take. Along the way, they practice Leave No Trace by keeping the trail clean, respecting wildlife, and being kind to other visitors.

Bears also learn important outdoor skills. They check the fire danger level, look for signs of animals, and observe nature without disturbing it. They take pictures or draw what they see instead of collecting items. While walking, they work together as a team and follow good trail manners. This adventure helps Bears become responsible hikers who care for the environment and enjoy the outdoors safely.

Learn more about the Bear Habitat adventure here.

How long should the Bear Habitat den meeting last?

The meeting should last about 90 minutes. This gives enough time for activities, the one-mile walk, a snack, and the closing reflection.

What if the weather is bad on the day of the Bear Habitat den meeting?

If it is light rain, you can still do the walk with rain gear. If it is stormy or unsafe, move the indoor activities first and plan the walk for another day.

What if some Bears have food allergies?

Check with parents ahead of time. If needed, choose allergy-friendly ingredients for the trail mix or let each family bring their own snack.

What if we don’t have access to a trail?

If a trail is not available, you can walk in a safe park, neighborhood, or schoolyard. Just make sure there is a one-mile route with some nature to observe.

How can I make sure all the Bears stay together on the walk?

Have an adult at the front and another at the back to keep the group together. Set a pace that works for everyone and stop often to check in.

What if a Bear does not want to pick up trash?

Encourage, but do not force them. Some may not want to touch litter. They can still help by pointing out trash for others to pick up.

Can we do this adventure at a pack event instead of a den meeting?

Yes! This adventure works well for a larger pack hike, as long as each Bear gets to complete the activities.

What should I do if some Bears miss the Bear Habitat den meeting?

Send home a worksheet with activities like mapping a one-mile walk, listing the Six Essentials, or sketching five things from nature. They can also complete the walk with their family.

Do I need a first aid kit?

Yes! Always bring a basic first aid kit in case of small cuts, blisters, or other minor issues.

What part of the Scout Law fits best with this Bear Habitat adventure?

This adventure connects well with “A Scout is Kind” (respecting wildlife and people), “A Scout is Clean” (picking up trash), and “A Scout is Helpful” (working together on the trail).

This Bear Habitat den meeting plan gives Bear Cub Scouts a chance to explore nature, learn outdoor skills, and practice Leave No Trace. They will pack their gear, read a map, walk a trail, and observe wildlife. Along the way, they will respect nature, help keep the outdoors clean, and practice good trail manners.

This den meeting is more than just a walk. It is a way for Bears to build confidence, work as a team, and take responsibility for the environment. They will see how small actions, like picking up trash or staying on the trail, make a big difference.

By the end of the Bear Habitat den meeting, the Bears will feel more prepared for outdoor adventures. They will understand how to plan, what to bring, and how to act on a trail. Most of all, they will have fun exploring the outdoors together!

This Bear Habitat adventure helps Bears appreciate nature and be good stewards of the environment. The skills they learn will stay with them for many hikes and outdoor adventures to come. Keep encouraging them to be kind, stay curious, and leave no trace wherever they go!