Bear

The Bear Rank is for children who are in the 3rd grade (ages 8–9). At this stage, Cub Scouts continue to grow in independence and personal responsibility. The Bear program emphasizes hands-on learning, character development, and practical life skills, all while encouraging Scouts to explore their interests and abilities.

Scouts begin taking more ownership of their experiences, becoming more confident in the outdoors, and gaining deeper understanding of citizenship, safety, health, and service.

Key Features:

• Adventure-Based Program: To earn the Bear badge, Scouts complete six required adventures and at least two elective adventure.

• Growing Independence: While family support is still valued, Bear Scouts are expected to do more on their own and with their den.

• Diverse Skill Development: Adventures include activities like knot tying, woodworking, hiking, and learning about wildlife and emergency preparedness.

• Uniform: Bear Scouts wear the blue Cub Scout uniform with the light blue Bear neckerchief and slide. Bears are encouraged to get the blue Cub Scout belt to display their adventure belt loops earned.

How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide

Requirement 8 - At home, with your parent or legal guardian, do the activities in the booklet "How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide."

Also Complete at Home:

Requirement 7 - Share with your den, or family, a time when you demonstrated the Cub Scout motto "Do Your Best." Explain why it is important to do your best.

Protect Yourself Rules

Requirement 1 - With permission from your parent or legal guardian watch the Protect Yourself Rules video for the Bear rank.

Footsteps Adventure Requirements

Requirement 1 - With your parent or legal guardian talk about your family’s faith traditions. Identify three holidays or celebrations that are part of your family’s faith traditions. Make a craft,  work of art, or a food item that is part  of your favorite family’s faith tradition, holiday or celebration.

Requirement 2 - With your family, attend a religious service OR other gathering that shows how your family expresses reverence.

Requirement 3 - Carry out an act of kindness. 

Requirement 4 - With your parent or legal guardian identify a religion or faith that is different from your own.  Determine two things that it has in common with your family’s beliefs.