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Bobcat

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Required

Printable worksheet (PDF)

Bobcat starts your Bear year. You'll reconnect with your den, dig into the Scout Oath, and learn what a denner does. It sets the tone for a great year together.

Why it's worth it

Bobcat starts your Bear year. You'll catch up with your den, look closely at the Scout Oath and its three big promises, and agree on how your den will treat each other. You'll also learn the denner's job, which means helping lead your den. Third grade is a great time to find out you can be a leader.

Start this week

  1. Think of one thing you did this summer to share with your den at the first meeting.
  2. Say the Scout Oath with your adult and find the three duties in it: to God and country, to others, and to self.
  3. Ask your den leader when your first turn as denner will be.
  4. Pick a quiet evening with your parent or guardian for the Parent's Guide activities.

Requirements · 8

Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab).

Note: Bobcat is the first required Bear adventure; complete it before starting other adventures.

  1. Requirement 1

    Get to know the members of your den

    Tip: Play a get-to-know-you game, like sharing your favorite summer memory.

  2. Requirement 2

    With your den and den leader, say the Scout Oath and Scout Law aloud

    Tip: Say the Oath and Law together at every meeting until they feel easy.

  3. Requirement 3

    Learn about the Scout Oath and name its three points

    Tip: Talk about the Oath's three points: duty to God and country, duty to others, and duty to self.

    For example: Duty to God and country might mean living your family's beliefs and respecting the flag. Duty to others: helping at home without being asked. Duty to self: eating well, sleeping, and learning.

  4. Requirement 4

    Create a den Code of Conduct with your den

    Tip: Agree on den rules together and have everyone sign the poster.

    For example: Your Bear den's Code of Conduct might keep last year's rules and add new ones, like "Listen to the denner" or "Everyone gets a turn to talk."

  5. Requirement 5

    Learn about the denner position and its responsibilities

    Tip: Ask what a denner does, then take a turn helping your den leader at a meeting.

    For example: As denner you might lead the opening, pass out supplies, keep time for a game, and help clean up. Your den leader is right there to help you.

  6. Requirement 6

    Show the Cub Scout sign, salute, and handshake and when each is used

    Tip: Practice the sign, salute, and handshake with a partner and talk about when to use each.

  7. Requirement 7

    Tell your den or family about a time you showed the motto "Do Your Best" and explain why doing your best matters

    Tip: Share a time you tried your hardest, and talk about why doing your best matters.

    For example: Share a time you did your best, like practicing a hard song or finishing a long hike, and talk about why trying hard matters even when you don't win.

  8. Requirement 8

    At home, do the activities in the youth protection Parent's Guide booklet with your parent or legal guardian

    Tip: Find a quiet time with a parent or guardian to do the safety activities together.

Talk about it together

  • What do you hope your den does together this year?
  • Which part of the Scout Oath means the most to you right now?
  • What was it like to be denner, and what would you do differently next time?
  • When did you do your best on something that was really hard?

Good questions to ask your den leader

  • What does a great denner do?
  • Which part of the Scout Oath do you think about most?
  • What's one thing our den can do even better than last year?

Helpful reads

For leaders & parents

  • Set up a denner rotation schedule so everyone gets a turn.
  • Remind families about the Parent's Guide early in the year.

People & places that can help

Pairs well with

Counts toward

More Bear adventures

Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.