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Bear

Cub Scouts · Rank

Printable worksheet (PDF)

Bear is the rank for third graders. You'll take a longer hike, get stronger, learn about our country's symbols, and discover more about faith and kindness. You're growing into a leader in your den, and Bear gives you plenty of room to show it.

Why it's worth it

Bear is the third-grade year, when Cub Scouts start doing more on their own. Your child plans and leads part of a 1-mile walk, takes a turn as denner helping run meetings, learns the story behind the flag, and visits a nonprofit to see how volunteers make a difference. Electives get bigger too, like whittling with a real pocketknife or paddling a canoe. It's the year many kids discover they can lead.

Start this week

  1. Ask your den leader when Bobcat and the first denner turns will happen, and add them to the family calendar.
  2. Schedule the Parent's Guide youth protection activities and the Protect Yourself Rules video for a calm evening early in the year.
  3. Look over the Bear electives together and let your child pick two, plus one to try if there's time.
  4. Find a trail or park you might use for Bear Habitat's 1-mile walk, and look at its map with your child.

Plan ahead: Do Bobcat first; it covers the den basics and the Parent's Guide. Plan Bear Habitat and any paddling, swimming, or fishing electives for warm weather, and remember that Bears Afloat needs the swimmer test before any paddling.

Stay safe

  • Whittling, paddling, and swimming electives need trained adults and Scouting America's safety rules, like the Cub Scout Knife Safety Rules and Safety Afloat. Ask your den leader who will supervise.

Requirements · 7

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

  1. Requirement 1

    Bobcat

    Tip: Get to know your den, learn the Oath's three points, and try the denner's job. Take turns being denner at meetings.

    For example: As denner, your Bear might lead the opening flag ceremony, hand out supplies, and help clean up. Rotating the job means every Bear gets a turn to lead.

  2. Requirement 2

    Bear Habitat

    Tip: Plan and take a 1-mile walk with Leave No Trace for Kids. Map your route before you go.

    For example: Your Bear traces a 1-mile loop on a park map, packs the Six Essentials, and leads the family along the route while pointing out animal signs from the trail.

  3. Requirement 3

    Bear Strong

    Tip: Taste new foods, exercise, and rest. Try a 15-minute family workout in the backyard.

  4. Requirement 4

    Paws for Action

    Tip: Learn about the flag and national symbols, then help with a service project. Visit a local nonprofit to see how volunteers help.

    For example: The den might visit a food bank, learn how it raises money and uses volunteers, then come back to sort cans for an afternoon. One trip can cover both parts.

  5. Requirement 5

    Standing Tall

    Tip: Learn about personal space, digital safety, and safety gear. Make a family device plan together.

  6. Requirement 6

    Fellowship

    Tip: Share your family's traditions and learn about a different faith. Ask a friend how their family celebrates a holiday.

    For example: Your Bear could make a holiday food with you, then ask a friend's family how they celebrate a different faith and find two things the families share, like caring for others or a special meal.

  7. Requirement 7

    Complete any 2 elective adventures

    Tip: Pick two electives that match your interests, like whittling, forensics, or marble mazes.

    For example: Pair an elective with something already on the pack calendar: Race Time with the Pinewood Derby, Let's Camp with the pack campout, or Summertime Fun with day camp.

Talk about it together

  • What did it feel like to be denner and help lead your den?
  • Which adventure this year made you feel the most grown-up?
  • What did you learn about a faith or family that's different from yours?
  • What is one way you helped other people this year?
  • What do you want to try next year as a Webelos Scout?

Good questions to ask your den leader

  • How does the den rotate the denner job, and when is our Bear's turn?
  • Which adventures will the den do together, and which ones are better at home?
  • Are there electives the pack does together, like Race Time or Let's Camp?
  • Is there a nonprofit or service project the den already has planned?
  • How can a parent help with a skill we know, like fishing, cooking, or building?

Helpful reads

For leaders & parents

  • Rotate the denner role so every Bear gets a turn helping lead.
  • Group adventures with outdoor parts, like Bear Habitat, into a single outing to save time.

People & places that can help

Pairs well with

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.