BEAR RANK ADVENCEMENT
Build Skills. Take on New Challenges.
Bear Cub Scouts take on more advanced adventures that build confidence, independence, and practical skills. Third-grade Scouts explore the outdoors, strengthen leadership and citizenship, practice personal safety, and learn useful skills they can carry into future Scouting adventures.
To earn the Bear rank, Scouts complete six required adventures and at least two elective adventures.
Quick Advancement Snapshot
Here’s what your Bear will complete on the journey toward earning the Bear rank.
Third Grade
Designed for Cub Scouts in first grade.
6 Required Adventures
Complete all six required Bear adventures.
2 Elective Adventures
Choose and complete at least two elective adventures.
Build Real-World Skills
Practice practical skills through hands-on activities, outdoor experiences, and teamwork.
LEARN MORE
Resources for Den Leaders & Families
Use these resources to plan adventures, prepare den meetings, and help Scouts make progress toward their Bear rank.
Official Bear Resources
Explore Bear requirements, adventures, activities, and official resources from Scouting America.
Den Leader Resources
Find planning tools, meeting resources, safety information, and helpful guidance for leading a Bear den.
Uniforms & Recognition
Find information about Cub Scout uniforms, insignia, adventure loops, and ways to recognize Bear achievements.
Required Adventures
Every Bear completes six required adventures on the journey toward earning the Bear rank. Each adventure helps Scouts develop skills, build confidence, and learn through hands-on experiences with their den and family.
Bobcat Bear
Character & Leadership
Explore the Scout Oath and Scout Law while building teamwork, leadership, and a stronger connection with the den.
Bear Strong
Personal Fitness
Build healthy habits through physical activity, nutrition, rest, and other choices that support physical and mental well-being.
Paws for Action
Citizenship
Explore citizenship, community service, and ways Bears can take an active role in helping the people and places around them.
Fellowship
Family & Reverence
Explore family traditions, gratitude, and the values that help guide personal growth and strengthen relationships.
Standing Tall
Personal Safety
Practice personal safety, digital safety, and the proper use of protective equipment while learning how to make smart choices.
Bear Habitat
Outdoors
Prepare for an outdoor walk, practice Leave No Trace principles, and learn how to enjoy and care for the outdoors responsibly.
Choose Your Elective Adventures
Bears complete at least two elective adventures to earn the rank. Explore the options below and choose adventures that match your Scout’s interests, curiosity, and sense of adventure.
A Bear Goes Fishing
Balancing Bears
Baloo the Builder
Bears Afloat
Bears on Bikes
Champions for Nature Bear
Chef Tech
Critter Care
Forensics
Let's Camp Bear
Marble Madness
Race Time Bear
Roaring Laughter
Salmon Run
Summertime Fun Bear
Super Science
Whittling
Elective Adventures at Council & District Events
Some Bear elective adventures are available only through approved Council and District events with qualified instructors. Bears may have opportunities to complete Archery Bear, Slingshot, and BB Guns at eligible events and camp programs.
Archery
BB Gun
Slingshot
Celebrate Every Adventure
As Bears complete adventures, their progress is recognized along the way. Each completed adventure brings them one step closer to earning the Bear rank while celebrating the skills, experiences, and confidence they gain throughout the year.
1. Complete the Adventure
Bears participate in the activities and requirements for each adventure with their den, family, or adult partner.
2. Earn Recognition
When an adventure is completed, Bears can receive an adventure loop to wear on their Cub Scout belt.
3. Earn the Bear Rank
After completing all six required adventures and at least two electives, Bears earn the Wolf badge of rank.