About the Rank

The Bear rank is the third official rank in the Cub Scout program, designed for third-grade boys and girls. It follows the Wolf rank and offers more complex and challenging adventures to further develop Scouts’ skills and character. The Bear rank is designed for children who are in the third grade, usually around 8 or 9 years old. It serves as the next step in their Cub Scouting journey after completing the Wolf rank.

Similar to previous ranks, Bears are organized into dens consisting of a small group of children, generally five to eight, and their adult den leader. Dens continue to meet regularly to work on adventures, learn new skills, and engage in activities.

The Bear program introduces more advanced adventures and electives compared to the previous ranks. These adventures cover a wide range of topics including outdoor skills, science, sports, citizenship, and family life. Bears work on specific adventure requirements to earn adventure loops and progress toward their rank.

While adult partners remain involved in the program, the role of the adult den leader becomes more prominent. The den leader guides the Bears through their adventures, facilitates discussions, and helps Scouts apply what they learn to real-life situations.

Bears are encouraged to take part in community service projects and learn about citizenship. This can include activities like participating in local clean-up efforts, assisting in food drives, or helping out at community events.

As Bears complete adventures and earn adventure loops, they work toward earning the Bear rank badge. The badge symbolizes their accomplishment and advancement within the Cub Scout program.

The Bear program places a stronger emphasis on outdoor skills, teaching Bears how to safely and responsibly enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and cooking.

After completing the third-grade year as Bears, children transition to the Webelos rank, which is the next level in Cub Scouting. The Webelos rank prepares Scouts for more advanced outdoor adventures and introduces them to the skills they will use in Boy Scouts.

The Wolf rank is earned by completing six required adventures and one optional adventure described below:

Rank Requirements

1. Complete the six required adventures: 

• Baloo the Builder

• Bear Claws

• Bear Necessities

• Fellowship and Duty to God

• Fur, Feathers, and Ferns

• Paws for Action (Duty to Country)

2. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet entitled How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide. 

Electives

Outside of the required adventures, Bear Scouts can also complete any of the nine elective adventures of their den’s or family’s choosing.

• A Bear Goes Fishing

• Bear Picnic Basket

• Critter Care

• Forensics

• Grin and Bear It

• Marble Madness

• Roaring Laughter

• Salmon Run

• Super Science