Den Leader Guide: Bears (3rd Grade)

Overview

Bears is the Cub Scouting program for third graders. Bears are growing in independence and confidence. Meetings typically happen twice a month. The den structure uses a den leader, assistant den leader, and den chief.

Key Facts


School grade	3rd Grade
Meeting frequency	Typically twice a month
Adult partner required?	No (but involvement strongly encouraged)
Den chief	Can have a den chief
Den number (2024–25)	Den 3
Current leader	[vacant]

Meeting Structure

Before the Meeting — Den leader, assistant, and den chief make final preparations
Gathering — Scouts arrive and join a game or activity; den leader takes attendance and checks requirement completion
Opening — Scout Oath, Scout Law, Pledge of Allegiance
Activities — Scouts complete activities for the current adventure requirements
Closing — Reminders, closing thought, brief inspirational ceremony; denner leads cleanup
After the Meeting — Den leader, assistant, and den chief discuss next meeting

Bear Uniform

Navy blue Cub Scout uniform shirt
Navy blue pants, shorts, or skort
Blue web belt
Blue neckerchief, Bear slide
Navy and gold socks
Blue Bear cap

Training and Resources

Required: YPT + Den Leader Position-Specific Training (CS19) at my.Scouting.org
Scoutbook: Access Bear meeting plans and record advancement
Handbook: Cub Scout Bear Handbook (QR codes in handbook link to meeting resources)
Source guide: docs/Training/Positions/Den Leader/New Wolf, Bear or Webelos Den Leader Guide.md

Tips for New Bear Den Leaders

Third graders can handle more complex, multi-step activities than younger ranks — take advantage of this
The denner role (Scout youth leader within the den) becomes more meaningful at Bear level; assign it and rotate it
Bears are a great age for service projects — good to start building that habit
Keep parent involvement active even though it’s not required; parents who are engaged at Bear level stay through Arrow of Light