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Akela’s OKAs you look through this book, you’llsee places for “Akela’s OK.” That usuallymeans your okay. Akela (ah-KAY-la) is theboy’s leader. At home, that is you; at denmeetings, it is the den leader; at school,it is the teacher. Almost all electives andachievements are done by you and yourCub Scout at home, not in the den meeting. This book is filled with more than200 pages of activities for you and yourson to enjoy together. Once your CubScout has done his best, you can approvethe completion of the requirement andthe den leader will record his progress inthe den records.2[date here]Akela’s OK for the Bear trailDateRecorded by the den leaderNotes for AkelaThroughout the Bear Handbook, special notes for you are printed alongwith the requirements for special projects that require the supervisionand participation of adults. Watch for these “Notes for Akela.” They areprinted in a smaller, different typestyle for your easy identification. This isan example:NOTE for Akela: This is a note for the parent, guardian, orother adult helping a Bear Cub Scout along the trail.Parent Guide3

Character ConnectionsCub Scouting’s Character Connectionsprogram helps your son know, commit,and practice Cub Scouting’s 12 core values while enjoying fun and adventure inhis Webelos den. This symbol identifiesCharacter Connections throughout thisbook and in other Cub Scouting materials.Cub Scouting’s 12 Core Values1. Citizenship: Contributing service and showing responsibility to local,state, and national communities.2. Compassion: Being kind and considerate, and showing concern for thewell-being of others.3. Cooperation: Being helpful and working together with others toward acommon goal.4. Courage: Being brave and doing what is right regardless of our fears,the difficulties, or the consequences.5. Faith: Having inner strength and confidence based on our trust inGod.6. Health and Fitness: Being personally committed to keeping our mindsand bodies clean and fit.7. Honesty: Telling the truth and being worthy of trust.8. Perseverance: Sticking with something and not giving up, even if it isdifficult.9. Positive Attitude: Being cheerful and setting our minds to look for andfind the best in all situations.10. Resourcefulness: Using human and other resources to their fullest.11. Respect: Showing regard for the worth of something or someone.12. Responsibility: Fulfilling our duty to God, country, other people, andourselves.4 Parent Guide

The Bobcat TrailIn Rudyard Kipling’s story, The Jungle Book,the black panther Bagheera is the mightyhunter who teaches the cubs the skills ofthe jungle. In Cub Scouting we use thesymbol of the Bobcat. The Bobcat rankis for all boys who join Cub Scouting. Ifyour boy joined Cub Scouting as a Bear CubScout, he must earn the Bobcat badge beforereceiving any other award or rank. You’ll findhis trail (the requirements) on pages 12 through 23.Along this trail are the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack, and theCub Scout motto. These are the three most important things a boy mustlearn because they will help him through all of the trails of Scouting.One part of the Bobcat trail is to read and complete the exercises in thebooklet How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse. Child abuse is aproblem in our society, and this booklet will help you help your child toavoid potentially abusive situations. Note: The booklet is provided as a atear-out section in the front of this book. Please do tear it out (that makesthe book easier to handle), read it carefully, and keep it for easy reference.When you and your son have followed the eight tracks of the Bobcat,your son may wear his Bobcat badge. It will be presented at the packmeeting.The Bear TrailAfter your Cub Scout has earned his Bobcat badge, he can start alongthe Bear trail. This is a big adventure for a boy, one the Boy Scouts ofAmerica hopes all boys will complete. The Bobcattrail has only eight tracks; the Bear trail is muchlonger. The Bear trail has 24 achievements, 12of which a boy must complete to earn theBear badge.Once you have okayed the properachievements, he will have achievedthe rank of Bear Cub Scout. How quicklyyour boy progresses is up to him—andyou. He should do his best to complete eachachievement. That’s part of the promise hemade to become a Bobcat, and it is the Cub ScoutParent Guide5

motto—Do Your Best. Don’t okay an achievement if you both knowthat he can do a better job. Go on to something else, and then go backand try again.The important thing is to keep him interested by working on the trailwith him as often as possible.Progress Toward RanksYour son doesn’t have to wait until he completes his entire Bear trail before being recognized for his work. When he completesany three achievements that are required forthe Bear rank, his den leader can present theProgress Toward Ranks emblem to him (or if hewas a Wolf, he can add to his current emblem).It’s a diamond-shaped emblem with a plasticthong attached, and it’s worn on the rightpocket button of his uniform shirt. Each timehe completes three achievements on the Beartrail, he will receive a red bead. After he getshis fourth red bead, he will be ready to receivehis Bear badge at a pack meeting.The Arrow Point TrailYour Cub Scout can also search the Arrow Point trail. On the Beartrail, the main sections were called achievements, things that we wouldlike all boys to do. On the Arrow Point trail, the main sections are calledelectives, choices that a boy can make on his own and with your guidance. Achievements that were not used to earn the Bear badge may beused as electives. However, note that unused parts of achievementsthat were used for the Bear badge may not be counted toward ArrowPoints.When your Bear Cub Scout has completed his first ten electives, he willbe eligible for a Gold Arrow Point. For every ten additional electives hecompletes, the Bear Cub Scout qualifies for a Silver Arrow Point to wear6 Parent Guide

beneath the Gold. He can earn as many Silver Arrow Points as he wantsuntil he completes the third grade (or turns 10). Arrow Points are presentedat a pack meeting after he receives his Bear badge. Although a boy maywork on his Bear Arrow Points at any time after joining the Bear den, theywill not be presented until after he receives his Bear badge.Because some Arrow Point electives may be earned more than once (indifferent ways), the place for signing “Akela’s OK” is different than it is forthe Bear trail. Here is an example:No.DateAkela’s OK DenChart23.23.23.23.23.When your Cub Scout completes an elective requirement, enter theletter for that requirement and the date he completed it, and add yoursignature for Akela’s OK. When the den leader has recorded it, check it offunder “Den Chart.”Your Cub Scout can keep track of the achievement and electiverequirements he has earned on pages 288–290.Do Your BestWhen has a boy completed an elective or achievement? When he, inyour opinion as Akela, has completed the skill to the best of his ability. InCub Scouting, boys are judged against their own standard, not againstother boys.If your Cub Scout has a mental or physical disability that prevents himfrom attempting an achievement, talk to your Cubmaster about using anelective as an alternative.Parent Guide7

The Boy Scouts of America herebyauthorizes you, who have read this ParentGuide, to act as Akela. Indicate yourwillingness to serve by signing below.I/We will be Akela in thisBear Handbook:Signature DateSignature DateSignature Date8 Parent Guide

Welcometo theBear Trail!Read the next few pages inyour new Bear Handbook. Findout how Baloo helped Mowglilearn the Law of the Pack.How Baloo TaughtMowgli the Law ofthe PackLong ago in the jungles ofIndia a small boy was separated from his family whenhis village was raided by the fierce tiger Shere Kahn.He was found and protected by a family of wolves wholived in the jungle. They named him Mowgli and askedAkela, the leader, if he could join their pack. The packcouncil met once a month at full moon. Akela asked,“Who speaks for this cub?” At first there was no answer,but then Baloo, the wise old brown bear who taught thewolf cubs the Law of the Pack, stood up on his hind pawsand said, “I speak for the man-cub. I will teach him.”Bagheera, the black panther, slipped into the councilring and said, “I, too, speak for the man-cub.” Shere Kahnsnarled in rage. This is how Mowgli came to live withthe wolf family in the jungle and learned the ways of awolf cub.Welcome to the Bear Trail9

As Mowgli grew older, Baloo taught him the Law ofthe Pack and the secret master words that let him talk tothe other jungle creatures—all except the Bandar-log, themonkey people who did not obey the Law of the Pack. Theyhad decided to make their own law and thought it wouldbe a fine idea to capture Mowgli and make him their leader.They were so thoughtless and silly the other animals paidno attention to them.The Bandar-log grabbed Mowgli one day while he wastaking a nap. They carried him high above the trees to adeserted village where none of the other jungle creatureslived. While he was being carried through the branches,Mowgli called for help. Chil, the kite (hawk), heard him calland flew swiftly to tell Baloo and Bagheera.Baloo and Bagheera were furious. They could not followthrough the treetops, but they set out on foot through thejungle to rescue Mowgli. Baloo knew that the Bandar-log’sgreatest fear was of Kaa, the 30-foot-long python. “He canclimb as well as they can. Let us go to Kaa,” Baloo said.“What can he do?” asked Bagheera. “He is not of ourtribe, and he has the most evil eyes.”10 Welcome to the Bear Trail

“He is old and cunning. Above all, he is always hungry,”said Baloo hopefully.Kaa agreed to help, and the three set off to find Mowgli.They reached the village at nightfall. Bagheera and Baloomoved in first. The Bandar-log swarmed over them, bitingand scratching, for the monkey people are brave only whenthe odds are in their favor. Things were going badly forBaloo and Bagheera when Kaa appeared. Baloo was right;the Bandar-log were terribly frightened of Kaa. Some ofthem climbed the walls and towers of the city, trying to getas far away as possible; some froze in terror. Kaa batteredthrough the wall of the ancient building where Mowgli wasbeing held captive and set him free.Kaa began weaving in his hunger dance, making all whowatched—the Bandar-log, Baloo, and Bagheera—helplessto move. Mowgli shook his friends who were falling underKaa’s spell and woke them just in time. The three madetheir escape back to their own part of the jungle.Mowgli had learned to live as a wolf cub and had begun tolearn the wisdom of the bear, but he needed older friends toteach him things that would protect him. Like Mowgli, youcan call on parents and leaders to help you.Welcome to the Bear Trail11

Bobcat TrailWelcome to Our Pack!Say hi to my friend theBobcat. He has eightthings for you to do.he says“Follow my Bobcat Trail.”Fill in this track when youhave completed all theBobcat tracks. You mayalso mark the Trail Recordon page 22. When youhave filled in all eighttracks, you can wear theBobcat badge.12 Bobcat Trail

1Learn and say the Cub Scout Promiseand complete the Honesty CharacterConnection.Cub Scout PromiseI, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,promise to do my bestTo do my duty to God andmy country,To help other people, andTo obey the Law of the Pack.When you say you will do something,that is a promise.Duty to God means:Put God first. Do what you know Godwants you to do.And my country means:Do what you can for your country.Be proud that you are an American.To help other people means:Do things for others that would help them.Obey the Law of the Pack means:Do what Akela asks you to do. Be a goodCub Scout. Be proud that you are one.Bobcat Trail13

HonestykKnow. Discuss these questions with your family: What isa promise? What does it mean to “keep your word?” Whatdoes honesty mean? What doesit mean to “do your best?”cCommit. Discuss these questions with your family. Why isa promise important? Why isit important for people to trustyou when you give your word?When might it be difficult tokeep your word? List examples.pPractice. Discuss with familymembers why it is important to be trustworthy and honestand how you can do your best to be honest when you aredoing the activities in Cub Scouting.When you can say the CubScout Promise and havecompleted the HonestyCharacter Connection, fill inmy track.114 Akela’s OKDateRecorded by the den leaderBobcat Trail

2Say the Law of the Pack. Tell what itmeans.The Cub Scout followsAkela (say Ah-KAY-la). Akela is a good leader. Your mother or fatheror other adult memberof your family is Akela. In the pack, yourCubmaster is Akela. Your den leader isAkela. At school, your teacheris Akela.The Law of the PackThe Cub Scout follows Akela.The Cub Scout helps the pack go.The pack helps the Cub Scout grow.The Cub Scout gives goodwill.The Cub Scout helpsthe pack go.Come to all the meetings.Do what you can to help.Think of others in the pack.The pack helps the Cub Scout grow.You can have fun when you are a part of the pack. Learnthings from others. Do things with them.The Cub Scout gives goodwill.Smile. Be happy. Do things to help others. Little thingsmake a big difference.When you can say the Lawof the Pack and tell what itmeans, fill in my track.2Bobcat TrailAkela’s OKDateRecorded by the den leader15

3Tell what Webelos means.WebelosWebelos (say WE-buh-lows) has a special meaningthat Cub Scouts know. It is We’ll Be Loyal Scouts.We’llBeLoyalScouts}WeBeLoSBeing loyal means thatyou will keep the CubScout Promise.The Webelos Arrow ofLight points the rightway to go every dayof the week. That iswhy the sun has sevenrays—one for each day.When you know whatWebelos means, fill inmy track.316 Akela’s OKDateRecorded by the den leaderBobcat Trail

4Show the Cub Scout sign.Tell what it means.Make the Cub Scout sign withyour right hand. Hold with yourarm straight up.Cub Scout SignThe two fingers stand for two partsof the Promise—“to help other people”and “to obey.” They look like a wolf’sears ready to listen to Akela.Give the Cub Scout sign when you saythe Cub Scout Promise or the Law of thePack.When you can givethe Cub Scout sign andtell what it means, fillin my track.4Bobcat TrailAkela’s OKDateRecorded by the den leader17

5Show the Cub Scout handshake.Tell what it means.Cub Scout HandshakeHere’s how to shake hands with another Cub Scout. Holdout your right hand just as you always do to shake hands.Put your first two fingers along the inside of the other boy’swrist.This means that you help and that you obey the Lawof the Pack.When you can shakehands as a Cub Scout andtell what the handshakemeans, fill in my track.518 Akela’s OKDateRecorded by the den leaderBobcat Trail

6Say the Cub Scout motto.A motto is a guiding principle.Cub Scout MottoDO YOUR BEST is the Cub Scout motto.It meansWhen you play a game, do your best to help your team.When you study in school, do your best to learn from yourteacher.When you help at home, do your best to help your family.Whatever you do, do your best.When you know themotto and can tellwhat it means, fill inmy track.6Bobcat TrailAkela’s OKDateRecorded by the den leader19

7Give the Cub Scout salute.Tell what it means.Cub Scout SaluteA salute is a way to showrespect. We salute the flagto show respect to ourcountry.For the Cub Scout salute,use your right hand. Holdyour fingers as you do forthe Cub Scout sign. Keepthe two straight fingersclose together. Touch thetips of those fingers toyour cap. If you are notwearing a cap, touch yourright eyebrow.When you can give theCub Scout salute andtell what it means, fillin my track.720 Akela’s OKDateRecorded by the den leaderBobcat Trail

8With your parent or guardian, completethe exercises in the booklet How toProtect Your Children from Child Abuse.Child Protection ExercisesWhen you have completedthese exercises withyour parent or guardian,fill in my track.8Bobcat TrailAkela’s OKDateRecorded by the den leader21

Bobcat TrailFill in eight tracks to earn the Bobcat badge.The

BEAR Handbook Official Placement of Insignia LEFT SLEEVE RIGHT SLEEVE LEFT POCKET RIGHT POCKET YOU SHOULD USE THIS BOOK IF You are a boy who has completed the second grade or you are 9 years old. BEAR SHOULDER SEAM 2002. BEAR Welcome