The Bear rank is for youth who have finished second grade or are nine years old.

To earn the Bear badge, a youth must complete six required adventures and one elective adventure. Their parent or guardian, and den leader, approves each requirement by signing their book. The youth receives an adventure loop for each adventure and after meeting all requirements, has earned the Bear badge.

After earning the Bear badge, a Bear Scout can work on the remaining 12 Bear electives until they finish third grade or turns 10 years old. They can choose elective adventures to learn new hobbies and skills. When they complete an elective adventure, they receive an additional adventure loop to wear.