Things to do with your Bear Scout while practicing social distancing (Make sure you let your den leader or pack advancement chair know what you’ve done so it can be recorded in your Scout’s advancement record):

1. If you are handy, discuss with your Scout which tools would be best for them to have in their own toolbox.  Teach them how to use each one correctly and safely and practice with at least 4 of them.  Using scrap wood, have them select a fun or useful project to make and assist them in making the plans for it.  If you have stain or paint, have them apply a finish to their project. (Baloo the Builder #’s 1-4)
    
2. Teach your Scout how to use a knife safely. If you have extra bars of soap on hand, work together on making a soap carving.  Look online for simple designs.  Teach them how to safely do each of the following with a multi-purpose knife (such as a swiss army or leatherman tool) and have them demonstrate the skill:  How to cut a piece of rope, twine, or fishing line; open a sealed box without damaging the contents; open a can with a can opener tool; remove and replace the screws on an object with the screwdriver tool; and open a letter. (Bear Claws #’s 3a & 3b)
    
3. Have a family campout (doesn’t have to be overnight).  Have your Scout make a list of items to take to the campout, including equipment the family should bring as well as the Scout’s personal gear.  If you have a tent, have them help you set it up including picking a good spot to do so. (Satisfies the requirements for Bear Necessities belt loop)
    
4. Go for a 1-mile hike as a family.  Have  them identify 6 signs that any mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, or plants are living in the area.  If you see wildlife, have them observe from a distance and record what they saw. (Fur, Feathers, & Ferns #’s 1 & 4)
    
5. If you’re planning to have a vegetable or herb garden, have your Scout help plant and maintain it.  Teach your scout about composting and how vegetable waste can be turned into fertilizer for your garden. (Fur, Feathers, & Ferns #’s 6 & 7)
    
6. Help your Scout earn or refresh their Cyber Chip at https://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/cyber-chip/.
    
7. Once your Scout has completed the requirements for their Cyber Chip, get online and do the following:
   1. Help your Scout research the American flag.  Say the Pledge of Allegiance and learn its meaning together.   If you have one, help your Scout display it for a month in your home.  (Paws for Action #1)
       
   2. Help your Scout research 2 famous Americans and write down what they learned to share with their den later.  (Paws for Action #2a)
       
   3. Help them research which fish live in your area, then have them draw a color picture for each fish. Record what each fish eats and what sort of habitat it prefers.  Research local fishing regulations together and have them list 3 regulations they learned and why it exists.   (A Bear Goes Fishing #’s 1 & 2)
       
   4. Help them research the history and culture of the indigenous people who lived in your area long ago.  Help them learn and demonstrate ceremonial dance steps. (Beat of the Drum #’s 1 & 4c)
       
   5. Research the history of marbles (where and when the game began).  Talk about the different sizes of marbles, what they are made from and what they are used for.  Research 3 different marble games and learn to play one.  Learn and follow the rules and how to keep score.  Play the game as a family.  Research 4 or 5 words used when talking about marbles.  Tell what each word means and how it relates to playing marbles.  Be ready to share this information with your den the next time it meets. (Marble Madness #’s 1-3)
       
8. Have your Scout make a list of emergency numbers and decide as a family where it should be kept in the home.  Without actually dialing the numbers, have your Scout practice calling for help in an emergency.  Discuss who the Scout could turn to for help if a parent isn’t available and how to contact them. (Paws for Action #’s 3b & 3c)
    
9. This is a great time to earn the Critter Care adventure.  If you have a pet, have your Scout make a list of tasks needed to care for that pet then do them for 2 weeks.  If you don’t have a pet, help them research one they would like to have and prepare a report about the care it needs.  Have them make a poster or PowerPoint presentation about the pet above and share it with the family.  Help them research careers that involve the care of animals.  Find out what education, training, and experience are required for the career.  Have them share what they learned with the family.