Bear Salmon Run Adventure for 2025: Free Resources

The Bear Salmon Run Adventure is a great way for Bear Cub Scouts to learn about swimming and water safety. During this adventure, the scouts develop important skills that help them feel confident and safe in the water. They learn by doing fun activities with their den or family. This helps them enjoy swimming while understanding the importance of following safety rules.

In this adventure, Bear Cub Scouts learn different ways to stay safe around water. They find out about the different levels of swimming abilities and what those mean. They also learn how to watch out for each other using the buddy system. This is a way for scouts to make sure everyone is safe while swimming.

Swimming is not only fun but also a great way to stay fit. The Bear Salmon Run Adventure helps scouts improve their swimming skills. They practice swimming for 30 minutes and even try a swim test. This is good for their health and builds their confidence in the water.

By working on the Salmon Run adventure, Bear Cub Scouts also learn how to help others in the water. They practice rescue techniques, like how to reach out to someone in trouble or throw them a lifeline. These are important skills that can help save lives. This adventure teaches scouts how to be responsible and helpful, both in and out of the water.

Requirements for the Bear Salmon Run Adventure

Bear Salmon Run Adventure Requirements

To earn this Adventure, Bear Cub Scouts may enroll in and complete a swimming instruction program offered by an accredited instructor OR ​​pass the ​​BSA swimmer test OR complete the requirements below. 

1. With your den or an adult, identify the attributes of qualified adult supervision at a swimming activity.
2. Learn the three swimming ability groups for the Boy Scouts of America and water depths appropriate for each.  
3. Go swimming with your den, pack, or family for 30 minutes using the buddy system. 
4. Demonstrate the use the buddy system, buddy checks, and ability groups with your den or an adult.  
5. Attempt the BSA beginner swim test 
6. Demonstrate both a reach and throw rescue. 

Resources for the Bear Salmon Run Adventure

Bear Salmon Run Requirement 1: Safe Swimming Supervision

With your den or an adult, identify the attributes of qualified adult supervision at a swimming activity.

For the first requirement of the Bear Salmon Run Adventure, Bear Cub Scouts must learn what makes an adult a good supervisor at swimming activities. It’s important to know who can keep everyone safe while swimming.

See the safety section for the qualities of a good supervisor.

• Role-Playing Game: Scouts can take turns acting as the adult supervisor. They can demonstrate how to watch the swimmers, handle an emergency, and enforce swimming rules.
• Supervisor Quiz: Create a fun quiz with questions about the qualities of a good swimming supervisor. Include scenarios where scouts have to choose the best action the supervisor should take.
• Matching Game: Prepare cards with qualities of a good supervisor on one set and their responsibilities on the other. Scouts match the cards that go together.

Here is an option for fulfilling Bear Salmon Run Adventure requirement 1:

• Qualified Supervision Bear
  • Cub Scouts identify the attributes of a qualified adult at a swimming activity.
  • Supplies:  Bear handbook
  • indoor, very low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

These activities make learning fun and interactive, helping scouts understand the role of a qualified adult at swimming events.

Bear Salmon Run Requirement 2: Swimming Ability Groups

Learn the three swimming ability groups for the Boy Scouts of America and water depths appropriate for each.  

In the Bear Salmon Run Adventure, one key requirement is for Bear Cub Scouts to learn about the three swimming ability groups defined by the Boy Scouts of America. These groups help ensure that scouts swim in areas that match their skill levels, making swimming safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Here are the three swimming ability groups:

• Non-Swimmer: This group includes anyone who is just starting or is not comfortable in the water. Non-swimmers should stay in water that is chest deep and where they can stand.
• Beginner: Beginners have some swimming skills. They can enter water slightly deeper but should stay where they can easily reach safety. They are tested to swim 25 feet without assistance, showing that they can stay afloat.
• Swimmer: This group is for those who are confident in their swimming abilities. Swimmers can handle deep water and are tested to swim 75 yards in a strong manner and another 25 yards doing a backstroke.

Learn more about the Scouting America swim test and ability groups

Here is an option for fulfilling Bear Salmon Run Adventure requirement 2:

• Swimming Skills Set
  • Cub Scouts learn the three swimming ability groups of the BSA.
  • Supplies:  Swimming Skill game 
  • indoor, very low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

These engaging activities encourage scouts to learn about safe swimming practices while having fun with their peers.

Bear Salmon Run Requirement 3: Buddy Up!

Go swimming with your den, pack, or family for 30 minutes using the buddy system. 

For the Bear Salmon Run Adventure, Requirement 3 focuses on going swimming with the den, pack, or family while using the buddy system. The buddy system is a safety measure where two scouts keep an eye on each other at all times during swimming activities. This helps ensure that everyone is safe and accounted for.

• Buddy Check Relay: Organize a relay race where scouts have to swim to a point and back, but before they start, they must perform a buddy check, ensuring their partner is ready and safe.
• Buddy Water Ball Pass: Pairs of buddies pass a water ball back and forth while swimming across the pool. This encourages teamwork and keeps them close together.
• Buddy Mirror Swimming: In this activity, one buddy leads and the other tries to mirror their swimming strokes and movements. This helps them pay close attention to each other.

Here are some options for fulfilling Bear Salmon Run Adventure requirement 3:

These activities not only make swimming more enjoyable but also reinforce the importance of watching out for one another, which is the main goal of the buddy system.

Bear Salmon Run Requirement 4: Mastering Safety Together

Demonstrate the use the buddy system, buddy checks, and ability groups with your den or an adult.  

In Requirement 4 of the Bear Salmon Run Adventure, Bear Cub Scouts demonstrate their understanding of the buddy system, buddy checks, and ability groups. This requirement is about showing how well scouts can use these safety measures during swimming activities.

Here is an option for fulfilling Bear Salmon Run Adventure requirement 4:

• Buddies in Swimming
  • Cub Scouts demonstrate the use of the buddy system, buddy checks, and ability groups
  • Supplies:  swimming area, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, whistles for lifeguards and look outs, buddy tags, buddy board, timer
  • requires travel, high energy, 3 to 5 days prep

The buddy system helps scouts keep an eye on each other, buddy checks ensure everyone is accounted for and safe, and understanding ability groups helps scouts swim in safe areas that match their skills.

Bear Salmon Run Requirement 5: Attempting the BSA Beginner Swim Test

Attempt the BSA beginner swim test 

For Requirement 5 of the Bear Salmon Run Adventure, Bear Cub Scouts are encouraged to attempt the BSA beginner swim test. This test is a basic assessment of a scout’s ability to handle themselves safely in the water. The beginner test involves jumping feet-first into water over the head, leveling off, swimming 25 feet on the surface, stopping, turning sharply, resuming swimming, and then returning to a starting point.

Here are some ways scouts practice the skills they need in the shallow section before taking the test:

• Jump and Swim: Scouts practice jumping feet-first into the pool from the side, which is the first part of the beginner test. They can take turns and encourage each other.
• 25-Foot Challenge: Mark out a 25-foot distance in the pool. Scouts practice swimming this length without stopping, using any stroke they feel comfortable with. This helps build their confidence to cover the required distance.
• Turn and Return: After swimming the 25-foot distance, scouts practice a sharp turn and swim back to the start. This part of the test checks their ability to navigate in the water.
• Treading Water Relay: While treading water isn’t part of the beginner test, practicing it can increase endurance and confidence in the water. Set up a fun relay where scouts tread water in one place for a short time before swimming to tag a teammate.
• Race to the Finish: Combine all elements of the test into a mini-race. Scouts complete the jump, swim, turn, and swim back as part of a timed challenge, adding a bit of friendly competition to the practice session.

Here is an option for fulfilling Bear Salmon Run Adventure requirement 5:

These activities help scouts get comfortable with the components of the beginner swim test while ensuring they have fun and stay engaged throughout their practice.

Bear Salmon Run Requirement 6: Reach and Throw Rescues

Demonstrate both a reach and throw rescue. 

In Requirement 6 of the Bear Salmon Run Adventure, Bear Cub Scouts must learn and demonstrate two important rescue techniques: the reach rescue and the throw rescue. These are vital skills that can help save someone in distress without putting the rescuer at risk.

Reach Rescue: This method involves reaching out to someone in the water using an object like a stick, towel, or pool noodle. The rescuer stays on dry land or a stable area, ensuring they don’t enter the water and potentially put themselves in danger.

Throw Rescue: This technique is used when the person in distress is too far away to reach without entering the water. The rescuer throws a buoyant object connected to a rope, like a life ring or a floating device, to the person, who can then grab it and be pulled to safety.

• Reach Rescue Relay: Set up a scenario where one scout acts as a person in distress near the edge of the pool. Others take turns using different objects to perform a reach rescue, ensuring they maintain their balance and stay dry.
• Throw Rescue Accuracy Game: Scouts practice throwing a rope or life ring to a target in the water. Points are awarded for accuracy and how close the object lands to the target, simulating a real-life situation where precision can be life-saving.

Here is an option for fulfilling Bear Salmon Run Adventure requirement 6:

These activities not only teach valuable lifesaving skills but also make learning them engaging and interactive for the scouts.

Safe Swim Defense: Safe Swim Defense provides the steps which a Scouting America unit must take to safely participate in an activity which involves swimming.

Swim Test: The swim test is used in Scouting America to determine ability level so that participants can swim in an area which is appropriate for them.

Water Rescue Methods: Water rescue methods are methods used to rescue someone who is in trouble in the water.

SCOUT Water Safety Chant: This chant helps younger Scouts learn the rules for safe aquatics activities.

Sharks and Minnows: This game can be used at your pack pool party or at a meeting focused on swimming skills.

Before any activity, check the SAFE Checklist to make sure everyone is safe. Everyone involved in Scouting America activities should know the Guide to Safe Scouting and other relevant guides or books. Also follow any state or local rules that are more strict than Scouting America rules and guidelines.

Swimming Safety

Every swimming activity must have an adult supervisor who is at least 21 years old. This person should understand and accept the responsibility for the safety of those they are watching. They must also be trained in the BSA Safe Swim Defense’s eight points.

Before starting:

• Finish the 26-minute Safe Swim Defense training.
• Make sure there are enough adult rescuers to have one rescuer for every 10 Cub Scouts.
• Get buddy tags for everyone going into the water, both kids and adults.

During the Salmon Run Adventure:

• Explain the Safe Swim Defense points before starting the activity.
• Keep giving careful and constant adult supervision and maintain order.
• If swimming outside, make sure all Cub Scouts put on sunscreen.

More information

Frequently Asked Questions for the Bear Salmon Run Adventure

What is the Bear Salmon Run Adventure?

The Bear Salmon Run Adventure is a Cub Scout activity that teaches Bear Scouts about swimming and water safety. They learn to swim, use the buddy system, and perform basic water rescues.

Who can participate in the Salmon Run adventure?

This adventure is designed for Bear Cub Scouts, usually third graders or scouts aged about 8 or 9 years old.

Do I need to be a good swimmer to start this adventure?

No, you don’t need to be a good swimmer to start. There are activities and tests suited for different swimming abilities, from non-swimmers to swimmers.

What are the three swimming ability groups in Scouting America?

The three groups are:

• Non-Swimmer: Stays in shallow water less than waist to chest deep.
• Beginner: Can swim 25 feet but not enough to be in deep water. May be in water which is barely over the head, but shallow water must be close.
• Swimmer: Can swim 75 yards in deep water and has good swimming skills. Can swim in depths of up to 12 feet in clear water.

What is the buddy system?

The buddy system is a safety rule where two scouts look after each other during all swimming activities. They stay together and watch out for each other’s safety.

What does a reach rescue and a throw rescue involve?

A reach rescue uses an object to reach someone in trouble in the water without entering the water yourself. A throw rescue involves throwing a lifeline or buoyant object to someone far away in the water to pull them to safety.

Can family members join in the Bear Salmon Run Adventure activities?

Yes, family members are encouraged to join and support the scouts during these activities, especially the swimming sessions.

What should I bring to a swimming session for the Bear Salmon Run Adventure?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water shoes if needed.

Where can these activities be completed?

These activities should be done in a safe and supervised swimming area. See the safety section.

Splashing Through Skills

The Bear Salmon Run Adventure is all about helping Bear Cub Scouts get comfortable and safe around water. In this adventure, scouts learn crucial swimming and water safety skills. They start by understanding who can supervise swimming activities and what makes someone a good supervisor.

Scouts then learn about different swimming ability groups. These groups help them know where they can swim safely. They spend time swimming with friends or family, using the buddy system to keep each other safe. They also practice buddy checks and using different ability groups.

One key part of the adventure is attempting the BSA beginner swim test. This test helps scouts see what they can do in the water. They learn two lifesaving techniques too: the reach rescue and the throw rescue. These are ways to help someone in trouble without getting in the water yourself.

Through the Bear Salmon Run Adventure, scouts not only improve their swimming but also learn how to be safe and help others in the water. It’s a fun way to build confidence and learn important skills that can save lives.