Bobcat Lessons You Can Do At Home

If you’re new to Cub Scouts, the Bobcat rank might feel like a lot to take in. The good news is most of the Bobcat requirements are simple, meaningful, and can easily be done at home with no special materials.

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or a brand new den leader trying to get your bearings, this post will walk you through easy, low pressure ways to cover the Bobcat rank right from your kitchen table or backyard.

What Is The Bobcat Rank?

Every Scout earns Bobcat first, no matter what grade they’re in when they start Cub Scouts. It’s a short but important set of lesssons that introduces Scouts to the values, symbols, and language of Scouting.

Here’s what they will learn:
– The Scout Oath and Law
– The Cub Scout sign, salute, and handshake
– What “Do Your Best” really means
– How to show respect & connect with their den
– A short parent/guardian conversation about safety.

You don’t need a uniform or a perfectly planned meeting. You just need a little time, a few basic instructions, and a willingness to help your Scout get started.

How to Cover Bobcat Requirements at Home

1. Get To Know Your Den
Even if your Scout hasn’t met the full den yet, you can help by:
– Talking about what a den is and what it means to be part of a group
– Practicing introductions (name, grade, favorite snack, etc.)
– Using our printable ice breaker games at your next meeting

The Icebreaker Toolkit Printables

2. Recite The Scout Oath & Law
Start slow — even if your child can’t memorize them right away, it’s okay.
Try:
– Reading one line each night before bed.
– Writing the words out in a journal or coloring the phrases

scout law activity - cub scout law

3. Learn About The Scout Law
Ask your child to choose one word from the Scout Law (like Helpful or Kind) and tell a story about when they saw someone showing that value. Make it a conversation — not a quiz.

4. Create A Code of Conduct
Even though this requirement is something you will do with your den you can still talk about it at home. Sit down together and ask “What kind of behavior makes a den feel safe and fun?” Write down 3-5 ideas. That’s the start of a Code of Conduct. Bring those ideas to your next meeting as you all work together to create a den Code of Conduct.

5. Practice the Cub Scout Sign, Salute, and Handshake
Use stuffed animals, action figures, or each other to practice!

6. “Do Your Best” Moment
Ask your scout, “Can you remember a time when you tried your hardest, even if it wasn’t perfect?” Then share about a time you did your best, too. Sharing moments like this helps you bond and helps them reflect on their own character.

7. Safety Talk At Home
You’ll want to sit down together and complete the booklet “How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide.” This isn’t just a requirement, it’s a meaningful conversation between you and your child.

You don’t have to do all of these in one night, and you don’t need to get everything perfect. The Bobcat rank is about learning how Scouts act, speak, and support each other. The goal is make it feel welcoming, doable, and meaningful for your child.

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