What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bear Scouts
Illus. in full color.
72 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1967
8 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Stan Berenstain
948 books708 followersStan and Jan Berenstain (often called The Berenstains) were American writers and illustrators best known for creating the children's book series the Berenstain Bears. Their son Mike Berenstain joined them as a creative team in the late 1980s.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 19, 2019
I forgot that these old stories of the Bears used to rhyme. The stories seem better to me when they rhyme and they roll off the tongue as well. This is a tongue in cheek little comedy about father bear trying to show the bear scouts what to do and everything he says is completely wrong. The scouts have a guide book that keeps them all safe and Papa bear doesn’t do any of those things, so of course the bears have to rescue him. It really is very funny and cute. I like the ending line “Dad has shown us quite a lot about what’s smart and what’s not.”
The nephew thought this story was hysterical. He laughed and laughed at all the silly things Papa bear did. He caught on quick and everytime Papa bear suggested something, he would say, No, don’t do it. When the story was over he looked at me and said, ‘you’re kinda like Papa bear. You always do stuff wrong.” Well that is his opinion. I am usually telling him not to do something stupid and he isn’t reading the manual, so he is really Papa bear, but all I said to him was, “Is that so?” He laughed at me. I tend to follow most instructions, I feel. anyway. He laughed at me. He gave this 4 stars. He still likes the bears.
The nephew thought this story was hysterical. He laughed and laughed at all the silly things Papa bear did. He caught on quick and everytime Papa bear suggested something, he would say, No, don’t do it. When the story was over he looked at me and said, ‘you’re kinda like Papa bear. You always do stuff wrong.” Well that is his opinion. I am usually telling him not to do something stupid and he isn’t reading the manual, so he is really Papa bear, but all I said to him was, “Is that so?” He laughed at me. I tend to follow most instructions, I feel. anyway. He laughed at me. He gave this 4 stars. He still likes the bears.
October 23, 2016
1) Book Summary: The Bear Scouts book is about the boys were in the boy scouts group and one day they had to go on a camping trip. Daddy wanted to tag alone because he said the boys needed an adult who knew everything about camping. As you read the book it shows daddy bear was wrong about everything and the boys learned a valueable lesson to always read their book and follow instruction.
2) Grade level, interest level, lexile : kindergarten-3, I would recommend for age level 5 and up, I couldn't find the exile.
3)Appropriate classroom use : I would have this book on my reading shelf for my students to read during quiet time. I could also intergate a mini lesson on following instruction to go along with the book.
4) Individual students who might benefit from reading : Not to be biased but I could see boys benefitting from this boy more since it's about boy scouts.
5) Small group use (literary circles) : I could test the students knowledge on this book in a small group setting. I could have the students identify key words they know or don't know.
6) Whole class use (read aloud) : I could do popcorn reading with my students to make sure they are following along with the story.
7) Related books in genre/subject or content area : Related books include The Bears' Vacation, The Bearstein and the spooky tree, and the Bears in the night
8) Multimedia connections (audio book, movie) available : The book comes in hardback version and it can be read on eBook.
2) Grade level, interest level, lexile : kindergarten-3, I would recommend for age level 5 and up, I couldn't find the exile.
3)Appropriate classroom use : I would have this book on my reading shelf for my students to read during quiet time. I could also intergate a mini lesson on following instruction to go along with the book.
4) Individual students who might benefit from reading : Not to be biased but I could see boys benefitting from this boy more since it's about boy scouts.
5) Small group use (literary circles) : I could test the students knowledge on this book in a small group setting. I could have the students identify key words they know or don't know.
6) Whole class use (read aloud) : I could do popcorn reading with my students to make sure they are following along with the story.
7) Related books in genre/subject or content area : Related books include The Bears' Vacation, The Bearstein and the spooky tree, and the Bears in the night
8) Multimedia connections (audio book, movie) available : The book comes in hardback version and it can be read on eBook.
May 19, 2012
One of my all time favorites are the Berenstain Bears! All of their books are great...but I love Bear Scouts!
I love how Papa always gets himself into a tangle...but "meant" to do that to show his son how things are "not" supposed to be done.
What makes me love the Berenstain Bears even more is that my kids love these books too. I will get to read them many many more times. <3
I love how Papa always gets himself into a tangle...but "meant" to do that to show his son how things are "not" supposed to be done.
What makes me love the Berenstain Bears even more is that my kids love these books too. I will get to read them many many more times. <3
September 11, 2017
Father Bear tries to show Bear things, screws them up, it all rhymes. Same as every other Berenstain Bear book from the early days. My son enjoys them, incompetent dads are funny to read about, etc.
May 7, 2016
It's actually not as bad as you think it is!
March 18, 2019
My mom and I read this when I was little. I read my 1967 copy to my 21st century baby.
Read
September 7, 2019The Bear Scouts
Plot: The boys go on a camping trip and Papa Bear comes along to show them “the right things to do”. Because he’s so smart he doesn’t need the guide book. He tells them not to bother with the camp knots and ties a sloppy one. He falls down a cliff. He tells them it’s better to take the short way and promptly runs into an alligator. He tells them it takes to long to build a boat and instead uses a log. Then sinks and almost drowns. He tries to make a fire with no success. He then tries to make some stew, which turns out awful. (Uh where did he get the vegetables and onions?) And then he tries to climb up in a cave and ends up getting run out by bats. Nearly breaking his neck in the process. They take him home and admit they learned a lot from him. About what NOT to do on a camping trip.
Rating: 5 So Papa Bear is Trump? “I meant to do that.” It was amusing tho! I can’t even talk about Papa Bear because I don’t always like to read the guide books either. And I probably would have made the exact same mistakes he did because I don’t know a doggone thing about camping. Never went. Never wanted too! And I’m supposed to be embracing the elements. I thought the Bear Scout pretty much should have got well-deserved badges. THEY EARNED THEM (for knot tying, making a fire, fishing, and first aid).
Plot: The boys go on a camping trip and Papa Bear comes along to show them “the right things to do”. Because he’s so smart he doesn’t need the guide book. He tells them not to bother with the camp knots and ties a sloppy one. He falls down a cliff. He tells them it’s better to take the short way and promptly runs into an alligator. He tells them it takes to long to build a boat and instead uses a log. Then sinks and almost drowns. He tries to make a fire with no success. He then tries to make some stew, which turns out awful. (Uh where did he get the vegetables and onions?) And then he tries to climb up in a cave and ends up getting run out by bats. Nearly breaking his neck in the process. They take him home and admit they learned a lot from him. About what NOT to do on a camping trip.
Rating: 5 So Papa Bear is Trump? “I meant to do that.” It was amusing tho! I can’t even talk about Papa Bear because I don’t always like to read the guide books either. And I probably would have made the exact same mistakes he did because I don’t know a doggone thing about camping. Never went. Never wanted too! And I’m supposed to be embracing the elements. I thought the Bear Scout pretty much should have got well-deserved badges. THEY EARNED THEM (for knot tying, making a fire, fishing, and first aid).
December 21, 2017
Papa Bear just cannot seem to do anything right
17 November 2013
I can see why some people really hate these books because it is clear that poor Papa Bear is the butt of all the jokes and just seems to do the opposite of what is considered wise. He likes to do things the quick and easy way, which ends up causing him more problems than not. However I can't help but agree with him that you have not camped out until you've slept in a cave (though I cannot remember if I've ever slept in a cave in my many adventures out bush).
What appeals to me is that I used to be a cub-scout when I was much younger and as such I liked any book (and movie) that involved the scouts. Mind you, I ended up being a pretty shocking scout (I didn't even get my Campcraft badge) and ended up dropping out, which is a bit of a shame because you can actually learn quite a lot of survival skills which you generally do not learn all that much any more (though from what I can remember, most, if not all, of my survival skills were learnt from scouts).
The interesting thing about the scouts is that the founder, Baden Powell, was a soldier in the Boar War. I remember when I was a kid that I believed that by joining the scouts one is preparing themselves for a job in the military. Okay, thanks the the plethora of Hollywood movies involving special forces operatives, a life in the military can seem quite sexy. In reality it is not, as some soldiers have attested to. What scouts teaches you is discipline and the respect for authority. The problem with the military is that respect for authority means that you jump up and say 'yes sir' whenever you are given a command, whether that command be right or wrong. As such you may end up being forced into an act that is not only wrong, but is also quite possibly a breach of human rights.
As for this book: I loved this book as a kid (probably because it involved scouts). Some people seem to be put off by the way that Papa Bear is always the but of the jokes, and acts like such a buffoon, but I guess that is a part of the fun. As a kid I never looked at my father as a buffoon (though I did rebel against him, as us teenagers are prone to do – though I would not say that it was because I read Berenstain Bears books). I guess I have more problems with Mister Dog than I have with this book.
17 November 2013
I can see why some people really hate these books because it is clear that poor Papa Bear is the butt of all the jokes and just seems to do the opposite of what is considered wise. He likes to do things the quick and easy way, which ends up causing him more problems than not. However I can't help but agree with him that you have not camped out until you've slept in a cave (though I cannot remember if I've ever slept in a cave in my many adventures out bush).
What appeals to me is that I used to be a cub-scout when I was much younger and as such I liked any book (and movie) that involved the scouts. Mind you, I ended up being a pretty shocking scout (I didn't even get my Campcraft badge) and ended up dropping out, which is a bit of a shame because you can actually learn quite a lot of survival skills which you generally do not learn all that much any more (though from what I can remember, most, if not all, of my survival skills were learnt from scouts).
The interesting thing about the scouts is that the founder, Baden Powell, was a soldier in the Boar War. I remember when I was a kid that I believed that by joining the scouts one is preparing themselves for a job in the military. Okay, thanks the the plethora of Hollywood movies involving special forces operatives, a life in the military can seem quite sexy. In reality it is not, as some soldiers have attested to. What scouts teaches you is discipline and the respect for authority. The problem with the military is that respect for authority means that you jump up and say 'yes sir' whenever you are given a command, whether that command be right or wrong. As such you may end up being forced into an act that is not only wrong, but is also quite possibly a breach of human rights.
As for this book: I loved this book as a kid (probably because it involved scouts). Some people seem to be put off by the way that Papa Bear is always the but of the jokes, and acts like such a buffoon, but I guess that is a part of the fun. As a kid I never looked at my father as a buffoon (though I did rebel against him, as us teenagers are prone to do – though I would not say that it was because I read Berenstain Bears books). I guess I have more problems with Mister Dog than I have with this book.
October 9, 2016
Don't go camping with idiots.
Written in rhyme. One of the older Berenstain Bears books before they really settled on their artistic style, when Mama and Papa Bear had really weird, long noses. I think it's before Sister Bear was born. Brother and his Bear Scout troop are going camping. They have a guidebook so they know what to do, but Papa Bear insists on coming along and is a complete idiot. He is extremely arrogant and keeps claiming that he knows what to do when he doesn't, and fails at everything. Apparently he was never a Bear Scout when he was a kid. He gets very badly hurt and comes home, and then the Bear Scouts say, "At least he showed us what not to do. Ha ha ha ha ha ha." The end. I don't even know what the message is. "Papa Bear is an idiot," maybe.
The best part: "I'll put in some eggs/And fresh green weeds./Some toadstools. Then/Some roots and leaves./And presto, chango,/Ala kazoo.../That's how I make/My favorite stew." And it just tastes bad, instead of getting him high or poisoning him to death.
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
Written in rhyme. One of the older Berenstain Bears books before they really settled on their artistic style, when Mama and Papa Bear had really weird, long noses. I think it's before Sister Bear was born. Brother and his Bear Scout troop are going camping. They have a guidebook so they know what to do, but Papa Bear insists on coming along and is a complete idiot. He is extremely arrogant and keeps claiming that he knows what to do when he doesn't, and fails at everything. Apparently he was never a Bear Scout when he was a kid. He gets very badly hurt and comes home, and then the Bear Scouts say, "At least he showed us what not to do. Ha ha ha ha ha ha." The end. I don't even know what the message is. "Papa Bear is an idiot," maybe.
The best part: "I'll put in some eggs/And fresh green weeds./Some toadstools. Then/Some roots and leaves./And presto, chango,/Ala kazoo.../That's how I make/My favorite stew." And it just tastes bad, instead of getting him high or poisoning him to death.
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
July 21, 2015
Another of the original Berenstain Bear books for early readers, the good ones. In rhyming text, Brother's bear scout troop sets off for a camping trip, taking their handy bear scout manual and following its advice. Papa Bear, however, comes along to 'show them what to do' (or rather, what not to do, by doing all the wrong things and not following directions!).
I think it's good to call these volumes out as opposed to the preachy, non-rhyming later Berenstain franchise. If you are into respect for parental authority, this is one of the books you would not like: the reversal of authority here is just as strong as in Berenstain Bears Picnic or Ride a Bike. I personally don't think a steady diet of this alone would be good for kids, but having a Papa at home who is disinclined to follow the instructions for anything I think they do convey a healthy dose of skepticism about taking short cuts, not following the directions, and 'knowing best.' :)
Besides, the child competence/parental incompetence is a time tested crowdpleaser.
I think it's good to call these volumes out as opposed to the preachy, non-rhyming later Berenstain franchise. If you are into respect for parental authority, this is one of the books you would not like: the reversal of authority here is just as strong as in Berenstain Bears Picnic or Ride a Bike. I personally don't think a steady diet of this alone would be good for kids, but having a Papa at home who is disinclined to follow the instructions for anything I think they do convey a healthy dose of skepticism about taking short cuts, not following the directions, and 'knowing best.' :)
Besides, the child competence/parental incompetence is a time tested crowdpleaser.
December 31, 2019
Pretty cute book from my childhood. I read it to my niece today. I like the rhymes and the art. The stupid dad figure trope I don’t appreciate so much. I’m just tired of that trope. Kind of reminded me of Donald Duck and his nephews and their many arguments as the nephews also were often doing scout activities and outsmarting Donald in the Carl Barks comics.
Edit: we read it again :) My niece likes how the dad gets in trouble
Edit: we read it again :) My niece likes how the dad gets in trouble
January 5, 2019
I used to pour over the illustrations in this book as a little girl. I never went camping and was raised in an urban area so I thought the bears' tree home and the simple details of the scouts camping trip were fascinating. Plus, Papa Bear was always getting himself into trouble and the kids had to come to his rescue!
June 10, 2011
This is another great Berenstain adventure. I love the rhythm of this book and how Papa Bear just keeps getting in to trouble. Of course, the good Bear Scouts are able to rescue Papa Bear. My son enjoyed hearing this story as well.
May 10, 2016
Brilliant! Great catchy story with a good moral and pictures that are descriptive. I love how it is written in a way that makes the kids pay attention to what is going on by looking at the pictures, as well as listening to the words.
September 5, 2008
A fun book to read, but a bit harsh on the hapless Papa Bear!
December 30, 2009
Tents are for sissies!
April 28, 2011
My daughter loved this one - she thinks Papa Bear needs Guidebook to life.
August 10, 2011
the characters and stories of the berenstain bears teaching children early learning concepts.
November 10, 2011
I like this book. It is funny, too. No one gets hurt except the funny bear. The bear said he's smart, but he isn't really smart.
November 12, 2012
Are we stereotyping Papa Bear?
June 20, 2013
This is such a fun book. And in that I was a scout...well, I loved it.
August 13, 2016
Short and sweet acknowledgement of boy scouts.
December 30, 2021
Bumbling father strikes again, a la The Bears' Vacation. Except, somehow it's slightly more charming (and slightly more realistic) in the Boy Scouts setting.
A bit too long and a touch repetitive but it moves well and has the right level of silliness. Read it if you like Berenstain Bears books, don't if you don't.
A bit too long and a touch repetitive but it moves well and has the right level of silliness. Read it if you like Berenstain Bears books, don't if you don't.
May 21, 2024
A true classic! I think this was Crystal's book which tells you how old it is. I've yet to meet a kid who does not want to read it repeatedly. It's full of good information about camping out, and it is always fun to see the kids be the experts while the parent don't know what they are doing. It's funny, silly, and a great book for beginning readers.
February 18, 2026
This is one of the few kids books I cannot get through without laughing. Having been a scout myself, it recalls my own spoofs out camping with my troop (however nothing as hazardous as this).
Also, the irony is not lost on me that the kids received the best hands-on experience in using the guide due to the buffoonery of Papa Bear.
Also, the irony is not lost on me that the kids received the best hands-on experience in using the guide due to the buffoonery of Papa Bear.
June 4, 2020
Vicky says:
I loved this book because I really like animal stories.
I also like the adventure that the bears and their papa go through.
If you want to laugh with funny animal adventures then this is the right book for you!🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻
I loved this book because I really like animal stories.
I also like the adventure that the bears and their papa go through.
If you want to laugh with funny animal adventures then this is the right book for you!🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻
October 8, 2021
Small Bear heads out with his fellow Bear Scouts to go camping. At the last minute, Papa Bear joins along, eager to share his outdoors expertise...but Papa Bear makes quite a few mistakes, while Small Bear his his friends follow the guidebook to become true campers.
May 16, 2022
Why do feminists hate these books and say they are regressive to women’s rights and misogyny? I believe these books are opposite, but still sexist.
Why are they letting this Bear who is clearly not someone qualify to lead the Bear scouts lead. It is like Camp Lazlo with Camp leader Lumpus.
Why are they letting this Bear who is clearly not someone qualify to lead the Bear scouts lead. It is like Camp Lazlo with Camp leader Lumpus.
March 1, 2024
I don't remember the Berenstain Bears books being rhyming books, but that's not my problem with this book specifically. I don't remember the Dad being a useless dumb dumb, and that is my problem with this book specifically.
June 28, 2020
The rhymes were weird, also why is the dad so useless?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews