In the story of Mowgli's Brothers, the young boy named Mowgli is brought before the Wolf pack council for a decision on whether he may join the pack. Akela the leader asks whether anyone will speak for the man cub. Baloo the bear, who teaches the wolf cubs the law of the pack, says that he will. As he grows older, Baloo teaches Mowgli the law of the pack and the secret words that let him talk to the jungle animals.

A Cub Scout who has completed second grade (or is age 9) can become a Bear Scout. To earn the Bear Badge, a Cub Scout must complete 12 achievements out of a possible 24 that are offered in the book. The achievements are grouped in 4 major areas, GOD, COUNTRY, FAMILY, and SELF.

If the Cub Scout has not previously earned the Bobcat Badge, it must be earned first.

As the scout earns the Bear rank, he must complete 12 Achievements. These achievements are divided into 116 tasks of which 80 selected tasks must be completed. The achievements, as were the Wolf activities, are primarily done at home and signed off by an adult family member after the boy has completed each one. The book is then shown to the Den Leader who records the progress and also signs the boy's book.

The Bear Scout does not have to wait until he completes his entire Bear trail before being recognized for his work. When he completes any three achievements, his den leader can present him with the Progress Toward Ranks emblem.

 

This emblem is a diamond shaped badge with a plastic thong, and is worn on the button of the right pocket of his uniform shirt. Each time he completes three achievements he will receive another red bead. After he gets his fourth red bead, he will be ready to receive his Bear badge at a pack meeting.