Sing – I Met a Bear – Youth Activity Archive

A storytelling song with interactive gestures as scouts act out an encounter with a bear.

This is a Repeat and Answer Song.

Printable Music

The Other Day I Met a Bear – Recorder Music by Beth’s Notes

Recordings

Lyrics

Scouts repeat the leader after every line, and then everyone sings all four lines of the verse together before singing the next verse.

The other day,
I met a bear,
Out in the woods,
away out there.

He looked at me,
I looked at him,
He sized up me,
I sized up him.

He says to me,
‘Why don’t you run?’
‘Cause I see you ain’t,
got any gun.’

And so I ran,
away from there,
But right behind
me was that bear.

Ahead of me,
I saw a tree,
A great big tree,
Oh golly gee.

The lowest branch
was ten feet up,
I’d have to jump
and trust my luck.

And so I jumped
into the air,
But I missed that branch
on the way up there.

Now don’t you fret,
and don’t you frown,
I caught that branch
on the way back down.

That’s all there is,
there ain’t no more,
Unless I meet
that bear once more.

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Variations

Polar Bear

The other day
I saw a bear
A big white bear
I had to stare.

He stared right back
And seemed to grin.
His long white fangs
Hung to his chin.

He moved toward me
Upon four paws.
And those four paws
Held six-inch claws.

I couldn’t move.
My feet were froze,
As I saw steam
Shoot from his nose.

But I was safe
Because I knew,
This polar bear
Was at the zoo.

Cutest Bear

The cutest bear
I ever saw.
Was in the road
with a sandwich in his paw.

I asked him if
he’d pose for me.
He said he would
for a nominal fee.

I walked right up
and looked at him.
He opened his mouth
and shoved me in.

Now here I sit
inside this Bear.
I need some HELP

History

The melody was originally composed in 1919 by Carey Morgan and Lee David for a popular song titled “Sipping Cider Through a Straw.” Its catchy, repetitive rhythm made it an ideal candidate for parody. By the mid-20th century, the melody had been stripped of its original lyrics and repurposed for campfire use.

The song is famously noted for being nonsense lore, but it does show that running away and climbing a tree is often ineffective for escaping bears. Particularly Black Bears, who are excellent climbers.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

See other Recommended Facebook Groups for some Scouting Organizations
_{(No official Groups)}

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Updated on April 20, 2026. Published on April 20, 2025. Author:

Tia Kennard

Click Here -> To see information References:

Disclaimer: The information published on Youth Activity Archive and The Badge Archive is built from the references listed below. These sources demonstrate that our content is grounded in facts and research, not opinion or speculation. Readers may consult them directly when looking for additional material.

“The Other Day I Met a Bear.” All Nursery Rhymes, Nov. 2020, https://allnurseryrhymes.com/the-other-day-i-met-a-bear/. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
“I Met a Bear – Lyrics.” Scoutsongs.com, 2025, https://www.scoutsongs.com/lyrics/imetabear.html. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
“I Met a Bear Camping Song Lyrics Midi.” Campingdude.com, 2025, https://www.campingdude.com/content/song/i_met_a_bear-37.asp. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Thompson, Beth. “The Other Day I Met a Bear Beth’s Notes Songs & Resources.” Beth’s Notes Songs & Resources, 21 Nov. 2016, https://www.bethsnotesplus.com/2016/11/the-other-day-i-met-a-bear.html. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.