Some of you know about my little project.... I decided to run a BeeKeeping merit badge program for our troop, despite BSA dropping it in 1992 and not reinstating it despite much interest.
I took a PDF of the book from 1984, and rewrote it and had it reprinted on my own dime. Thought it would be easy, but needed a complete rewrite, and gave acknowledgement to all others who did the work before me too.
We ran our course the same way the boys would have had to do it back in 1980's. all had to assemble , paint hives, same with frames , and wire and put foundation in hem. They also had to manipulate the hive and identify different castes of bees, plus eggs. They spun out 8 frames of honey and all got a jar to take home. We went through safety, both bees and fire, and lastly they had to write 100 words on why bees are important.
We now have 4 boys who have completed all their paperwork and practical. The BSA troop software still has Beekeeping listed , so we are even awarding badges , which I also had remade.
Local council are impressed by it, and by now have long surpassed the goal, of one new beekeeper.
We have 4 families keeping bees now and 3 more boys who will almost certainly complete it soon. Also two new boys joining this season.
Iddee and Jacobs have been mentors to the program, and Iddee has started another group down south. Thanks again gentlemen , it made my job easier.
Tia has not been around this year, but she gave me the idea 2 years ago, and I hope she succeeded with her troop
I took a PDF of the book from 1984, and rewrote it and had it reprinted on my own dime. Thought it would be easy, but needed a complete rewrite, and gave acknowledgement to all others who did the work before me too.
We ran our course the same way the boys would have had to do it back in 1980's. all had to assemble , paint hives, same with frames , and wire and put foundation in hem. They also had to manipulate the hive and identify different castes of bees, plus eggs. They spun out 8 frames of honey and all got a jar to take home. We went through safety, both bees and fire, and lastly they had to write 100 words on why bees are important.
We now have 4 boys who have completed all their paperwork and practical. The BSA troop software still has Beekeeping listed , so we are even awarding badges , which I also had remade.
Local council are impressed by it, and by now have long surpassed the goal, of one new beekeeper.
We have 4 families keeping bees now and 3 more boys who will almost certainly complete it soon. Also two new boys joining this season.
Iddee and Jacobs have been mentors to the program, and Iddee has started another group down south. Thanks again gentlemen , it made my job easier.
Tia has not been around this year, but she gave me the idea 2 years ago, and I hope she succeeded with her troop