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Baloo's Bugle

 

July Cub Scout Roundtable Issue

Volume 9, Issue 12
August Theme

Circle the Wagons
Webelos Naturalist and Forester
  Tiger Cub Activites

 

WEBELOS

Note from Commissioner Dave – This Webelos section is reprinted from the August 2002 Baloo with a few additions.  I need to improve my resources for Webelos Activity Badges.

Both badges this month offer you an opportunity to promote understanding of the Outdoor Code and give you opportunities for practical application.

The Outdoor Code

BSA Outdoor Code Wallet Card (#33428A)

As an American, I will do my best to -

Be clean in my outdoor manners.

·   I will treat the outdoors as a heritage.

·   I will take care of it for myself and others

·   I will keep my trash and garbage out of lakes, streams, fields, woods, and roadways.

Be careful with fire.

·   I will prevent wildfire.

·   I will build my fires only where they are appropriate.

·   When I have finished using a fire, I will make sure it is cold out.

·   I will leave a clean fire ring, or remove all evidence of my fire.

Be considerate in the outdoors.  and

·   I will treat public and private property with respect.

·               I will use low-impact methods of hiking and camping. 

Be conservation minded

·   I will learn how to practice good conservation of soil, waters, forests, minerals, grasslands, wildlife, and energy.

·   I will urge others to do the same.

Naturalist

Baltimore Area Council

Wild creatures fascinate most Webelos-age boys. Working on the Naturalist Activity Badge gives a boy a chance to develop his natural curiosity and may begin a lifelong habit of observing things all around him.  We miss a great deal when we do not have some appreciation or knowledge of the wonderful world of nature all around us.

This introduction to the world of nature will prepare them for further adventures in Scouting where they may choose to work on the many nature related merit badges dealing with plants and animals such as Environmental Science and Mammal Study.

If you are not an experienced outdoorsman, bird watcher or amateur naturalist, you may welcome some experienced help. Check with a high school science teacher, state conservation department or an amateur naturalist among your den's parents.

In most of the country, it is probably best to work on the Naturalist badge during the spring, summer or fall. Most animal life is hard to find in winter and plant life is dormant. It is possible for a boy to earn this badge without ever going into the field, but that would be unfortunate. Schedule trips to areas where wildlife can be found, a park, the woods, or even someone's farm. 

Note from Commissioner Dave - In Southern NJ Council, our Webelos Resident camp emphasizes this badge and Forester.  Encourage your Webelos to attend your council’s Webelos Resident camp and earn these badges while living in the environment.

Den Activities

Baltimore Area Council

Make an ant farm.

Make an insect study laboratory

Make bird feeders and observe the birds.

Make terrariums.

Start a nature collection

Invite a conservationist to a meeting.

Make a leaf collection.

Take a bird watcher's hike, identify birds.

Collect tadpoles; keep in terrarium; watch them grow.

Study wildlife homes.

Make a list of plants in your area.

Take a hike and look for animal tracks.

Outdoor Activity Tips

Baltimore Area Council

Be sure the boys can identify poisonous plants.

Know and practice the Outdoor Code on all field trips.

Leader’s Tip

www.pack846.org

If you're in the Greater Cincinnati area, the Hamilton County Park District offers a program at Sharon Woods Park where Scouts can earn this badge and the Forester badge in one session.  Sessions are Ranger led and are a great and easy way to earn these badges. The session costs a nominal fee and is held periodically throughout the year. Advance registration is required. Check the Evergreen insert in the Sunday Cincinnati Enquirer or their web site.

Comment from Commissioner Dave – I provided this Leader’s Tip as an example of available help with these Activity Badges.  When I did searches on the web for Webelos Naturalist and Webelos Forester, I received many  hits from parks, zoos, nature centers, and other places that offer classes on these badges.  If your Webelos do not go to Resident Camp to earn these and you feel your knowledge is limited one of these programs may be just the ticket.

Rare Bird Facts

By Barb Stephens

Pack 114 Fun Pages

Fill in the correct answer(s)

1.        What is the fastest flying bird?________________

2.        How high can birds fly?______________________

3.        What is the Nebraska State Bird?_______________

4.        What bird became extinct in the last 75 years? _____

5.        Why do all birds build nests?_________________

6.        Name two "major league" birds.________________

7.        Which birds can fly backwards?_______________

8.        What bird is famous for its deliveries?___________

9.        What is the largest bird in North America?________

10.     What is the smallest bird in the world? __________

11.     List three birds that cannot fly.________________

12.     What color is a bluebird?_____________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

1.      What is the fastest flying bird?
Swifts have been timed at 200 mph.

2.        How high can birds fly?
A vulture has been seen flying at 25,000 feet, but most birds rarely fly above 3,000 feet.

3.        What is the Nebraska State Bird?
Western Meadowlark  (New Jersey is the Eastern Goldfinch!! – “My Home State” is the May 2004 theme!!)

4.        What bird has become extinct in the las 75 years?
Passenger Pigeon

5.        Why do all birds build nests?
Birds build nests to "house" their eggs while they incubate

6.        Name two "major league" birds.
Cardinal and Oriole

7.        Which birds can fly backwards?
Hummingbirds or any bird using fluttering flight

8.        What bird is known for its famous deliveries?
Stork

9.        What is the largest bird in North America?
Trumpet Swan

10.     What is the smallest bird in the world?
Bee Hummingbird of Cuba - 2.25" long

11.     List three birds that cannot fly.
Kiwi, Penguin, Ostrich

12.     What color is a bluebird?
It appears blue because of reflection and diffraction of light due to the structure of feathers

 

 

 

 

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