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)
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
