All abuzz
Cadette/senior/ambassador complete 7
Junior complete 6
Brownie complete 5
Technology
Activity 1:
Between 1850 and 1875, beekeeping technology took a huge jump with the invention of 3 products. What were those products, what improvement did they make, and are they still in use today?
Activity 2:
Research and define “smart hive”, RFID, Infra-Red (IR) technology, and LIDAR.
How are these technologies changing the beekeeping industry? Are they helpful or harmful?
Service
Activity 1:
Set aside some space in a yard, park, or garden to plant bee-friendly flowers like thyme, bee balm, borage, mint, poppies or sunflowers. Install nesting boxes for wild bees. Learn how to spot pollinator activity within your nesting boxes.
Activity 2:
Take a trip to the local farmers market and get to know the farmers in your community. While you are at it, why not ask them what you can do to keep pollinators safe? Find out why bees are a farmer's best friend.
Activity 3:
Research some local, national, and international groups and foundations that are working to save and replenish the dwindling honeybee population. Together with your group or troop donate or volunteer your time to the organization of your choice.
Career
What is an apiarist?
What do they do? Where do they typically work? What is their job description? What is their annual salary? What are the educational requirements for the job?
Would this be a career that would interest you? Why or Why not? Discuss with your troop or group.
Skill-Builder
Activity 1:
One of the most important tools a bee keeper should own is protective gear.
Name 5 pieces of protective clothing, their function, and their cost.
Activity 2:
Name the 3 most common types of hives used in bee farming.
What are the 3 castes of bees and what are their functions within the hive?
The development of a bee colony follows an annual cycle of growth. What is that cycle?
Activity 3:
Name the 6 main agents of disease that affect adult honey bees.
What is Colony Collapse Disorder? What are some possible causes? What are some possible prevention methods?
What are Galleria mellonella and Achroia grisella?
Activity 4:
Together with your troop or group make a list of 20 bee “Fun facts” and present them as a skit to a group of younger scouts.
Activity 5:
Host a Honey tasting event. Have each member of your troop or group bring a different type, brand, color, texture or flavor of honey. Taste each type and share your thoughts.
