Well, I have not updated this forum of the work I chose to do when we found out National will not reinstate the Bee Keeping merit badge.
I chose to go ahead and run a Bee Keeping program in our troop anyway, using the fundamentals of the last published Merit Badge book.
My first order was to evaluate the Booklet. And I thought a quick revision would be easy, in the end it took 6 months from start to being published , I then approached the local Bee Suppliers and got agreement for help for equipment. Some free , others deep discounts. Each boy had to buy the book for $3
Our own IDDEE became one of our big brothers, and we started in the workshop in January , building boxes and frames, by early March we were wiring frames and putting in foundation. By April our first bees arrived and we had monthly sessions out at the hives.
The boys had to handle the bees, point out brood in all stages , identify the drones and queen ( unmarked) ,
I created a worksheet for the boys who were doing the merit badge, 9 started January 2012, 4 have completed all tasks and been awarded a Bee Keeping cct, plus my wife runs an embroidery business , so we recreated the badge. 3 more have only minor practical items to complete , one left and one won't come near the hives at all.
We harvested 8 frames from the one hive and each leader and Scout got an 8 oz jar of their honey, which they had helped harvest and extract and eventually full their own bottle.
Boys had to commit to a total of about 24 hrs for the year, all had to wear a veil when close to hives , even though I don't , like Iddee.
I have very few workbooks left, but if anyone wants to run a program, I will happily help, and if enough interest, will publish another 50 books.
Www.scoutbee107.blogspot.comAll the requirements are in the blog, and some chapters from the rewritten book.
Email me if interested.
Ass Scout Master troop 107 Greensboro NC