Boy Scout Badges
WEBELO: FORESTER
Recommended age: 9 to 11
Overview
Boys and trees go together like peanut butter and jelly. Our young foresters will examine six of the most valuable trees in South Texas and learn to identify each by their leaf, bloom, fruit, and bark texture. As “tree whisperers” scouts will analyze and interpret the life of a tree through annual rings and markings. Webelos will also investigate fallen logs, collect “creepy crawling wood munchers,” and learn why decomposition is an equally important stage in a trees life.
Program Highlights
- Tree identification
- Compare and contrast
- Interpret information
- Identify relationships and patterns
- Observe size, shape, textures, and color of various trees
- Examine cross sections of trees and infer what events might have occurred
- Identify organisms that live in, on, or under fallen trees, and explain how organisms depend on dead wood for survival
Extra Cool Stuff
- Walk in the woods
- Tree cookies
- Magnifying lens
- Journaling
WEBELO: NATURALIST
Recommend age: 9 to 11
Overview
Identifying poisonous plants and venomous reptiles is the highlight of this program. Boys will have fun learning interesting facts about a few native Texans that make us say “ouch!” They will learn how to recognize AND appreciate them. Most importantly, scouts will learn how to protect themselves and respect how our plants and animals protect themselves. Our budding naturalists will embark on outdoor nature study where they will learn about habitat, bird diversity, adaptations and more.
Program Highlights
- Identify poisonous and venomous plants and animals
- Identify six native birds and learn about migration flyways
- Identify the four components of habitat
- Create a food chain
- Recognize poisonous plants and animals
- Understand the bird diversity in the RGV and the importance of habitat
Extra Cool stuff
- Trail detectives in the woods
- “Name that Poisonous Plant” Game
- Neat venomous reptile pictures
- "Habitat Rap"
- Food chain craft activity
BOY SCOUTS: BIRD STUDY
“Wings over the Valley” Program
Recommended ages: 11 and up
Overview
Students will experience the exciting field of ornithology (study of birds) as they participate in a series of activities indoors and on the trails. Quinta Mazatlan has designed a special embroidered “Wings over the Valley” patch available to only those students who complete the course.
Lesson includes
- Identify birds and their parts
- Recognize bird calls and sounds
- Collect and interpret bird data
- Sketch birds and feathers
- Learn to use binoculars and field guides
- Optional: Each student will construct a wooden hanging bird feeder to take home. Additional $3.50 for the bird feeder supplies for each student.
Program Highlights
- Bird identification
- Observe unique details and adaptations
- Formulate questions
- Interpret information
- Participate in Citizen Science with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology e-Bird Trail Tracker
Extra Cool Stuff
- Birding in the woods
- Binoculars and field guides
- Migratory pathways
- Nature journal
- Build a hanging bird feeder (Option: additional supply fee)
Tour Options
- Walk and talk on the trail (2.5 hours)
- Indoor and Outdoor Program (4 hours)