Monday, March 21, 2011

Bear Paw's Maple Syrup Days

Bear Paw’s sugar bush is steaming with activity as Scouts help collect maple sap from Camp Bear Paw’s sugar maple trees during the “Maple Syrup Days,” activity offered through the Bay-Lakes Council.



Maple Syrup Days is a hands on experience intended for Boy Scouts and Adult Leaders which will require application of sixth grade science principles as well as physical activities associated with the collection of maple sap and the production process of making maple syrup.


Staff on hand will teach Scouts tree identification, tapping techniques, sap collection, firewood preparation, the history of manufacturing maple syrup, learning about the evaporation process, filtering, bottling and tasting. Participants will also make hydrometers and will try their hand tapping with a brace and bit, setting empty buckets, and the collection of sap.


In addition to the event, Scouts will enjoy a pancake and porkie breakfast with the camp’s own pure maple syrup.



Sap runs occur when the daytime temperatures rise above freezing and the proceeding nighttime temperatures are below 32 degrees.



It takes 40 gallons of sugar maple sap to make one gallon of pure maple syrup.



Scouts will take home an 8 ounce bottle of syrup at the end of the day’s activities which they will bottle and label themselves.







Scouts are expected to wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions and boots are mandatory for this event and are also encouraged to bring cross country skis or snowshoes.



The camp will rent snowshoes at $3.00 a pair, for those interested in snowshoeing, however supplies are limited.







Saturday, March 26, 2011, is the last open date available as April 2, 2011, is already at maximum capacity and that registration date is now closed.



Contact the Bay-Lakes Council for more information but hurry as time is running out.





Photos by Jim Fournier, 2011

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