Requirements:

Maple Syrup Try-It Complete four of the eight requirements including the one starred.

1. Discovery of Maple Syrup: * Native Americans have several different legends about the discovery of the ‘water’ found in trees. Read or listen to a legend.

2. Collecting the Sap: Early Pioneers improved upon the collection and reduction process. Learn about the way that early European pioneers processed the sap. Taste sugar maple sap, if possible.

3. Knowing the Source: Learn how to identify a sugar maple tree. Learn how big a tree should be before it is tapped. Learn about the sugar maple trees and how the weather affects when the sap will flow.

4. Maple Syrup Process: How many gallons of sap will it take to make one gallon of pure maple syrup? Listen to a talk or demonstration on the past and present methods for making maple syrup or sugar.

5. Enjoying the Labor: Taste pure maple syrup. Set up a taste test with pure maple syrup and two other maple syrup brands. How are they different and how are they the same?

6. Planting for the Future: Plant a sugar maple tree for future generations to enjoy.

7. Read about Maple Syrup: Read several books to someone younger than you along the theme of pancakes or maple syrup. Some examples are: The Run Away Pancake by Joan Tate, Pancakes for Breakfast by Tomie DePaola, and Pancakes, Pancakes! by Eric Carle. OR Make up a game using the idea of pancakes and/or maple syrup.

8. Cooking with Maple Syrup: Host a pancake breakfast for your families. OR Put together a recipe book with favorite recipes using maple syrup. Ask family members for contributions. Publish the completed book for all the troop members.