Since tomorrow is National Gumdrop day, I thought today’s blog post should include gumdrops.
Gum drops first appeared in the 1800’s. These candies were made with gelatin, spices (peppermint, cinnamon, cloves…) and sugar. Believed to be invented by Percy Trusdale, the invention of the gumdrop remains unclear.
The Engineering Merit badge has Tenderhearts using these candies and toothpicks to create structures. To aid leaders in explaining the science behind the different structures I recommend you visit Exploratorium.edu (here).
When my Tenderhearts completed this requirement we used candy pumpkins at our fall retreat.
NOTE: The requirements have been simplified here. Please be sure to read the full text in the American Heritage Girl Handbook to make sure you fully understand the requirements.
