The Trebuchet

I borrowed this definition from Wikipedia.

A trebuchet is a type of catapult that was used as a siege engine in the Middle Ages. The counterweight trebuchet appeared in both Christian and Muslim lands around the Mediterranean in the 12th century. It could fling projectiles weighing up to 350 pounds (160 kg) at or into enemy fortifications. Its use continued into the 15th century, well after the introduction of gunpowder.

I'm here to tell you that it was definitely used after the 15th century. We used one last night at our pack meeting and the Cub Scouts thought it was the coolest thing ever!

At some point in his scouting career, Bossy's neighbor made a real working trebuchet. I had heard about it before and we had hoped to convince him to share it with our pack. He was very willing to volunteer his time and equipment. It took him about 20 minutes to set it up and then he spent another 20 minutes shooting balls way up in the air so the kids could try to catch them.

We then had our summer picnic with sloppy joes, chips, salads, and cupcakes. When we were finished with our awards, the kids all got to make their own little catapult. We learned this pattern at the Scouting Expo back in May and I've been wanting to share it ever since. The kids had fun flipping pom-poms all over the church gym. It was a great activity and about 75 cents for each kit.

Baby Doll was helping us count out the pom-poms for the kits and I noticed that she carefully placed 5 pink ones in her bag...