New Beekeepers' Class Registration for 2021 classes is CLOSED. Classes will be virtual until the pandemic allows a return to in person instruction. Are you interested in beekeeping, but have never done it before? Have you started raising honey bees and want to learn more? Perhaps you have been raising honey bees for a few years and just want some refresher techniques. If so, the Montgomery County Beginners Beekeeping Course is just the right thing for you! It offers classes that are timely to your seasonal beekeeping needs with a hands-on session in the apiary followed by lessons full of beekeeping insight and information in a classroom. The 2021 course continues a tradition of hands-on beekeeping at the Montgomery County (Skippack) 4-H Center Apiary! Think this might be for you? Read a testimonial here from a 2018 Beginner Beekeeping student. ****For information about the cost and time commitment beekeeping requires, click here to read this letter from our Beginner Beekeeping instructor, Mark Antunes, prior to registering. |
When?Classes are usually held on the third Tuesday of each month from February to September; there can exceptions in the case of bad weather. We’ll let you know of the change as soon as we can. Hands-on activities in the apiary start at 6:00 pm. Please bring a face veil. It is mandatory that you use a veil near the hives. Classroom activities start at 7:00 pm. Where?Montgomery County 4-H Center, 1015 Bridge Road (Route 113), Skippack, PA 19426. What if I miss a class?The course is designed to build on skills as you go, so hopefully you won’t miss classes, but we understand that conflicts will occasionally come up. What topics are covered?See the Agenda below Register Online for a detailed schedule of topics to be taught. Of course, the class will also address your questions, and any weather, environmental or behavioral influences that we observe in the 4-H Apiary. What is the cost?The cost for the course is $120.00 per individual or $200.00 for two adults living in the same household (couple) for the year’s classes. The fee includes educational materials, current year membership in both MCBAPA and PSBA (either individual or household membership depending on your enrollment level), eight (8) classes and one (individual) or two (couple) tickets to the MCBAPA fall banquet. What do I need to bring?Bring a face veil (not required for the first class). Bring a pen and paper for notes. Bring your questions and curiosity! Who do I contact if I have more questions?Contact us! |
Enrollment
Enrollment includes the following:
- Eight (8) Classes with Hands-On Apiary Experience
- Educational Materials
- Current Year Membership in MCBAPA
- Current Year Membership (Individual or Household) in PSBA
- One (Individual) or Two (Couple) tickets to the MCBAPA Fall Banquet
- MCBAPA Membership entitles you to our club newsletters, and participation in club activities and meetings on advanced beekeeping topics.
- PSBA membership provides you with 10 annual state newsletters and information sharing. In addition, your dues will contribute to state activities that promote bee research and encourage education at the local levels to promote rather than restrict beekeeping.
Agenda
Topics are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor based on group interest and current environmental/honey bee behaviors observed. Don’t forget your veil for the beeyard each week.
Tuesday, February 16, 2021 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Class #1
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Tuesday, March 16, 2021 | Class #2 |
7:00 pm | Preparing for package arrival or nuc pick-up
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Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | Class #3 |
7:00 pm |
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Tuesday, May 18, 2021 | Class #4 |
7:00 pm |
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Tuesday, June 15, 2021 | Class #5 |
7:00 pm |
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Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | Class #6 |
7:00 pm |
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Tuesday, August 17, 2021 | Class #7 |
7:00 pm |
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Tuesday, September 21, 2021 | Class #8 |
7:00 pm |
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