Beginning Bee School
FALL Beginning Bee School 2024
Starts: September 9, 2024
Where?
Union County Special Events Center
307 Cultivation Circle, Monroe, NC 28112
Click here for directions
Kids under 16
If you have a Child that would like to join you in this class please contact us.
Union County NC Beekeepers Association announce their 2024 education for beginning beekeeping!!
Overview:
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8 In-Person Class Sessions
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Comprehensive session content
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Covers material needed to become an NC Certified Beekeeper
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Presented by Certified Beekeepers
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Door prizes at each session
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Opportunity to take the NC Certified Beekeeper exam
What does this include?
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‘Beekeeping for Dummies 5th edition’ paperback book
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2024 & 2025 UCNCBA Club membership
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Union County Beekeepers Club T-Shirt
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8 Sessions of Learning & Fun!
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State beekeeper certification exam and practical exam opportunity.
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Free mentoring from experienced beekeepers (Must take state exam to receive a mentor)
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Free Giveaways after every class!
What will I learn about?
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Races of honeybees and terminology
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Anatomy, biology, and physiology of honeybees
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Types of hives, hive parts, and accessories
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Products of the Hive
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Why keep honeybees, agricultural dependence,
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History of honeybees
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Startup cost and equipment needed
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Feeding, transporting & hive placement
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Why honeybees swarm and their management
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Disorders, parasites, and hive invaders
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How bees make it through the cold winter months and what we can do to help
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How to inspect a hive
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Pollination and management of a hive throughout different seasons.
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When, where, and how to buy bees
What else does this include?
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Hands-on how to light a smoker
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Hands-on building frames and boxes
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Hands-on teaching hive
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Mentor to help guide you with your bees (Must take state exam to receive a mentor)
School Schedule
All classes are at 6:30-9:00 p.m. at the Simpson Event Center
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09/09 - Orientation
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09/23 - Introduction to Honeybees and Beekeeping
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09/30 - Bee Anatomy and Behavior
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10/07 - Time to Get Started (Equipment)
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10/14 - Acquiring and Installing Bees
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10/28 - Seasonal Management (Hands-On Session)
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11/4 - Keeping Bees Health
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11/12 - Review & Exam
Refund Policy
We are committed to providing our students with high-quality instruction, but we understand that sometimes circumstances arise that may require a refund. Refunds are at the full discretion of the UCNCBA and only be issued in extreme and unavoidable circumstances.
Questions? Contact Carolanne Ciavolella at: education.ucncba@gmail.com
How Can I Become a State Certified Beekeeper?
The State Certified Beekeeper Certification is an entry level certification for the beginning beekeeper. There is no extra cost to becoming certified if you are already a NCSBA member and will be attending Bee School. In order to become a certified beekeeper, you must:
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Be a current member of the NCSBA ($15 per individual). Please join NCSBA before Test date to allow time for your welcoming email to come through. BRING YOUR NCSBA MEMBER ID TO THE TEST. You can join NCSBA via this link: ncbeekeepers.org
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Pass a written test, which will be administered through UCNCBA chapter at the end of the course. Please remember to bring your Member # to the test.
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Pass a practical test (involves manipulating a hive of bees), administered by another certified beekeeper through a local chapter. Four months beekeeping experience needed prior to taking practical test.
In order to prepare for the certified level, the following materials are available:
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Read the book that will be provided at the beginning of Bee School
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Take notes throughout the course
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Complete and study the Certified Study Guide
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Understand what will be on the Certified Practical Exam (this is the actual exam utilized, and is provided for studying purposes)