About the Jr. Beekeepers Program

The Junior Beekeepers Program is a hands-on program for children/youth interested in learning about beekeeping.  The program follows the beekeepers’ year – from equipment preparation to honey harvesting.  Each month the students learn to be stewards of their own beehive by putting into practice concepts they learn in the classroom.  In class, they learn about pollination, bee biology and pest management.  At the hive, they observe and identify bees, split colonies and monitor the progress and health of the hive.  Guest speakers and field trips round out the program.

Program Objectives:

• to introduce youth to the world of honeybees and the role of the beekeeper;
• to communicate the importance of honeybees as pollinators;
• to encourage a new generation of beekeepers.

Format:

• Hands-on (working with the bees, honey harvesting)
• Classroom
• Workshops (e.g. assembling equipment, candle making)
• Site visits
• Guest speakers

Ages: 9 to 14 years

Note about bee stings: All participants will wear full bee suits when working with the bees. However, bee stings are always a possibility.