Beekeeping Bootcamp Class Topics & Dates 2025

Workshop 1: Beekeeping Basics  (January 25, 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.)

Interested in starting a hive? In this session, we’re covering the basics! We will delve into honey bee biology and beekeeping history, learn what equipment is needed, discuss optimal hive locations and gain more practical advice for a crash course that will get you ready for the season. 

 
Workshop 2: Package Installation and Early Season Management (April 19, 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.)

Let’s get these bees settled in! In this session we will cover the practical aspects of getting your hive set up – from acquiring and transporting packages, to installation, to handling. Experience the excitement as we learn together.
 

Workshop 3: Mid-Season Management and Maladies  (June 7, 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.)

How are we looking? In this mid-season session, we will check in to see how to manage challenges that come up over the season. Do you need to add room or split a colony? How do you check for swarming or identify a parasite problem? We will discuss all kinds of potential issues that can come up and get to the ‘bottom board’ of how to recognize and solve it.
 

Workshop 4: Honey Extraction  (August 23, 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.)

How sweet it is! This workshop will focus all on honey: how to extract and how much to remove, what to use, how to process it, and of course – how it tastes! 

 
Workshop 5: Preparing for Winter (September 20, 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.)

Congratulations on your successful management of bees through the warm season! Now, it’s time to prepare and hunker down for the approaching frost. We will close out our series by determining all the ways to keep your bees warm, safe and healthy over the cold months.