SAVE THE DATE! BEGINNERS BEEKEEPER COURSE

Are You Interested in Becoming a Beekeeper?

IF YOU MISSED THE FIRST CLASS DON'T WORRY YOU CAN STILL SIGN UP AND RECEIVE COURSE INFORMATION AND 2 CLASSES REMAINING.

Announcing the Mid-State Beekeeper's Association 2020 Beginning Beekeepers Certified Level Course. With early registration prior to 1/1/20 you will receive your 2020 membership with course-

To access the store :

• If you are not a member and plan to register for Beginner Beekeepers Course- To pay for single membership and class for 2020 please go to: Beginner Beekeeper class and membership
• This will bypass membership dues and secretary will ensure membership effective for 2020. Please don't forget to complete profile.
• If you are a current member and would like to sign up for the Beginner Beekeepers Course- please use the members only store section. This course includes your single membership for 2020.

The Mid-State Beginning Beekeepers (MSBA) Certified Level Course will be held January 25th 2020 (9am - 4:00pm) and February 22nd 2020 (9am - 4:00pm) at McGregor Presbyterian Church in Irmo with a hands-on field day scheduled for March 21st 2020 (9:00am - 12:00 noon) in Lexington. After field day there will be a review back at McGregor Presbyterian Church in Irmo and you may take the written examination for the Certified Level of the South Carolina Master Beekeeper Program.

The objective of the course is to create an interest in beekeeping and suggest general proven methods that will get the beginning beekeeper off to a good start.? It will provide basic beekeeping techniques and procedures known to work in the Midlands of South Carolina by local, proven beekeepers. No prior beekeeping experience is required.

Course topics will include: History and Safety, Introduction to Honey Bees, Honey Bee Biology and Behavior, Equipment and Setting Up Your Hives, Diseases and Pests, Products of the Hive, Installing Bees, Seasonal Management, as well as a hands on half-day in a bee yard, and much more. 

The course includes:

• 2 1/2 days of instruction
• Course textbook
• One year membership in Mid-State Beekeepers Association.
• Reproductions/class notes, and snacks

(Your included membership in MSBA will allow you to participate in many club benefits including group purchases of honey bees in the spring.)

To reserve your seat, the cost of the course is just $75.? No walk up registrations. You must register online to attend. Course is limited to 70 participants. Registration closes when course is full. As this course is in demand, there are no refunds for "no shows" and all sales final.

Children must be accompanied by paying adult or pre-approved by course lead instructor prior to the start of classes. Our experience has shown that children should be at least 13 years of age to benefit from the course.

If you choose, following course completion, you may take the written examination for the Certified Level of the South Carolina Master Beekeeper Program.

Testing will be offered through MSBA following course completion. Details of the South Carolina Master Beekeeping Program and certification requirements will be covered during the course.

For questions, please email:

Questions? Email us at [email protected]

Before classes start, visit our Stay in the Loop - Fellowship webpage where you will be guided on how you can start participating and learning now. Also, with a paid membership you will receive our newsletter e-mail list so that you get notification of upcoming meetings, bee orders, and schedules.

Come to meetings, meet other beekeepers, join our discussion group on Facebook, visit your library. There's a lot you can do to start getting ready before classes start.

Note: Through experience we have learned that a minimum age of 13 is required to be successful with the program. Minors must be accompanied by an adult (both must register). Minors wishing to attend alone must be approved prior to registration.