Intro to Beekeeping Program

Subjects: Biology, Zoology, Animal Welfare, Conservation, and Ethics

Course Description:

Welcome to Beginning Beekeepers Class! We will be heading out to the farm for our private, child friendly bee program. Students will learn the basics of beekeeping such as, how to light a smoker, the tools needed to care for a beehive, the typical hive contents, and more. The program covers all of the basics you need to become a backyard beekeeper. Each participant will have an opportunity to get into a hive and learn all about what they are seeing. There will be a question and answer session with the head beekeeper as well as honey tasting. 

Learning Outcomes:

• Biology, Zoology and Life Sciences. Insect anatomy, habitats, social structures and natural behaviors. Beekeeping and the difference between artificial habitats and the wild. 

• Ecology and Environmental Science. The ecological roles of bees, food chains, habitat loss, and ecosystems.

• Conservation. Conservation status and habitat destruction

• Animal Welfare. Daily care practices, enclosure design and maintenance.

• Ethics and ethical care. Human impact on wildlife, responsible stewardship.
  

Program Design: Families ages 4 and up.

*If you have a child younger than 4 and are interested in participating, please contact us at info@northwindsinstitute.com

Safety Restrictions

Pants and closed toed shoes required. All children must respect facility rules and regulations. 

What is included for each participant:

• Bee book and adventure journal for each student

• Small group private interactive program

• Educational presentation by bee expert

• Honey jar to take home

What is not included:

Travel expenses & food (food paid separately by parent)

The class schedule for the program is as follows:

• 9 AM to 10:30 AM Intro to Beekeeping in Central Florida - inside classroom

We will have a presentation from Dennis the Bee Guy about the bee lifecycle, the year in the life of bees in Central Florida and what you need to know to be a beekeeper. 

• 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Time In The Apiary - outside

We will get suited up in beekeeping jackets and gloves and move outside to the apiary. We will learn how to light a smoker the correct way and how to pop open a hive and go through it frame by frame. We will teach exactly how to do an inspection and what you are looking for. We will also try to spot the queen! Everyone will get to hold frames of honey and bees, and we will take some fun photos too!

• 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM Lunch and Equipment Talk - inside classroom

While we are enjoying lunch we will have a presentation about equipment including what you need and why you need it. We will also discuss different pests and treatment options.

• 12:45 PM - 1:00 PM Honey Tasting - inside classroom

Once lunch is finished we will have a honey tasting. You will get to taste the different honey you can make here in central Florida. We talk about the time of year it's produced and the plants the bees are pollinating.

• 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Q&A and Open Talk Time - inside classroom

We will have an open question and answer time and this time can sometimes go past the 2pm mark... and that's ok! Dennis The Bee Guy loves teaching ALL about the bees!

Tuition and Fees Schedule:

Students Ages 4 and up: $145

Parents cost for participation: $125 (does not include curriculum or journal)

Price for Step Up students:

Students Ages 4 and up: $132

Food paid separately per student: $13/pp

(Payment plans available)

All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 

Cancellation Policy:

All program sales are final and cannot be refunded or transferred

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we will always do our best to work with you! Sometimes we have a waiting list and can transfer your space to another family or you can find a family to take your spots. However, once participants are booked and committed to our location partners, we cannot recover them after certain dates. This is why travel insurance is suggested to cover any unexpected events, and we’ll strive to transfer funds to other trips whenever possible. Deposit is not refundable.

PARTICIPANT CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS:

Notification of cancellation must be received in writing to info@northwindsinstitute.com

Voucher Funds

This program is pending approval for Step-Up for Students in Florida and may qualify for other school voucher programs. No refunds will be issued as per SUFS policy.  All food, transportation, and hotel costs are paid for by the parent and not with scholarship funds. If paying with ESA funds, no refunds will be issued as per SUFS policy.