Spring 2024 Beginner Beekeeping Course

The beginner turnkey tuition is $1900.  A non-refundable $50 deposit will secure your spot, the remainder of the fee will be charged before the start of the first class. Classes are capped at 6 people.

If you have all your own equipment including bees, the cost of the program is $1000. A spouse or another adult with you is an additional $100. Kids 12-17 are charged the cost of a bee suit $70 and must accompany a paying adult.

Choice of bee hive (wood or polystyrene) which is two 10 frame deep hive bodies, ten frame medium, 20 unassembled deep frames, 10 unassembled medium frames, 20 double wax deep foundation, 10 double wax medium foundation, jacket and hood bee suit, smoker, smoker fuel, hive tool, mite easy check tool, gallon frame feeder, blowtorch with acetylene container, ratchet strap, entrance reducer (wooden hive only), wood glue, nails, 8 hours of classes, and year round access for follow up questions. We suggest polystyrene because of the benefits it offers, but understand that not everyone appreciates those benefits.

There are no additional costs. The full fee includes all equipment and bees that are required to get you started as a beekeeper.

I would suggest a small air compressor and a nail gun or a hammer when assembling frames. A hammer will be required to assemble the boxes. Some method to paint your boxes will also be required. As a beekeeper you eventually will need a way to extract your honey, tools to filter your honey, tools to bottle your honey, and a method to manage some of the hive pests.

The class is capped at 6 main people to ensure the experience is intimate and as hands-on as possible. On occasion those who come as a group of 2-3 may increase this number, but the active number of beekeepers should be 6 per class.

This course is largely aimed at beginning beekeepers or those who are beginning and are struggling. We will be going over the basics of beekeeping and providing you with hands-on experience with basic beekeeping so you understand how to successfully start beekeeping.

The classes will be held at our main apiary in Chillicothe, IL. One week before each session you will receive a reminder of the upcoming session. On the first day of the course you will receive a binder with the course outline and further resources.

If you are concerned that you will miss one of the days, email us and let’s discuss if we can make it work!

Honeybees do not act in a predatory manner, and are actually incredibly docile and rarely attack unless they feel threatened. Please know that you are in very good hands. If you ever feel uncomfortable and need to take a break, we will ensure that is allowable and you are given the ample time you need.

A sack lunch would be ideal. There are a few close restaurants, but bringing a lunch would be better. We do have bathroom facilities and a refrigerator on site.

We are ok with photos, and we would love for you to tag us on social media! Short video recordings of class are ok, but we ask that you refrain from videos longer than 30 seconds. Make sure any photos or videos being taken aren’t taking your attention away from the task at hand.

If weather (strong rains or temperatures below 50 degrees) prevents us from working hives, we may or may not move forward with the classroom portion of the day, depending on the topic. Any inclement weather days will be rescheduled, and you will be notified of changes in schedule via email.

There are two different sessions offered during the spring. We also have programs that are 1.5 hours for those who are interested but not sure you want to be a beekeeper. Those are the Day With a Beekeeper courses.

Sign up and register and we will be in touch soon!

Just email us. We are happy to answer any and all questions.