2027 Beginner Bee School – Registration Is Now Open!

 

Whether you are considering keeping bees or simply want to learn more about these fascinating insects, our Beginner Bee School is a great place to start.

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Our classes cover honey bee biology, beekeeping equipment, hive management, and much more. Experienced local beekeepers will share their knowledge and practical experience to help you understand what it takes to become a successful beekeeper.

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By the end of the course, you will have the basic knowledge needed to begin keeping your own honey bees, if you choose to do so.

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Registration Fees

• Individuals:  $70

• Couples:  $100

• Additional adult family members living at the same address:  $30 each

• Children through high school:  FREE when their parent or guardian is also enrolled in Bee School

• Former Bee School students:  FREE with a current 2027 CVBA membership. Please complete the registration form so we know you plan to attend.

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Your registration fee includes:

• Course outline and instructional materials

• Beekeeping textbook (one textbook per couple or family)

• Instruction from experienced beekeepers

• One-year membership in the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association (NCSBA) *

• One-year membership in the Catawba Valley Beekeeper Association (CVBA)​

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* Children will receive a one-year CVBA membership. Students who wish to join or renew their NCSBA membership may do so for an additional $15 annual membership fee.​

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Bee School Location

We expect classes to begin at our previous Bee School location:

Catawba County Extension Office
1175 South Brady Avenue
Newton, NC

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The Extension Office is scheduled to relocate, which means our classroom location will likely change before the course ends.

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Once the move takes place, classes will be held at:

Catawba County Extension Office (New location)
2760 Hwy 70 SE
Hickory, NC
(Behind Northern Tool and the former CVCC East Campus building)

The new location is approximately six miles from the Newton location.

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We currently anticipate beginning classes in Newton. If the location changes before the first class or at any time during the course, registered students will be notified.

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Registration and Class Materials

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged!

Please complete the registration form below to reserve your place. Pre-registering helps us ensure that enough textbooks and other class materials are available for everyone.

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You may complete your registration, make payment, pick up your class materials, and meet fellow beekeepers at our Monday, January 18 monthly club meeting. Please arrive at 6:30 PM so your registration can be completed before the meeting begins at 7:00pm.

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Unable to attend the January 18 meeting?

You may make payment and pick up your class materials on the evening of the first class, January 25. Please arrive at 5:30 PM so registration can be completed before class begins at 6:30 PM.

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2027 Bee School Class Schedule

Bee School class begins at 6:30 PM and should end around 8:30 PM. Classes are scheduled on Mondays, the following dates: January 25, February 1, February 8, February 15 (during our monthly meeting), February 22, March 1, March 8, and March 22.

The final class on March 22 will include a course review and an opportunity to take the optional written examination as the first step toward becoming a Certified Beekeeper through the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association.

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Class Size Is Limited – Register Early!

To provide a comfortable learning environment, enrollment is limited to 50 students.

We encourage you to register early to secure your place before the class fills up.

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Questions or Additional Information?

For additional information about the 2027 Beginner Bee School, please contact:

George McAllister
Catawba Valley Beekeeper Association
Email: CVBA-BeeSchool@Outlook.com

We look forward to welcoming you to the 2027 Beginner Bee School and helping you begin your beekeeping journey!

Please complete the registration form below to get started.