Beekeeper Training Program 2024
Our Beekeeper Training Program participants learn under the supervision of our beekeeper, Mark Gingrich of Gingrich Apiaries. Over the course of the two year program, participants will work side by side with Mark and other program participants to learn all aspects of keeping bees. At the end of year one, each participant will have the option of receiving a bee colony to be moved to their home property. During the second year, participants will benefit from repetition of some aspects of the program, learn more advanced techniques and troubleshooting while managing their own hive at home.
This program begins with three in-person classroom sessions in January, February, and March, and then continues through October with hands-on and in-the-field inspections of the several hive stands present at Horn Farm.
Program Fees:
$750 ($500 year one, $250 year two) - Payment plan is available. For those wanting a payment plan, a $100 deposit will enroll for you for the course.
Program details/requirements:
*Applicants must not have an allergy to bees (Yes, you will get stung).
*A general understanding and basic knowledge of beekeeping is helpful, but not required. Foundational information will be covered in the classroom sessions.
*Year One participants will be responsible for purchasing their own safety equipment and woodenware (Hives/Boxes). Guidance on what to purchase occurs within the class sessions.
The schedule and content for the program is as follows - sessions occur in-person, rain or shine:
Hellam Township Municipal Building (35 Walnut Springs Road, York, PA 17406) |
6:00 PM -7:30 PM |
Meet / Greet / Program Overview (at Hellam Township Municipal Building) |
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 Hellam Township Municipal Building |
6:00 PM -7:30 PM |
Honeybee Anatomy (at Hellam Township Municipal Building) |
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 Hellam Township Municipal Building |
6:00 PM -7:30 PM |
Parts of the Hive / Beekeeping Methodology (at Hella |
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 Horn Farm Center (4945 Horn Road, York, PA 17406) |
6:00 PM -7:30 PM |
Classroom / Open Hive Inspection |
Saturday, May 18, 2024 Horn Farm Center |
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
Open Hive Inspection |
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Horn Farm Center |
6:00 PM -7:30 PM |
Open Hive Inspection |
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 Horn Farm Center |
6:00 PM -7:30 PM |
Open Hive Inspection |
No August Session |
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Off |
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 Horn Farm Center |
6:00 PM -7:30 PM |
Open Hive Inspection - Fall Preparation – Move In Day |
Saturday, October 5, 2024 Horn Farm Center |
7:30 AM |
Take Bees Home |
Health and Safety
*For questions regarding cancellation, please review our Cancellation and Refund Policy.
*The Horn Farm Center is offering on-site educational programming with some modifications due to COVID-19. Multiple hand sanitizer stations are available. We will adjust as needed as time passes and things change. In order to ensure the health and safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff, the Horn Farm Center is following current CDC Guidelines. Please contact us at info@hornfarmcenter.org for questions or concerns.
*Parking is along the field above the farmhouse.
*All programs are subject to change based on unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather. Participants will receive an email and phone call if there are any program changes or cancellations. Thank you for supporting regenerative farming and educational programs at the Horn Farm Center.
Beekeeper Program (2024 1st Year Participants) | $500.00 |
Beekeeper Program ($100 Deposit) | $100.00 |
Beekeeper Program (2023 2nd Year Participants) | $250.00 |