Through our own education and experience working with bees and in agriculture, we are acutely aware of their importance for a healthy, sustainable future for our local communities and the world. At Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm & Meadery we believe sharing our knowledge is as important as producing premium honey-based products.
As a family, we strive to educate about the importance of bees in our food supply chain, but also to inspire people of all ages to embrace their place in the natural world and to engage in positive practices that support a sustainable future for all.
*All events and educational classes will adhere to BC’s PHO, regarding Covid, at that time the event or class is taking place.
We are once again offering the BC Honey Producers Association certified Beginner Beekeeping Course.
See below for details and how to register.
We are certified by the B.C. Honey Producer’s Association to teach this Beginner Beekeeping Course. This course is broken into 6 Zoom sessions, 4 outside hands-on sessions, and a final examination (date to be arranged).
The following is a guide to what will be covered:
ONLINE THEORY SESSIONS VIA ZOOM
Scheduled for 6 Mondays from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. to cover basic theory components of the course:
Feb 28
March 7, 14, 21, 28
April 4
IN PERSON
Hands-on experiences Saturday sessions with bees, equipment, feeding and treatments. Note: We will limit the size of the outside hands-on sessions according to public health guidelines and may have to run an afternoon and morning option to accommodate everyone. The morning session will run 9:30am- 12:00 pm and if required, the afternoon session would be 1:30pm to 3:00 p.m.
April 23 and 30
May 7 and 14
Exam day: to follow completion of the theory of the course.
The course fee of $250 will include the course materials, instruction, final examination and experience with bees. Upon successful completion of the exam, a certificate will be issued. A $50 deposit is required upon registration with the balance due at the time you pick up your learning materials from our Country Store located at 2595 Lefeuvre Road.
We have agreed to work with UFV to offer an “Introduction to Beekeeping” Course @ UFV through their continuing studies program at a site in Abbotsford. This will be a slightly enhanced program from what we offer on the farm and registration will be done through UFV – check out their calendar for registration details.
If you would like to register for the Certified Beginner Beekeeping course held at the farm, please register below.
You may pay for the course upfront or place a non-refundable $50.00 deposit, to hold your seat, with final payment due at class commencement.
If you wish to register for the course hosted by UFV, please do so through their website: www.ufv.ca/continuing-education/courses/agriculture-horticulture/gardening/
Some experience in beekeeping and/or a beginner beekeeping course recommended
See below for details and how to register.
Although we are fleshing out the detailed learning plan, the following is a general guide to course content:
There is never only one way of beekeeping, and it is important to know there are options. We would like to help you move from reactive and formulaic beekeeping (only 1 way to do it) to fully problem solving what is happening in your hives with a goal of planning over the course of the year what to do to keep your bees healthy. It is all about the bees.
Each of our sessions will have a mix of theory, discussion, and apiary hands-on work. This provides a small group setting for learning. Participants will share their experiences, questions, and ideas to create a dynamic learning experience for all.
We will provide online links and other resources for ongoing learning and problem-solving.
This course is hands-on, experiential learning. Course Capacity of 12.
Scheduled for Saturdays from 9:00 to 12 pm.
*At this time the course will run 4 – 5 sessions (dependent on the final curriculum which will be confirmed with those who register).
May 28, 2022; June 4, 11, 18, 25 2022
The course fee of $300 will include the course materials, breakfast, coffee break refreshments, and instruction. A $75 deposit is required upon registration with the balance due prior to course commencement.
Location: 2595 Lefeuvre Road, Abbotsford, B.C.
Should class participants have bee fields they would like to have the class visit, we may consider one or more locations for the course, depending on the interests of participants.
If you would like to register for the Certified Intermediate Beekeeping course held at the farm, please register below.
You may pay for the course upfront or place a non-refundable $75.00 deposit, to hold your seat, with final payment due at class commencement.
The session will be focused on how we help ensure the bees are looked after in the spring to pre-position them for a healthy start of the honey year. This time of year is a time to create new queens and much more.
Date: May 14, 2022
Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm
Price: $20.00 each
(No charge for those who have taken the 2021 and 2022 Beginner Beekeeping course)
Join us for a free informational tour of the many plants and trees we have on our farm to help provide nutrition to keep the honey bees healthy and happy.
Spring Date:
May 22, 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Summer Date:
July 24, 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Fall Date:
September 18, 1:30pm to 2:30pm
This workshop is designed for beginner beekeepers who have taken a basic course but are looking for assistance in putting theory into practice to ensure that their bees are prepared for winter survival.
When: August 20, 2022 from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Cost: $20.00
*Free for those taking the Beginner Beekeeping course at Campbells Gold in 2021 and 2022 at Campbells Gold
If you are interested in this workshop, please register online:
Can’t get enough Mead in your life? Well fret not, we’re here to support you in your love of mead. Consider joining the Campbell’s Gold Mead Club and access early notice of new releases, great discounts on all your mead purchases, and other great benefits!
Campbell’s Gold will also be involved in other off-farm events throughout the year, as well as regular attendance at local farmers markets. Find a listing of all other events on our News & Events Page.