Why We Like to Educate

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.

Certified Beginner
Beekeeping Courses

We are once again offering the BC Honey Producers Association certified Beginner Beekeeping Course.
See below for details and how to register.

Course Dates:

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.

Course Fee:

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.

Intermediate
Beekeeping Courses

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:

• Bee physiology ‘must knows’ to help you understand your bees’ needs
• Hive Management – adding finesse to your established skills
• Diseases and Parasites – contemporary practices for detection, management, and treatment
• Honey bee nutrition and health – challenges and practices to enhance bee health
• Splits, nucs, and requeening.  Learning simple non-grafting methods for raising and introducing queens as well as grafting techniques, intended to help you to replace losses in your own bee stock.
• Swarm control – how to avoid but also how to use the build-up to your advantage
• Seasonal hive management strategies – what to look for and do in each season
• Physical set up of hive and enhancements for winter mgt and wasp control etc.
• Contemporary issues in beekeeping
• Group sharing on best practices is where you bring at least 1 best practice or idea per session that you would like to share throughout the 4 sessions

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.

Course Dates:

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

Course Fee:

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.