I am going to teach the 4H club of Placerville about beekeeping

annette · September 06, 2009, 12:30:02 AM

I had received an email a few weeks ago from our very own Tillie from Atlanta, that the 4H club of Placerville had contacted her looking for a beekeeper named "Annette from Placerville" who has many posts on her blog.

She forwarded the email to me in the hopes that I could help out. Well I contacted the club and they finally got back to me today, and I am going to be doing a beekeeping project with 12 kids ages 10 thru 17 from the 4H club here in Placerville.

The project teacher named Shawna always wanted to start her own beehive so this is going to be the project. We are going to start 2 beehives from the very beginning on Shawna's property and the kids will be part of this. I have committed to the project which requires me to teach 9 lessons in a year, each lesson at least 1 hour. I will give whatever it takes to do this the right way.

Another thing: they have already studied with Shawna on bee facts and figures so I won't be spending much time on stuff like that.

So I have to come up with the lessons. I am open to your ideas on where to start. The earliest I can possibly start would be November, since I have many committments during Sept and October.

I thought I could show them my beehives first and hopefully if it is a warm day they will see the bees flying in and out. I thought I would show them the equipment I have and explain what everything is used for. Then I thought we could all order the equipment together.

Perhaps next lesson in December we could assemble the beehives and place the starter strips into the frames. Shawna wants to go all foundationless like me.

Anyway, this is my thinking right now. But I am open to any suggestions for winter projects for the kids. I want to keep things in order though so they totally understand how it all happens, (meaning I do not want to make candles in the winter until they see where the beeswax comes from and how it is melted, etc.)

I am extremely excited about this project and I hope I can make it exciting for the kids as well.

All suggestions are welcome and will be considered.

Thanks so much
Annette

RayMarler · September 06, 2009, 09:02:57 AM

Hi Annette, wow, what an adventure!
I think you're really going to enjoy doing this for the 4H students, this was a project made just for you!

hardwood · September 06, 2009, 09:33:57 AM

I always thought it'd be fun to do a field trip to hunt down all of the forage plants for the bees. It'd be an experience for the kids to actually watch the bees work certain flowers. I know this would have to wait 'til spring and that's when you'd be installing your packages (if that's how you're going with it) but maybe you could fit it in for summer?

Have a blast with it!
Scott

Jim134 · September 06, 2009, 09:39:51 AM

Annette..............

Hope this will help you

http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,6410.0.html

To look at the beekeeping patch

http://www.pathfindersonline.org/html/Clipart/clipart_honors_a-k.htm

Future Farmers of America (FFA) has a outline for beekeeing but I can not find it

http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,12823.0.html

BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

JP · September 06, 2009, 11:52:21 AM

Well, good for you Annette! Explain to them what happens in a colony, the changes they go through, from winter to spring. Talk to them about swarming, reproductive swarming to be specific. Have them go into the hives approx 3 weeks or so before your normal swarming season starts and look for drone cells.

Why don't y'all hang a swarm trap, in fact go ahead and build one, bait it, perhaps build several, maybe have them do a swarm trap contest, a take home assignment perhaps, or they can build them during your lessons.

Go out and hang them, hopefully y'all catch one, then you can set it up into a hive.

Good for you Annette!

...JP

Kathyp · September 06, 2009, 02:33:48 PM

that is great. you will really enjoy those kids, and i agree, this was made for you! there is nothing i have ever done that was as rewarding as the years i spent teaching and working with the 4H kids.

the 4-H leader may want to check with clubs, etc. to see if there are any people willing to donate jackets, veils, etc. for the kids. maybe a fund raiser also. lots of folks are willing to support kids in 4H and FFA.

JP · September 06, 2009, 02:53:24 PM

And don't forget, you must carry the red umbrella to each lesson!

...JP ;)

trapperbob · September 06, 2009, 03:47:08 PM

You probably should think of a book that they all can buy to use as a sort of a primer of sorts. Beekeeping for dummies comes to mind it gives a lot of good info and is easy to read. Also check with the local bee club if one is there many of them have a library of some sort. And they ussually have access to some people like extinsion officers entimoligist many of these kind of people are members of these sort of clubs. You said you were commited to at least 9 sessions so a good book would be a great place to start so they can keep learning even when not in class. And make yourself avalible inbetween sessions so they can call if they have questions. You have excepted a great responsibility and it can be a very rewarding one. Just remember they are kids and we do not think like they do and remember to have fun. One more thing, as far as the clothing is concerned, long sleeved shirts, long pants, work pretty much as well as any suit. A tie down veil would be more economical for all involved so the money can be better spent on good equipment. You might also think about good leather gloves, probably gauntlet style, would be best. I know we stress working without gloves, and this is a good thing, but with children this may help their confidence more in the begining. Good luck and have fun! :-D

Kathyp · September 06, 2009, 04:06:50 PM

check UC Davis and see if they have some bee stuff going on. could make for an interesting field trip, especially for the older kids.

Cindi · September 07, 2009, 11:11:29 AM

Quote from: JP on September 06, 2009, 02:53:24 PM
And don't forget, you must carry the red umbrella to each lesson!
...JP ;)

Oh Annette, doesn't it just figure that JP would tease you like that, smiling.

Wow, girl, you are up to some beautiful stuff, you maka me proud!!! You will be teaching these 12 children (oops, I almost typed chicken, was thinking about letting the birds out in a few minutes, that would not have been a good thing to type there) so many things that will be integral to their learning how to keep bees. You shine through with that giving nature that we all know that you have. These children will look up to you, and will remember that gal with the red umbella (smiling even more now), trying to hold it above her head as she examines hives with the kids, hee, hee. Kidding ya, here, you know that. Anyways, I think this is the most wonderful thing. And look, you must be becoming more famous, being known as "Annette from Placerville", you will be world renowned, just like our Linda from Atlanta, yay for the girls!!! Have that most beautifully awesome day, to love and live, with the greatest of health. Cindi

Jim134 · September 07, 2009, 11:48:59 AM

Do you belong to a local the club? If so you may be able to get some help from the members. Hope you all have a good time. Hope you take a lot of pix you can post.

BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

JP · September 07, 2009, 12:28:08 PM

Well Cindi, Annette is the Mary Poppins of beekeeing. ;)

...JP

annette · September 08, 2009, 11:27:22 PM

WOW!! So many posts to respond to. I am so happy for the replies I received and you all have made me very happy.

Quote from: Jim 134 on September 07, 2009, 11:48:59 AM
Do you belong to a local the club? If so you may be able to get some help from the members. Hope you all have a good time. Hope you take a lot of pix you can post.
BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

Yes Jim that is a great idea. I do belong to the Sacramento Area Beekeeping Association and could use them for a resource if I need to.

Quote from: Cindi on September 07, 2009, 11:11:29 AM
Quote from: JP on September 06, 2009, 02:53:24 PM
And don't forget, you must carry the red umbrella to each lesson!
...JP ;)

Oh Annette, doesn't it just figure that JP would tease you like that, smiling.

Wow, girl, you are up to some beautiful stuff, you maka me proud!!! You will be teaching these 12 children (oops, I almost typed chicken, was thinking about letting the birds out in a few minutes, that would not have been a good thing to type there) so many things that will be integral to their learning how to keep bees. You shine through with that giving nature that we all know that you have. These children will look up to you, and will remember that gal with the red umbella (smiling even more now), trying to hold it above her head as she examines hives with the kids, hee, hee. Kidding ya, here, you know that. Anyways, I think this is the most wonderful thing. And look, you must be becoming more famous, being known as "Annette from Placerville", you will be world renowned, just like our Linda from Atlanta, yay for the girls!!! Have that most beautifully awesome day, to love and live, with the greatest of health. Cindi

Thanks Cindi for the kudos, even if you think they are chickens!! Yes it is very funny that someone typed in "Beekeeper Placerville" and my name showed up. From posting so much on Linda's blog and probably here also. Linda has been doing stuff like this for long time and she is a natural. What a calm and intelligent women she is. I will do the very best I can. I am probably more of a "hands on" type person than anything else. I even have sort of a reading disability (although I love to read) in that I skip over facts and figures on most everything. They make me feel overwhelmed. I will probably find myself posting a lot here on the forum whenever the kids ask me questions I cannot answer.

Quote from: kathyp on September 06, 2009, 04:06:50 PM
check UC Davis and see if they have some bee stuff going on. could make for an interesting field trip, especially for the older kids.

I love the idea of a field trip and will definitely look into this. I was also thinking of a field trip to Woodland to the Mann Lake Beekeeping factory to purchase all the supplies we will need. Although the Sacramento Beekeeping Supply store is so much more fun, but expensive.

Quote from: trapperbob on September 06, 2009, 03:47:08 PM
You probably should think of a book that they all can buy to use as a sort of a primer of sorts. Beekeeping for dummies comes to mind it gives a lot of good info and is easy to read. Also check with the local bee club if one is there many of them have a library of some sort. And they ussually have access to some people like extinsion officers entimoligist many of these kind of people are members of these sort of clubs. You said you were commited to at least 9 sessions so a good book would be a great place to start so they can keep learning even when not in class. And make yourself avalible inbetween sessions so they can call if they have questions. You have excepted a great responsibility and it can be a very rewarding one. Just remember they are kids and we do not think like they do and remember to have fun. One more thing, as far as the clothing is concerned, long sleeved shirts, long pants, work pretty much as well as any suit. a tie down veil would be more economical for all involved so the money can be better spent on good equipment. You might also think about good leather gloves, probably gauntlet style, would be best. I know we stress working without gloves, and this is a good thing, but with children this may help their confidence more in the begining. Good luck and have fun! :-D

I am going to suggest they read some books and thanks for this suggestion. I have a nice libary of books they can borrow if any of them are into reading.

Quote from: kathyp on September 06, 2009, 02:33:48 PM
that is great. you will really enjoy those kids, and i agree, this was made for you! there is nothing i have ever done that was as rewarding as the years i spent teaching and working with the 4H kids.

the 4-H leader may want to check with clubs, etc. to see if there are any people willing to donate jackets, veils, etc. for the kids. maybe a fund raiser also. lots of folks are willing to support kids in 4H and FFA.

Kathy,

the project leader Shawna told me the club will purchase the veils and gloves for the kids. I think if the kids are wearing those, plus long denim pants they can tuck into their socks, plus tie up shoes and long sleeve shirts, they should be ok. I like the fact that the club takes on the responsibility of any liability issues. (you know kids being stung) although the parents have to sign wavers.

Quote from: JP on September 06, 2009, 11:52:21 AM
Well, good for you Annette! Explain to them what happens in a colony, the changes they go through, from winter to spring. Talk to them about swarming, reproductive swarming to be specific. Have them go into the hives approx 3 weeks or so before your normal swarming season starts and look for drone cells.

Why don't y'all hang a swarm trap, in fact go ahead and build one, bait it, perhaps build several, maybe have them do a swarm trap contest, a take home assignment perhaps, or they can build them during your lessons.

Go out and hang them, hopefully y'all catch one, then you can set it up into a hive.

Good for you Annette!

...JP

Great idea about the swarm trap in a tree. Will definitely suggest this to the project leader. Why if we catch a swarm, I should be able to fly right up to it with the red umbrella, don't you think??

Quote from: hardwood on September 06, 2009, 09:33:57 AM
I always thought it'd be fun to do a field trip to hunt down all of the forage plants for the bees. It'd be an experience for the kids to actually watch the bees work certain flowers. I know this would have to wait 'til spring and that's when you'd be installing your packages (if that's how you're going with it) but maybe you could fit it in for summer?

Have a blast with it!
Scott

This is now on my list of things to show the kids. Thanks so much for the suggestion.

.

Quote from: RayMarler on September 06, 2009, 09:02:57 AM
Hi Annette, wow, what an adventure!
I think you're really going to enjoy doing this for the 4H students, this was a project made just for you!

Thanks also Ray for the good wishes. Why who knows, maybe I might pull you into a class sometime

blckoakbees · September 09, 2009, 02:06:18 AM

Annette
4H is such a great organization. I know you will have fun. I may have some bees for you in the Spring, if you want. I have 10 hives now and do not want to go any higher. We will see how winter goes and I will keep your new club in mind in doing splits next Spring.

Take Care,

Jeanlaurie (Sac/Fiddletown)

Jim134 · September 09, 2009, 07:22:43 AM

>>>>>>>>>>Great idea about the swarm trap in a tree. Will definitely suggest this to the project leader. Why if we catch a swarm, I should be able to fly right up to it with the red umbrella, don't you think??<<<<<<<<<<<

I like at :-D

BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

annette · September 09, 2009, 02:19:40 PM

Quote from: blckoakbees on September 09, 2009, 02:06:18 AM
Annette
4H is such a great organization. I know you will have fun. I may have some bees for you in the Spring, if you want. I have 10 hives now and do not want to go any higher. We will see how winter goes and I will keep your new club in mind in doing splits next Spring.

Take Care,

Jeanlaurie (Sac/Fiddletown)

The women who will keep these bees only wants 2 hives total. So we have to figure out how we will go about it. Perhaps she will order one package of bees just to be sure we have something for sure and then we can play around with the other hive, like catch a swarm, or perhaps your split will come in first. Thanks for the offer.