Beekeeping 4-H SPIN Club

Learn what the buzz is all about with bees!

Get to know how bees behave, work, produce honey, and more with this hands-on, outdoor monthly introduction to beekeeping (April-August).

Who: Recommended for youth interested in entomology, beekeeping, nature, or biology, and who are ages 10-18, as of Sept. 1, 2020

What: Discover bees and their anatomy and behavior, as well as the basics of beekeeping, proper care and how honey is produced and collected. 

When: Meets monthly April to August 2021

• Saturdays, tentative dates* include: 4/17, 5/15, 6/12, 7/10, 7/24, 8/21 (weather may impact this schedule)
• Times may differ based on monthly activities and will be communicated by leader to the registered participants. Most meetings run about 60-90 minutes. The last meeting may be more than two hours.

Where: Outdoor meetings in DuPage County** (Glen Ellyn location, specific details provided after registration) 

Cost: $20*** 4-H enrollment fee per youth. 4-H Enrollment will need to be completed via 4-H Online (look for more instructions after registration).

Space is very limited! Registration is required. Registrants will receive detailed meeting information and enrollment instructions this spring. Registration closes April 2, 2021 (or when class meets capacity). If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please notify at enrollment or contact us at the information below. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.

Questions? Contact 4-H Program Coordinator Andrea Farrier at 217-300-1369 or farrier2@illinois.edu

*AN IMPORTANT NOTE FROM OUR BEEKEEPER: Please keep in mind, beekeeping is farming. We are at the mercy of weather and how well our bees (our livestock) perform. We can't open the hive on cold or rainy days. We may need to reschedule bad weather days for the next week. Class cancellation and additional notifications are sent via email. Please check your email the day of the class. If you are allergic to bees, please think twice about being in this club. Although honey bees are gentle by nature, they have stingers and will use them!

**Please note: Program format or schedule may be impacted by updates in CDC recommendations, state health department regulations, and/or University of Illinois protocols. 

***Current 4-H members with completed, paid 2020-21 4-H enrollment are eligible to join this SPIN Club at no additional cost.