In 2012, the GCBA will again be
sponsoring 4-H members who elect to undertake the beekeeping project.
Details are currently being finalized and will be posted as soon as
complete.
January through March is a great time to plan a 4-H Beekeeping Project for the current year. Winter is a good time to collect and assemble the equipment and supplies needed. The GCBA highly recommends new beekeepers sign up for the Beginning Beekeeping Workshop offered by Greene County Recreation and Parks in February-March 2012. While the class is typically limited to ages 14 and older, 4-H members younger than 14 may be allowed to take the classes with an adult (parent or advisor). Questions? Contact Dan O'Callaghan using the "Contact Us" page.The Parks District Autumn Guide has registration details:
The Greene County Beekeepers Association sponsored Greene County 4-H members who elected to undertake the Ohio 4-H beekeeping project for 2011.
In addition to sponsoring the Fair awards (pictured), the GCBA sponsored selected individual 4-H members by donating some equipment to help budding beekeepers get started with bees. Each member received 1 basic hive setup upon confirmint that they had purchased or otherwise acquired bees. Conditions of this donation:
(a) Limit one hive donation per individual over entire 4-H project lifetime/cycle.
(b) Bees must be ordered/coordinated through GCBA approved vendor no later than March 31, 2011 (estimated cost $77-$90, subject to package availability).
(c) Must comply with all legal requirements. Ohio Apiary registration fee: $5 (click for form)
(d) Must complete the project (i.e. 4-H judged at Fair).
(e) 4-H member must attend either the September or October meeting of the GCBA, prepared to tell 1 thing he/she learned from project.
(f) If 4-H member decides not to continue as beekeeper, agrees to return hive to GCBA or donate it to another GCBA approved 4-H member who wishes to assume the project/responsibility.
(g) 4-H member is responsible for obtaining protective apparel and other equipment related to the project.
To assist new 4-H beekeepers with determining equipment needs, here is a list of suggested supplies/equipment.
Protective apparel and basic equipment:
Hat - ($11-$17)
Veil - ($14-$16)
Gloves - ($14-$18)
Hive Tool - ($5-$10)
Smoker - ($30-$40)
Book - "Starting Right with Bees" - ($8-$9)
Bee suit or jacket - ($50-$80)
Complete Hive
Basic Hive Kit, Deep - $68 - $75 (includes bottom board, entrance reducer, deep super, 10 frames/foundation, inner cover, outer cover)
Deep Body Kit - $36-$40 (deep super w frames/foundation)
-----NOTE: The Basic Hive Kit and Deep Body Kit is provided by the GCBA to sponsored 4-H members-----
Medium (or shallow) Kit x2 - $64 - $75
Syrup feeder ($2-$16)
Package of bees w queen - $77-$90