Caswell County Beekeepers Association
2027 Beekeeping School
A structured, beginner-friendly course covering everything you need to start and manage your first hive — taught by Robert Neal and other experienced beekeepers.
Dates
January 13, 2027 – March 17, 2027
Schedule
10 weekly sessions · Wednesdays, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location
Caswell County Agriculture Building
Fee
$75 per person
Whether you've always dreamed of keeping bees or you're returning to the craft after a break, our annual Beekeeping School gives you the knowledge and hands-on experience to start strong. In addition to coursework, the school concludes with a field day and an opportunity to take North Carolina's written test to become a Certified Beekeeper.
Course Curriculum
Jan 13
Introduction to Beekeeping
- Review course outline
- History of beekeeping
- The social order of bees
- Bee development and activity through the year
Jan 20
Equipment & the Hive
- Basic hive components and hive variations
- Essential tools and protective gear
- Setting up your apiary
Jan 27
Part two of Equipment & the Hive
- Basic hive components and hive variations
- Essential tools and protective gear
- Setting up your apiary
Feb 3
All About the Honeybee
- Honeybee species
- Anatomy
- Pheromones
- Life Stages
Feb 10
The Colony
- Division of Labor
- Duties of the worker, queen, and drone
- Superseding and swarming
- Buildup, foraging, winter bees, and clustering
Feb 17
Starting a Honeybee Colony
- Choosing a location
- Site Setup
- Hive type and feeders
- How to inspect your hives
Feb 24
Bees' Enemies, Pests, and Diseases
- Mites - Varroa, tracheal
- Diseases
- Hive Beetles and Wax Moths
- Other enemies and Pesticides
Mar 3
Food and Water for your Bees
- Flowering Plants and Trees
- Feed and Pollen Substitutes
- Natural and Artificial Water Sources
Mar 10
Hive Products
- Wax, propolis, and pollen
- Bees
- Labelling and selling honey
- Royal Jelly and Apitherapy
Mar 17
Managing Your Bees
- Seasonal management
- When and how to inspect
- Increasing and decreasing hive space
- Checking food stores and pest control
Mar 20
Spring Apiary Field Day
- Full hive inspection at member apiary
- lighting a smoker
- identifying brood and brood patterns
- Checking for varroa mites
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any prior experience?
None at all. The school is designed for complete beginners. If you've kept bees before and want a refresher, you're welcome too.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No. All course materials are included in the registration fee. You will need protective gear for the field day activities.
Is the school only for Caswell County residents?
We welcome anyone from the surrounding region. Most of our students come from Caswell, Person, Rockingham, and Alamance counties.
What happens after I register?
You'll receive a confirmation email with full details, a supply list, and directions to the Agriculture Building. We'll also send a reminder the week before the first session.
Is there a membership requirement?
Your fee for the bee school also covers your first year of membership in the Caswell County Beekeepers Association.
Register Your Interest
Fill in the form below and we'll be in touch with payment details and confirmation.
Location
Caswell County Agriculture Building
126 Court Square, Yanceyville, NC 27379
Fee
$75 per person
Includes all course materials.
Questions? Email [email protected] or call Robert Neal at (336) 514-0835
While you wait
Come to a meeting first
Our monthly meetings are open to everyone — a great way to meet the community and ask questions before the school begins. We meet every 4th Thursday of the month from January through October.
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