39000 First Ave.
Bloomingdale
A new 4-H club focused on keeping honey bees is forming at Camp Kidwell this year. To get things started and share with interested folks, will have a one-day crash course on beekeeping from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18.
The course will cover a full year of beekeeping, options of equipment, and a range of startup costs for different levels of startup. Lunch will be provided for those preregistered, you can register on facebook or use email.
The course and club will be led by 4-H leader and EAS-certified Master Beekeeper Ray Lackey. After the crash course, will enrollment in the new club and equipment orders for equipment will be taken. Deadline is Jan. 25.
The plan is to meet monthly starting in February, focusing over winter months on preparation for those wanting to start bees, to get bees in the spring. These lessons will be beneficial to both those currently keeping honey bees and those who desire to do so. The existing Demonstration Bee Yard at 4-H Camp Kidwell will be used as a teaching yard as the weather permits and will allow those not ready to start their own hives to gain experience working with bees and becoming familiar with equipment options.
4-H Camp Kidwell is located at 39000 1st Ave., Bloomingdale, on the border of Van Buren and Allegan counties and not far from Kalamazoo County.