VI. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NOVICE BEE KEEPER TRAINING COURSE

A. Two Spring Meetings, One Summer Meeting, and One Fall Meeting.

1. March Meeting -The Novice is introduced to the basic beekeeper's equipment: the smoker, veil, hive tool and other equipment. The parts of the hive are explained and demonstration of the proper method of assembling hives is given. Bee supply catalogs are handed out and what and how to order is explained.
2. April Meeting - The purpose of this class will be to hive a package of bees and to open up and inspect over-wintered hives. The handling and use of package bees will be discussed and demonstrated if possible. The proper techniques for opening and inspecting the hives will be given. It will constitute the earliest opportunity to check the bees after the winter to insure their well being after the winter. Queen introduction will be covered. Detection, identification, and treatments for various honey bee pests and diseases will be discussed and demonstrated as appropriate.

3. Late Spring Meeting - The beekeeper must be aware of the condition of his bees at all times. The Novice needs to begin to feel comfortable opening and checking bees. Opportunity will exist during the class to actually open hives and inspect frames to learn if the bees are healthy and productive. Detection, identification, and treatments for various honey bee pests and diseases will be discussed and demonstrated as appropriate.

4. Early Summer/Fall Meeting - Long Island's honey flow is often over by early July. Considerations for extracting honey as well as preparing the hive for the winter will be covered. Various techniques for the removal of the surplus honey will be covered. The amount and location of the winter stores for the bees will be discussed. Detection, identification, and treatments for various honey bee pests and diseases will be discussed and demonstrated as appropriate. The need to protect removed frames from the wax moth is a major fall topic. 

B. Student Notebook

The Novice will be expected to keep a student notebook to keep a record of when, where and under whose supervision he inspected hives. Class attendance will be recorded as evidence of having seen hives opened. It will also be a record of the hives that the Novice opened.

C. Hives Inspection Requirements

The Novice is expected to have observed at least 2 ½ hours inspection of bee hives by experienced beekeepers in and out of class. Should a class be missed for any reason it will be possible to make up the time. Under the supervision of experienced beekeepers, the Novice will have had to have opened twenty beehives between the start of the classes in spring and the end of classes in the fall.

D. Town Ordinances

The Novice should be familiar with the requirements of the Long Island Beekeepers Club Good Neighbor Policy and any local ordinances

E. Reference Material

Combining practical experience with reading material available on the subject will greatly enhance one's understanding of the subject. It is recommended that the Novice obtain a copy of at least one authoritative book on bee keeping such as
These books can be borrowed by Club members through the Club Library.

F. Final Requirements

The final requirement will be for each Novice to write down five questions that they have in regard to beekeeping at the end of the course. The questions will be collected and then during a final period an opportunity will exist for all the Novices to attempt to answer each others questions with the help of qualified beekeepers.


I. INTRODUCTION
II. GETTING STARTED WITH BEES
III. CONSIDERATION FOR THE BEES
IV. CONCERNS IN THE HANDLING OF BEES
V. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NOVICE BEE KEEPER TRAINING COURSE
VI. Long Island Beekeepers Club Good Neighbor Policy
VII. Additional Suggested Readings for a Comprehensive Understanding of Bees