Beekeeping Mentorship
Our mentorship program is a growing part CBA and will continue to serve as a resource for beginning beekeepers. Its goal is the continued health of bees and to provide backyard beekeepers with the skills needed to operate sustainable apiaries. Beekeeping is best learned with assistance from another experienced beekeeper - so join and begin improving your skills!
Are you looking for one-on-one support?
Guidelines & Program Availability
We’ve established guidelines for both mentors and mentees below, and are always looking for mentors! Please don’t hesitate to volunteer.
Do Your Research
Mentees should do their own research including, but not limited to, reading The Beekeeper’s Handbook, Sammataro and Avitabile, 4th Edition, before asking for help. Some resources: CBA website www.ctbees.org; University of Florida Honey Bee Research Lab www.entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/; www.scientificbeekeeping.com; Q&A sessions or hands-on workshops offered by CBA members, in addition to other club programs & conferences.
Respect Others
Be respectful of your Mentor’s time; they are likely assisting others as well.
Multiple Mentors
Working with multiple Mentors is acceptable as long as all parties agree. One issue we want to avoid is Mentee confusion by different techniques which have the same results.
Hive Visits
If invited, Mentees are encouraged to visit their Mentor’s bee yard during hive management and maintenance operations. Mentees can lend a hand with general yard tasks and learn from actual involvement with the Mentor’s colonies.
Be Prepared
Save time and be prepared before your Mentor arrives. Get everything ready that you will need for the visit including all the equipment and preparation of the yard. Have your yard prepared for easy access and the area around the colonies trimmed and clear. Your Mentor may have many other tasks that day so the most respectful use of their time will result in the best outcome for you both and also will enhance the relationship.
Work Independently
Work on your hives in a continuous, timely manner throughout the season based on suggestions from your Mentor, rather than waiting for your Mentor to be there.
Contact CBA with Problems
If any problems arise with your Mentor, please contact the Mentor Program Chairperson immediately.
Self-Mentorship Option
If you are unable to find a CBA Mentor, you can 'mentor' yourself by attending classes, workshops, meetings, and special events. Ask questions during Q&A sessions and partipicate in our monthly Bee Talks discussion group, led by EAS-certified Master Beekeeper, Bill Hesbach. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for beekeeping videos, or sign in to view our full video library.
Ask for Advice and Volunteer
You can ask experienced beekeepers for advice or information at meetings and even volunteer to help them when they work their hives. Even if you have a Mentor, there may be times you need additional support.
Reach Out and Explore Your Options
We all need a support network that is broader than just one person. Whether you are a beginning beekeeper or an intermediate beekeeper, taking the initiative to find good answers from many sources will add to your pleasure and long-term success in working with your bees and your peers!