Beginning Beekeeping Camp
| Dates | June 28-29, 2025 |
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| Instructors | Scott Debnam & Tamila Morgan |
| Registration Fee | $250 |
| Location | Missoula, Montana |
Course Description
Designed for new and aspiring beekeepers, this hands-on camp goes beyond the basics to build real-world beekeeping skills. Over two days, participants will dive into colony dynamics, queen introduction techniques, and effective hive management through expert-led instruction and immersive labs. Unique to this program are interactive challenges like the Hive Puzzle Lab, where Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ tackle real beekeeping scenarios to sharpen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. With a strong focus on practical experience, freestyle colony manipulation, and varroa mite management, this camp equips Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ with the confidence and knowledge to start their beekeeping journey successfully.
There is no formal prerequisite to attend this short course. To gain the most benefit from the course, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ should possess an interest in beekeeping or perhaps have started to keep bees. This short course is not required for the Master Beekeeping Certificate Program, nor can it be used toward the requirements for the Certificate completion.
Participants are responsible for all transportation and lodging. If you do not own a bee suit, one can be borrowed. A detailed schedule and list of necessary items will be provided to registrants closer to the event.
There will be shade and chairs available during the field portion, though note the temperature can be hot in June.
Tentative Schedule
Saturday, June 28
Morning: Classroom Instruction
Welcome & Introduction
Kick off the camp with an overview of what to expect, meet the instructors, and get ready for two days of immersive beekeeping training.
Bee Biology
Explore the fascinating life cycle of honey bees and learn how understanding their development enhances colony management and decision-making.
Colony Ecology
Discover how honey bee colonies interact with their environment, their role in the ecosystem, and the factors influencing their survival and productivity.
Queen Replacement Lab
Master the essential techniques for successfully introducing new queens into colonies. Gain hands-on experience with different queen cages.
Afternoon: Hands-On Apiary Labs
Beekeeping Equipment & Smoker Lab
Get comfortable with essential beekeeping tools and learn the art of lighting and maintaining a smoker—one of the most valuable skills for handling bees safely and effectively.
Dummy Hive Manipulation Lab
Practice working with hive components in a controlled, bee-free environment. Learn proper hive handling, tool use, and smoker techniques before moving on to live colonies.
Freestyle Colony Manipulation
Put your new skills to the test! Work hands-on with live colonies at your own pace while expert instructors provide guidance, answer questions, and offer handling tips.
Mite Monitoring Lab
Learn to assess colony health by setting up and analyzing sticky board tests for varroa mites—the most significant threat to modern beekeeping.
Sunday, June 29
Morning: Classroom Instruction
Healthy Frame Recognition
Develop an eye for identifying healthy brood patterns, food stores, and colony conditions. This foundational skill will help you diagnose potential issues before they become serious.
Understanding Varroa Mites
Get an in-depth look at varroa mites, their life cycle, and their impact on bee colonies. Learn how to recognize mite infestations and their signs within the hive.
Hive Options Lab (Part 1 – Classroom)
Explore the different types of Langstroth-style hives available today. Learn about their strengths, weaknesses, and which hive style best suits your beekeeping goals.
Afternoon: Hands-On Apiary Labs
Hive Options Lab (Part 2 – Live Colonies)
Now it’s time to get hands-on! Work with different hive styles in action, manipulate live colonies, and discuss the pros and cons of each hive type with instructors.
Hive Puzzle Lab
Test your problem-solving skills in this interactive challenge! Work through real-world hive management scenarios, diagnose issues, and assemble simulated colonies into functional, thriving hives.
Freestyle Colony Manipulation
Apply everything you’ve learned by working freely with live colonies under the guidance of your instructors. Ask questions, troubleshoot hive conditions, and gain confidence in your beekeeping skills.
Varroa Mite Treatment Lab
Wrap up the camp by analyzing the sticky board mite data collected the previous day and implementing an appropriate varroa treatment. Learn best practices for keeping mite levels under control.
Course Policies
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Beekeeping courses are dependent upon a minimum number of registered Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to run. If the minimum enrollment is not met, the course will be cancelled and registrants fully refunded. Courses are limited to a maximum enrollment with registration on a first-come, first-served basis. Once a course is full, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ will be added to a waitlist and notified if an opening becomes available.
Registration fees vary by course and full payment is required at the time of registration. If your payment is not received by one week before the course start date, you will be dropped from the course.
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Students will receive full refunds for cancellations received up to one week before the course start date. To cancel a course, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ should call Student Support Services, (406) 243-6495.
Refunds are generally not provided for cancellations received after a course begins. Please note the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ requires a "Substitute W-9 Form" in order to process refunds for payments made by check. The "Substitute W-9" form requires the student’s Social Security Number.
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UM will provide reasonable accommodations for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ with disabilities. To request an accommodation, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ should contact Student Support Services, (406) 243-6495, at least two weeks before a course starts.