Schedule:  (subject to minor changes) Rescheduled from March

Friday, May 4, 2018
3-7:00pm  Participants arrive, settle in, explore.
6-7:30pm Buffet style dinner.
7:30pm  Session 1: A History of Beekeeping & an Overview of the Beekeeper's Year
 
Saturday, May 5, 2018
8:30 am breakfast 
9:00  Session 2: Dynamics of the Honey Bee Colony
10:00-12:30 Beekeeping Equipment & Building Hive Components
12:30-1 Lunch
1:30-3:00  Session 3: A Visit to an Apiary
3:00-5:00  Free time or work on hive  (crafts, canoeing, naps, field trips…)
5:00  Session 4:  Happy Hour—Bee games and mead tasting.
6:00  Dinner
7:00   Keynote presentation: Sustainable Beekeeping with John Lewis, Education Coordinator of Beekeepers of the Northern Shenendoah.
8:00  Live Music
 
Sunday, May 6, 2018
8:30 Breakfast
9-10 Session 5: Managing the Challenges in Beekeeping
10-12 Work on hive
12:30 Lunch
1:00 wrap up, course evaluations, good-byes
1:30 End of facilitated program.
Guests check-out by 3 pm or extend stay.
COSTS
Reserve your spot for $50 at www.yewmountain.org/yew-shop or call 304-653-4079.  This deposit is refundable up to one week before course.  Full payment is due at time of arrival--cash or checks preferred.  We do not have online booking for rooms at this time.   For local residents: special rates and policies.  Limited scholarships are available: apply for scholarship
 
Program Tuition: Tuition costs are per person. Youth under 13 are free with paying adult. Babysitting may be available for an additional fee. 

Meals: Must be purchased with a program (unless you are a local resident.)  Includes 6 meals and snacks.  We can accommodate special diets. Please provide these details on web form when paying your deposit online.   Food is fresh, local, and organic when possible.
 
Materials Fee: $250 includes the parts for one hive, a hive tool, an entrance feeder, and whatever else we can get for that price.  The price for a second hive kit would be reduced by the cost of the hive tool, etc.
 
Lodging:  2 nights lodging must be purchased with a program. (Unless you are a local resident.) Send us a note at check out when you reserve your spot, call 304-653-4079, or email us to arrange lodging.  We cannot book lodging online at this time. 

GOOD THINGS TO BRING:
a carpentry hammer, small trim or frame hammer for building the hive, binoculars (we have some you can check-out,) sunscreen (we sell a locally made natural sunscreen), closed-toe shoes, long pants and sleeves (light colored for visiting the bee yard,) hat, jacket, a swimsuit (for our pond or river excursions), favorite field guides (we have some you can check-out,) journal.

GOOD THINGS TO KNOW:
  • AT&T cellular service works pretty well.  Others do not.
  • We have a land line you may use:  304-653-4079. 
  • We have WIFI, but it is quite limited.  Enjoy unplugging, if you can.
  • The closest grocery stores are in Lewisburg (50 min.) or Marlinton (35 min.) 
  • We have limited refrigerator space if you would like to bring special food.  We ask that you don’t store food in your rooms.  We have storage bins for this purpose.
  • BYO-Adult beverages to enjoy responsibly if you are old enough. 
  • Our rooms and buildings are non-smoking and we use unscented, natural cleaning products.
  • To protect the ecology of our pond, we ask that swimmers use non-toxic natural sunscreen and/or bug repellent if they use any. 
  • We have one guest room where pets are allowed for an additional charge of $25. Pets must remain on a leash and are not allowed in common rooms (service animals excepted.)
  • All participants must sign a standard Waiver and Release form.
  • We are a small, community run non-profit and highly motivated to make this center the best resource it can be.  The YMC is a constant work in progress. We welcome your ideas and feedback. 
  • Your participation in our weekend programs supports local experiential education and stewardship.  Thank you!