The Art & Science of Beekeeping: Why You Need a Mentor

Mentorship

The Art & Science of Beekeeping: Why You Need a Mentor

Beekeeping is a fascinating journey—a blend of ancient tradition, modern science, and hands-on experience. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, mentorship can be the key to thriving as a beekeeper.

Why Mentorship Matters

While books and online courses offer valuable insights, nothing compares to learning directly from an experienced beekeeper. Working alongside a mentor helps you:

✔ Avoid common beginner mistakes
✔ Build confidence handling your bees
✔ Learn seasonal hive management techniques
✔ Gain expert guidance on colony health & sustainability
✔ Develop a deeper connection with nature

The Foraging Bee Mentorship Program

Join Master Beekeeper Mark Vanderende in an immersive one-on-one or small-group mentorship designed to teach sustainable, eco-conscious beekeeping.

📍 Locations: Rain Bird Farms (North Delta) & Similkameen Valley
🖥 Virtual mentorship available for beekeepers outside the region

🐝 What You’ll Learn:

  • Hive inspections & bee behavior

  • Swarm prevention & queen rearing

  • Pest & disease management

  • Seasonal beekeeping calendar

  • Product-making (honey, wax, salves)

  • Regenerative, ethical beekeeping practices

Beekeeping By Season: Learn As You Go

Each mentorship session aligns with the natural beekeeping calendar, ensuring you receive support during critical times of the year:

🌸 Spring – Swarm prevention, colony splits, nectar flow prep
☀️ Summer – Honey harvesting, pest monitoring, hive ventilation
🍂 Fall – Winter prep, mite treatments, feeding strategies
❄️ Winter – Hive insulation, monitoring stores, planning next season

🏷️ Mentorship Pricing

Initial Consultation – Free
Hourly Rate – $40/hr (virtual or in-person)
Half-Day Mentorship – $140 (3–4 hours)
Full-Day Mentorship – $280 (6–8 hours)

Seasonal Mentorship Package – $550 (4 sessions per year)
Includes flexible scheduling and ongoing support.

Group Mentorship – $40/person (1.5–2 hours)
Perfect for small community groups or clubs!

Get Hands-On Experience

This is more than just theory—it’s about rolling up your sleeves and gaining hands-on experience that will set you up for success in your beekeeping journey. Whether you need help getting started, troubleshooting hive issues, or scaling your operation, mentorship provides the personalized support you need.

🌿 BONUS: Learn to Create Hive-Based Products

Want to go beyond beekeeping? Add an artisan touch to your mentorship and learn how to make:

  • Beeswax salves & balms

  • Infused honey & botanical blends

  • Goat milk soaps & skincare (in partnership with Shieling Farms)

🐝 Ready to Start? Let’s Bee Curious Together!

Connect today to schedule your first session and begin your journey toward becoming a confident, sustainable beekeeper.

📧 Email: info@theforagingbee.ca
📍 Locations: North Delta | Similkameen Valley | Virtual Available
🌐 Website: www.theforagingbee.ca
📞 Phone: 778-882-1236

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