Application: Youths interested in beekeeping may apply for both awards using a single application. Applicants are eligible to receive only one award. Preference is given to someone who has no previous experience with beekeeping. Must complete online applicant form which includes waiver and parental consent.

Deadline: October 5, complete form online.

Objectives:

1. To educate youth in the art of beekeeping by promoting a better understanding of the value of honeybees to our environment and the food chain.

2. To provide an opportunity for youth to experience responsibility and enjoyment through beekeeping.

3. To provide an avenue for youth to engage in an avocation and gain the potential to pursue beekeeping as a sideline or full-time vocation.

 

The Awards:

·A one year membership in the Southern Adirondack Beekeepers Association (SABA)

· A beginning course in beekeeping along with a textbook.

· A complete set of woodenware for a beehive.

· A nuc or a package of honey bees for the hive. · Beekeeping gear: hat, veil, gloves, hive tool, and bee smoker.

· Mentoring by a SABA member for one year.

 

Eligibility:

1. Applicant must be of middle or high school age by December 1 of the current year.

2. Applicant must be a resident of one of the following counties: Albany, Fulton, Montgomery, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, or Washington.

3. Applicant must be currently enrolled in public private or home school.

4. Applicant must have permission and agreement from parent or guardian.

5. The application must be submitted to the Southern Adirondack Beekeepers Association no later than October 5.

 

Award Committee:

1. Finalists will be selected by the Young Beekeeper Award Committee.

2. The Award Committee will arrange an interview by phone or in person with finalists and parents/guardians

3. The award will be presented to the selected applicant at the October General Meeting of SABA, Saratoga Cooperative Extension, 50 W High St, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

 

Section 3: Terms and Conditions of Agreement

The recipient of this award will receive woodenware consisting of a standard hive body with frames and foundation, a bottom board, a top cover, a nucleus of bees with queen, and the necessary beginner’s equipment to start the beekeeping project.

The recipient will also receive the additional benefit of:

1) a one year’s membership in SABA.

2) will be able to participate in the Association’s monthly meetings or workshops

3) will receive the Association Newsletter

4) registration in a beginning beekeeping seminar

5) mentoring by a SABA member throughout the year

6) will receive Association assistance in extracting the first year’s honey crop.

The recipient will be expected to attend at least 50% of the meetings through the year, and to present a short progress report on the activities to date. The recipient will keep a written record complete with dates, photos, and other pertinent data sufficient to substantiate all progress reports. A final report will be presented at the October meeting. Successful attendance and completion of the seminar is required. A Certificate of Completion and full ownership of the colony and the equipment will be presented at the October meeting if the award recipient has met all requirements.