The Veterans' Beekeeping School (VBS) is a beginner-friendly program scheduled for March 2024, offering in-person classes covering the fundamentals of beekeeping. The initiative, designed for 20 Central Ohio veterans, is a collaboration between the Central Ohio Beekeepers Charitable Foundation and The OSU Extension.

Indoor classes commence in March 2024, while outdoor, hands-on sessions take place from April to September 2024, with a continuation in April 2025. With over thirty years of experience, Central Ohio Beekeepers have a history of providing beekeeping classes to the community, emphasizing mentoring and group experiences to build confidence and expertise in handling beehives.

Mentoring plays a crucial role in VBS, and the program offers education, training, and mentoring at no cost to accepted veterans. Participants need to procure their safety clothing before the 2024 outdoor sessions, estimated at $100. However, scholarships are available to support veterans as needed.

Those who complete 75% or more of the 2024 sessions will receive a complimentary hive of bees, complete with woodenware and accessories valued at $900, in April 2025. Veterans interested in this opportunity must apply by January 15, 2024. For applications and additional details, please visit the Central Ohio Beekeepers Charitable Foundation website at www.hb4l.org. Share this information and the attached flyer with your veteran community.