This introductory beekeeping course is designed for beginners who are curious about keeping honeybees and want the knowledge and confidence to get started as a hobby beekeeper. The class covers the fundamentals of beekeeping, including a brief history of beekeeping, honeybee biology and behavior, and an overview of common pests and diseases. Participants will learn about essential equipment, with a focus on the Langstroth hive and basic wooden ware, as well as core management techniques such as hive inspections and record keeping. The course also provides helpful resources to support continued learning and successful beekeeping beyond the classroom.
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Lunch will be provided.
Ages: 12+
Location: Wilton, WI
Instructions: Please wear long sleeves with a jacket and long pants. If you happen to own a veil or bee suit, we recommend bringing them.
Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines
Supporter Level Ticket: $125
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.
Sustainer Level Ticket: $100
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.
Supported Level Ticket: $75
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!
Instructor Bio - Jeff Hancock
Jeff Hancock was raised on the Hancock Family Home Farm in Burt County, Nebraska. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1978 to 2004, before settling in Suffolk, Virginia and homesteading on 4 acres. He became a Master Gardener in 2010 and in the same year began his journey in beekeeping. He has been an active member of both the Suffolk Master Gardener Association (SMGA) and Nansemond Beekeeper Association (NBA). In 2015, he became an instructor for both associations, teaching classes such as Soil, Permaculture and Gardening for Bees for SMGA, and Basic Beekeeping classes for NBA. He moved to Westby, Wisconsin in 2025.