Become a beekeeper in 2 days at Johnston County Bee School!
Whether you’re planning your first hive or already have bees and want a solid foundation, JCBA Bee School gets you started the right way. Spend a full day in the classroom learning the fundamentals from experienced local beekeepers, then put it into practice on Apiary Day with live bees, real equipment, and small-group instruction. You’ll also get an introduction to the North Carolina Certified Beekeeper Program.

Students at a past Johnston County Bee School
Learn • Gain hands-on experience • Make a difference
Day 1 – Classroom
Saturday, February 27, 2027
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Johnston County Agriculture Center
2736 NC-210, Smithfield, NC 27577
Map & directions
- Honey bee biology, history of bees and beekeeping, and honey bee races
- Seasonal hive management, pests and diseases, and products of the hive
- Introduction to the NC Certified Beekeeper Program
- Lunch with a Bee Mentor and a one-hour vendor fair
Lunch, drinks, and snacks are included.
Day 2 – Apiary Day
Saturday, March 13, 2027
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Johnston County Livestock Arena
520 County Home Rd, Smithfield, NC 27577
Map & directions
- Hands-on work with honey bee colonies and basic hive inspections
- Hive components, protective clothing, and beekeeping tools
- Five-frame nucleus colony (nuc) installation and practical hive management
- Certified Beekeeper written exam, 2:00–3:00 PM (eligible participants)
Bring your own lunch or snacks. Drinks and light refreshments will be available.
Registration Fees
Minors are children ages 9–17. One child attends free with each paid adult; additional children are $15 each and must be added to an adult registration. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult and do not receive association memberships. Fees cover the full two-day program; no single-day discount is offered.
What’s Included with Johnston County Bee School
- Two days of beekeeping education — classroom and hands-on apiary training
- 1-year membership in the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association (NCSBA) for each paid adult
- 1-year membership in the Johnston County Beekeepers Association (JCBA) for each paid adult
- Classroom Day lunch, drinks, and snacks; Apiary Day drinks and light refreshments
- Vendor fair and the opportunity to take the Certified Beekeeper exam, subject to eligibility
Good to Know
- Children must be at least 9 years old and supervised by a registered parent or responsible adult throughout the program.
- Apiary Day involves live honey bees and the possibility of stings. Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, light-colored clothing, and appropriate protective clothing, and follow instructors’ directions.
- If you have a known sting allergy, consult your healthcare provider before attending and bring any prescribed emergency medication.
- Certification is not automatic; participants must meet applicable NCSBA certification requirements.
- Weather or safety may require schedule changes. We’ll contact registrants using the details provided at checkout.
- Please list each attendee’s name in the order notes at checkout.
- New to the club? Learn more about the Johnston County Beekeepers Association.
No-refund policy: All Bee School registration fees are non-refundable, including for cancellations, scheduling conflicts, illness, or nonattendance. Please confirm you can attend both days before registering. If the association cancels the entire program, registrants will be contacted about available options.
Read the full Bee School Registration Terms & Conditions.
Real bees. Real skills. Start your beekeeping journey with confidence — register for Johnston County Bee School today!
These terms apply to all registrations for the 2027 Johnston County Bee School, hosted by the Johnston County Beekeepers Association.
1. Registration and Payment
Full payment is required to reserve a place. Registration is complete when payment is received. Fees cover the full two-day program; no single-day discount is offered.
2. No Refund Policy
ALL BEE SCHOOL REGISTRATION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. No refunds will be issued for participant cancellations, scheduling conflicts, illness, personal emergencies, nonattendance, late arrival, early departure, or changes in personal circumstances. Please confirm availability for both days before registering. If the association cancels the entire program, registrants will be contacted regarding available options.
3. Attendance and Age Requirements
Children must be at least 9 years old. Participants under 18 must be accompanied and supervised throughout the program by a registered parent or responsible adult.
4. Meals and Refreshments
Lunch, drinks, and snacks are included on Classroom Day (February 27). Lunch is not provided on Apiary Day (March 13); bring your own lunch or snacks. Drinks and light refreshments will be available. Those with food allergies or dietary restrictions should plan accordingly.
5. Apiary Participation and Safety
Apiary Day involves live honey bees and the possibility of stings and allergic reactions. Participants must follow instructors’ directions, wear appropriate protective clothing, use tools responsibly, and supervise children. Participants with known sting allergies should consult their healthcare provider before attending and bring any prescribed emergency medication.
6. Weather and Schedule Changes
The association may adjust instructors, activities, or schedules for weather, safety, or circumstances beyond its control, including rescheduling affected apiary activities. Registrants will be informed of significant changes using the contact details provided.
7. Certified Beekeeper Examination
The written examination is scheduled for March 13, 2027, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Certification is not automatic; participants must satisfy applicable NCSBA certification requirements.
8. Registration Acknowledgment
By registering and paying, participants confirm that they have reviewed the dates, locations, fees, no-refund policy, child age and supervision rules, meal arrangements, and risks of working around live bees, and agree to follow safety instructions.

