Classes
The SBBA is proud to continue educating new and existing beekeepers through our Beginning Backyard Beekeeping (B3) Certification course. You can learn more and sign up below.
The SBBA is committed to education throughout the community to raise awareness of the plight of the honey bee.
Beginning Backyard Beekeeping (B3)
The Santa Barbara Beekeepers Association is excited to announce the B3 session dates for 2021. Ever since our sold-out debut in 2015, this course has consistently been in high demand for new beekeepers as well as more experienced beeks wanting to brush up their skills with new knowledge and techniques. Enrollment for the 2021 courses are now open!
The 2021 B3 sessions are now open for enrollment
The Beginning Backyard Beekeeping (B3) certification is designed from the ground up to cater to budding beekeepers seeking the shortest and most sensible path to having bees. The course thoroughly prepares students with the practical knowledge necessary to start hosting honey bees in their own backyard.
Due to COVID-19, we are currently conducting these classes virtually via Zoom. At the conclusion of each class, a video recording is made available to students. We plan to return to in-person instruction once the COVID-19 situation passes.
In addition to the Zoom classes, the B3 course also offers an optional in-person apiary meet-up. Attendance at the meet-up is not mandatory. Since it is conducted at an outdoor apiary, we are able to observe proper social distancing. These meetups are offered at multiple times so that attendance can be limited to 5 people per event. A video recording of each meetup is provided to students who prefer not to attend in person.
All students who complete the B3 course will receive an official SBBA B3 certificate of completion. Students who pass an optional online final exam will receive an official SBBA B3 patch to proudly wear on their bee jacket.
Class Size: Each session is limited to 20 participants.
Cost: $125.00 (includes 1-year SBBA membership and invitation to future apiary meet-ups.)
B3 2021 Enrollment Now Open!
B3 Spring Session Registration
B3 Spring Session Dates: February 2, 2021 – March 9, 2021 (six consecutive Tuesdays) 6:00pm – 7:30pm, via Zoom
B3 Fall Session Registration
B3 Fall Session Dates: September 14, 2021 – October 12, 2021 (five consecutive Tuesdays) 6:00pm – 7:30pm, via Zoom