Do you like sciency things and care about the environment around you? Well, you should enroll in Beekeeping, where you get the best of both worlds! Beekeeping is a Monday afternoon activity co-led by Ms. Coleman and Dr. Fetridge and offered to students across the upper school in the fall and spring trimesters. Ms. Coleman, one of the club's passionate leaders, provides insight into the exciting learning experience students have in this class.
Ms. Coleman says her deep appreciation for nature and outdoor activities inspired her to offer this class.
“I always loved seeing organisms interact with their environment, and bees were always a big part of it,” she said.
Bees have a substantial impact on our ecosystem as these pollinators affect more than nature, but they also influence our food supply. Without bees, we wouldn't have access to a great quantity of the foods we eat daily.
An additional motive for bringing this class to Wooster was the enthusiasm students felt when hearing about the possibility of this course and the excitement of learning the skill of beekeeping. During this class, students engage in a hands-on learning experience that shows that learning goes beyond the classroom. Instead of just listening about this process, you will experience it firsthand through the eyes of a beekeeper!
Every class is kicked off with a yummy snack for sustenance; as Ms. Coleman says, “food is love.” This is followed by various enriching activities. Every class either begins in the science room or in the apiary, depending on whether the weather is right for working with the bees outdoors.
A particular highlight for Guild ’28, a student in this class, was making beeswax candles, while other students enjoyed crafting lip balm. In addition to the satisfaction of these handmade souvenirs, participants gain valuable knowledge on how to build and maintain the equipment needed to take care of the bees.
Building on the value of the course, Ms. Coleman shares that beyond witnessing students' progress, it is equally important that they find joy in their experience.
“There is nothing more rewarding than hearing students say the bees are wonderful with a smile on their face,” she shares.
Jack ’28 talks fondly about his experience in the club and his motives for joining.
“I signed up for the course, looking to try something new and something that makes a difference," he said.
He continues to describe the incomparable enjoyment of removing honey and beeswax, calling the process “satisfying.” Jack is a two-time member of this course, as he enjoyed it so much the first time that he knew he had to sign up for another trimester and encouraged others to join as well.
Did you know that 12.5% of adults are afraid of bees? If you are a student who is unsure about joining the course, Ms. Coleman assures you that safety is a priority. Before contacting the bees, everyone must wear protective gear. Even if you feel apprehensive, Ms. Coleman encourages you to sign up.
"There is a place for everyone. It's important to push those comfort zones and try new things. Join us and discover what you can achieve."
Make sure you don't miss the opportunity to enroll in this course before course registration closes next Wednesday. Whether you're passionate and have prior experience in beekeeping or looking to try something new, this course offers something for everyone.
Avery '28
Journalism Student
