Young Beekeeper is Buzzing About The International Meeting of Young Beekeepers

Young beekeper Heidi Westbye from Cavan has her eyes set on the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers in 2022.

Heidi working on a hive in her protective gear. Photo courtesy of Charlina Westbye.

Westbye’s interest in beekeeping was sparked when she started visiting her neighbours farm and learning about the hives they had on their property.

“I saw my neighbours working around bees and I thought it was really cool,” Westbye said.

The 12-year-old joined the Kawartha Junior Beekeepers, a program hosted by her neighbours, about four years ago though the program has since been paused due to COVID-19.

In the program participants learn about everything that goes on while beekeeping from equipment preparation to honey harvesting. When not in the classroom students observe and identify bees, split colonies and monitor the progress and health of the hive.

Anyone aged 9 - 14 can participate in the once monthly program.

While the program is temporarily halted Westbye has continued to out her neighbours with work at their apiary.

“My favourite part about working there is when we get to extract the honey,” Westbye explained, highlighting the different tools and picks used.

Westbye notes that the worst part of beekeeping is when the bees get angry and recalls a time she wasn’t wearing her full protective suit and got stung 16 times.

“Over the years if you get stung multiple times you start to build a tolerance,” she said.

Westbye is hoping to go to the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers in 2022 where junior beekeepers from all over the world will learn more about their craft.

Spots to go are limited so Westbye will participate in a series of tests to qualify to go.

The International Meeting of Young Beekeepers is a combination of competitions that will test participants theoretical and working knowledge of bees and beehives as well as a cultural and social program. The aim of the meeting is to connect young people with similar interests and continue the tradition of beekeeping.

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