Young beekeepers SLOVAKIA SLOVAKIA Most valuable honey types • Acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) Black locust (legume family Fabaceae) • Linden (Tilia coradata) • Honeydew honey Our work with young beekeepers • currently about 40 active leaders of beekeeping courses for young beekeepers • SZV – Slovak beekeepers association • more than 400 children • Teacher are educated and examined at the secondary agricultural school Pod Bánošom in Banská Bystrica Afternoon clubs or course for kids • Lead by examined and experienced beekeepers (5+ years, 7+ beehives) • Usually at primary or secondary schools and free - time centers • For kids aged from about 6 to 18 • Kids gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills when working with bees • Kids can participate in National young beekeepers' competition held in BB National young beekeepers’ competition • O rganized by the Slovak beekeeper's association • Two categories: • Younger kids – from 7 to 11 years • Older kids – from 12 to 18 years where first three continue to IMYB • Disciplines: theoretical test, anatomy, assembling frames, queen (drone) marking, honey tasting, practical skills, recognizing plants, nucleus, beekeeping equipment IMYB 2015 and 2019 What else do we do? Field trips Taking a nap in apihouse Summer camps Magazine for young beekeepers