Jump Starter Program

Hello Future Beekeepers,

Thanks for your interest! Southeastern Indiana Beekeepers Association (SIBA) meetings occur the third Thursday of each month at the Sunman American Legion from 6:30-8:30pm. Each month we have different presenters and topics for our beekeepers to learn from, as well as some time for discussion. You are always welcome to bring your questions! There are links to some resources at the bottom of this page for your convenience!

Jump Starter Program

The Jump Starter Program is a partnership between The Beekeepers of Indiana (TBoI) and local beekeeping clubs (i.e. SIBA) to assist more people to get involved in beekeeping. SIBA may only submit one application for only 1 new beekeeper per calendar year. As we (SIBA) can only select one applicant, we ask that you provide us with a letter stating why you would like to begin beekeeping by December 31, 2024. Our Board of Directors will review applicants’ letters and select only 1. At this time, we will notify the applicant and submit an application to the TBoI Jump Starter Program Committee by the January 31, 2025 deadline. Note: Applications for the program may only come from clubs, not from applicants. Approved applications will receive a “kit” from TBoI.

View PDF of Jump Starter Program Details


Submit your bid!

Program Rules

  1. Future beekeepers will notify SIBA Board of Directors of their interest in the Jump Starter Program by December 31, 2024 via written submission of a letter stating why the applicant would like to begin beekeeping. Interested applicants must agree to TBoI rules.
  2. SIBA Board of Directors will read letters from all applicants and select only 1 to submit to the Jump Starter Program Committee. Letters will be chosen based on genuineness and belief that the candidate will follow through with the hobby and responsibilities to fulfill program requirements and become an excellent beekeeper. 
    • Board of Directors: 
      • Duane Bischoff- President
      • Jeff Montag- Vice President
      • Whitney Cooley- Secretary
      • Jason Morgan
      • Don Burkart
  3. The applicant must be a new beekeeper and a current member of TBoI.
  4. The applicant should be a paid member of SIBA (annual membership $1, lifetime $20).
  5. SIBA will notify the successful applicant and submit an application for the future beekeeper on behalf of our club to TBoI by January 31, 2025.
  6. The TBoI Jump Starter Committee will review applications and notify the local club following approval of the application.
  7. SIBA will provide a mentor for the new beekeeper that is a member of TBoI and has 3+ years’ beekeeping experience.
  8. The mentor and new beekeeper will be required to provide quarterly written reports and pictures to their Regional Director. The Regional Director will submit the reports to the Board of Directors before each TBoI quarterly board meeting. ****If no report/pictures are provided, SIBA forfeits eligibility for submitting an applicant to the program the following year.

The mentor and new beekeeper will be required to provide quarterly written reports and pictures to their Regional Director. The Regional Director will submit the reports to the Board of Directors before each TBoI quarterly board meeting. ****If no report/pictures are provided, SIBA forfeits eligibility for submitting an applicant to the program the following year.

Resources:

This website! www.indianahoney.org
Be sure to get on our monthly newsletter!

Check out a book from our club library:
https://www.indianahoney.org/club-library/ 

SIBA Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/indianahoney/      

SIBA Facebook discussion forum:
Beekeeping Q&A and discussions on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/morganranch

SIBA Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/siba_indianahoney/ 

The Beekeepers of Indiana website:
Become a member to qualify for Jump Starter program and receive quarterly state newsletter!
https://thebeekeepersofindiana.com/      

Indiana Bee School:
Great class for beginning beekeepers. Event is held in February. Info on 2025 event pending.
https://thebeekeepersofindiana.com/indiana-bee-school/ 

Gardening for Your Honeybees:
Nice reference for understanding local blooms and how to support your honeybees. 
https://www.in.gov/dnr/entomology/files/ep-Gardening_for_Honey_Bees.pdf