While a 4-H Youth Development Agent in Fayette County I worked closely with one of the 4-H Program Assistants to apply for an Agriculture Mini Grant through the Kentucky 4-H Foundation with the goal of starting a 4-H Bee Keeping Club. The idea for the club would be to introduce 4-H age youth to the art of bee keeping and allow them new experiences in learning about pollination, bees, hives, honey, and so much more. The intention was to receive the grant to aid in the purchase of the bees, hives, and other essential equipment needed to work with and keep bees. We were very fortunate to be awarded a $1,000.00 Agriculture Mini Grant and with those funds as well as help from the Fayette County 4-H Council and other programming funds, we were able to purchase all of the necessities for the 4-H Bee Keeping Club. 

The club was advertised on social media as well as in the 4-H newsletters, through word of mouth, and promotion through other programs and we had 12 youth between the ages of 9 and 18 enroll. The club has thrived under the temporary leadership of the 4-H Program Assistant, who is in the process of recruiting volunteer leaders to sustain the club. The bee hives have flourished and the club members have learned a tremendous amount in the 6 meetings that they have had so far and are thoroughly enjoying the experience in learning the art of bee keeping.