If you are looking for a summer camp this summer with more of a buzz, have you thought of beekeeping?This summer children between the ages of nine and 14 will have the opportunity to combine science, and the great outdoors while learning a traditional Bermuda skill, beekeeping. The camp, probably the first of its kind in Bermuda will be led by beekeeper and agriculturalist, Quincy Burgess at Randolf Furbert’s Honey House in Bailey’s Bay, on Fractious Street.This specialised one week summer beekeeping programme will feature a variety of beekeeping activities and outings to introduce and enhance children’s knowledge of Bermuda beekeeping and their knowledge of bees.“In addition to the myriad of support that the camp has received from the public, Greenrock supports the Bermuda Beekeeping Summer Camp as a sustainable project,” said organiser Joanne Ball-Burgess. “Through interactive discovery opportunities the campers will learn the life cycle of a queen bee, which bees live in a colony and the structure of the hive. Children will also quickly learn that bees can land on you with no interest in stinging you.”Together campers will participate in building a hive, collecting honey from the beehive and learning how to keep a hive healthy in addition to other enjoyable learning opportunities. This one-of-a-kind summer experience will be an interactive one in which students become the beekeeping experts and will be equipped to start and manage their own hive upon completion of the camp.“Sounds like fun?” said Mrs Ball-Burgess. “Perhaps many adults will also want to sign yourselves up for camp. In addition to all of the fun experiences that will take place during the camp week there are also life lessons that the bee can teach us.“The practice of beekeeping also teaches children and teenagers the value of community and teamwork. When learning about the bee we quickly learn that a seemingly insignificant insect that has no apparent function in our busy schedules is responsible for almost all of the food that we eat and the flowers that we enjoy. Beekeeping teaches children and teens more than just how to be good beekeepers. It teaches all of us that no one is insignificant and that we all need each other.”She said that beekeeping teaches us so much more than just how to be good beekeepers. She thought it might be a benefit to all children from those who do well in the classroom to those who struggle, because it teaches science in real time.“All of the senses are engaged when campers partake in the beekeeping experience,” said Ms Burgess-Ball. “The sound of the bees buzzing, the sight of the geometric shape of the honey comb, the smell of the wax and the taste of the honey all combine to enhance learning and to nurture a child’s love for the world around them.”The camp is being held from July 18 to 22 from 9am to 12.30pm. Drop off is between 8.30am and 8.45am. The cost is $185 for non-members of the Bermuda Beekeeping Association and $175 for members. For an application or for more information, contact Quincy Burgess at 537-7244 or send an e-mail to mangobonsai[AT]yahoo.com.About bee stings...n Bee stings happen when bees feel that their hive is threatened.n Only female bees sting.n A bee sting can be annoying or painful but not dangerous if the person stung is not allergic to bees.n In the event that a child is stung the parent will be contacted so that parents will be prepared to treat the sting area at home.n Bee stings have been used for centuries to treat a number of ailments.