Spring

Welcome to Bees4Vets.  If you are a veteran or first responder diagnosed with PTSD and/or TBI, living in or close to North Western Nevada, we invite you to join us outside in the apiary and experience a unique learning opportunity – honey bee management.

 

This great video is from 60 Second Docs.

This video is from a story done by CNBC which you can see here.

 

MISSION

 

Our mission is to assist military veterans and first responders living with PTSD or TBI through a beekeeping experiences in the local community; combining outdoor activity, education and community outreach to create an environment of support and training where veterans and first responders can develop the interest and skills necessary to participate in beekeeping as a vocation or hobby.

Beekeeping can be helpful for those suffering from PTSD and/or TBI as it teaches “mindfulness” or “staying in the moment”.  Beekeeping has been known to be a good vocation or hobby for disabled veterans since at least the end of World War I and was published in “Opportunity Monograph, Vocational Rehabilitation Series No. 37 Bee Keeping”, April 1919.

 

WHY BEEKEEPING

 

There are many advantages to beekeeping.  Foremost to persons with disabilities, is the advantage of choosing equipment that best suits your ability to work hives (lifting and moving).  Beekeeping is primarily a solo or small group occupation and is not normally something that is done in large crowds, congested areas or noisy locations.

Working bees requires that you be conscious and “in the moment”.  Honey bees will quickly remind someone who has drifted mentally to other thoughts or stressors in a progressive manner, starting with a change in the sound of the hive, progressing to bumping the beekeeper and buzzing around their heads prior to attempting to sting.   Working the hives can be very relaxing, as can sitting and watching the bees come and go.

Harvesting honey from your bees can also provide some income as can raising bees for sale to the beekeeping community.  The amount of income is proportional to the level of work put into keeping the bees and the number of hives maintained.  It is possible to start with a couple of hives and work up to hundreds over time or to stay with just a couple.

 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

To participate in our program, see Get involved.

DONATE

Our program only happens because of your donations.  Please click the button below or see our donations page.

Thank you!