In this Galena Farms Beekeeper Feature, we meet Courtney Olson, a first-year beekeeper from Whitewater, Wisconsin, whose journey into beekeeping is rooted in curiosity, courage, and a deep passion for educating the next generation. As the founder of a local nature school, Courtney is blending hands-on learning with real-world experience, introducing children to bees and a new way of understanding the natural world.

With her very first hive up and running, Courtney isn’t just learning beekeeping for herself. She’s also creating an immersive, sensory-rich environment where children can explore, ask questions, and replace fear with fascination.

Courtney is building something bigger than a hobby. She’s building confidence, curiosity, and connection, both in herself and in the children she teaches.

Topics Covered:

  • Starting beekeeping as a complete beginner

  • Integrating beekeeping into a nature-based education program

  • Teaching children to overcome fear and appreciate bees

  • Learning through podcasts, documentaries, and hands-on experience

  • The importance of mentorship in early beekeeping success

  • Selecting beginner-friendly hive equipment and kits

  • Navigating seasonal challenges like overwintering in colder climates

For anyone considering their first hive, Courtney’s story is a refreshing reminder that you don’t need to have it all figured out to begin. With a willingness to learn, the right support system, and a mindset rooted in curiosity, beekeeping becomes less about perfection and more about growth. Sometimes the most important lesson isn’t just how to keep bees, but learning to face the unknown, lean into the process, and go for it anyway.