Fun classes to help you enjoy the outdoors

Beaufort County Community College’s Division of Continuing Education has classes–some that are free­–coming up to help you enjoy the outdoors, either in your own yard or further from home. Call 252-940-6375 or email continuingeducation@beaufortccc.edu to sign up. You can also register and pay online.

Hunter Safety

This class is offered in partnership with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to help hunters learn to be safe and responsible. Participants will learn about firearm safety, hunting ethics, conservation and wildlife management, wildlife identification, survival and first aid, specialty hunting, and tree stand safety. Completers will be eligible to purchase their hunting license. While this class is free, registration is required. This class takes place in person from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, March 7-8.

Boater Safety

This class is offered in partnership with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to guide boaters to safe and sound operation of watercraft. Take to the water knowing basic boating safety, equipment, rules of the road, weather, and good boating etiquette. Completers will have satisfied the safety training requirement for boaters younger than 26. This class is free, but registration is required. This class takes place in person from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, March 14-15.

Beekeeping

Honey is the sweet benefit of beekeeping. Bees are vital for the pollination of our food crops, whether in the field or in our garden. This class addresses the biology of bees, colony structure and organization, beekeeping equipment, hive health, pest control, hive site selection, honey processing, and beekeeping resources. Participants will learn see how satisfying it is to keep a hive of bees through this class offered in partnership with the Beaufort County Beekeepers Association. Participation prepares one for the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association Certification written exam. The registration fee includes a year of membership in both local and state Beekeeping Associations. This $50 class takes place on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. from February 12-26.

Do the Deer Eat It?

Deer have become the number one garden pest over the last two decades. The most often asked question by gardeners has become, “Do the deer eat it?” Participants will learn deer resistant plants in Eastern North Carolina. The class will have lists and slides of deciduous, evergreen, and herbaceous plants that have been found to work in deer-infested neighborhoods. While this class is free, registration is required. Two separate in-person sessions will be offered on Tuesday, February 8, one from 10:00 a.m. – noon and one from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Using Technology: Smartphone Cameras

A great camera is already in your pocket! Mark Woodland will teach participants how to get the most out of their smartphone camera. Woolard will cover smartphone camera settings; understanding lighting, composition, and controls; tweaking and cropping the shot; and backing up the edit to share with others. He will also cover how to best use the video function. While this class is free, registration is required. Two sessions will take place on April 14, one at 9:30 a.m. and one at 6:00 p.m.