More than a year ago, in April 2025, I received the following letter asking if Yumbini could donate camping food for a High School Student summer trip:
“I am a High School teacher. I lead a summer Geology program we call our “Field Experience” with my high school students. They go through an application process to be considered for this endeavor.
We take 35 students on a three week trip to study geology in our National Parks. Along with chaperones, we are a group size of around 45. We camp every night, take various hikes up to 20 miles in each park, and students learn about the geology along the way through observations on hikes, labs, and journals. Students and chaperones also have the opportunity to white water raft and rock climb to create a truly comprehensive outdoor experience.
Before my students depart on the trip they also get certified in wilderness first aid. We are already planning for our summer 2026 trip, where we will be visiting Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Glacier, Wind Cave and Badlands National Parks.
The trip started in the late 70’s, but I have been involved in the planning since 2008, and have planned nine trips to over 35 different national parks. We try to keep the cost down as much as possible for the students; however, meeting the needs and cost of this course becomes more and more challenging each trip.
I am trying to find ways to offset the cost of the trip for students and I am reaching out to ask for your support. One of the ways I can offset the cost of the trip is through food donations. We are making our own meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We also take seven big hikes where we supply the students with hiking food for those days. Food is one of our biggest expenses and any contribution big or small, would be greatly appreciated and help reduce the cost of the trip.
This trip is truly a coming of age experience for my students that challenges them both physically and mentally. This unique way of seeing the American West and being immersed in geology fosters growth, as well as leadership and team building skills.
If you are able to contribute I can provide you with any information needed. Please feel free to reach out to me via email or phone with any questions or to discuss how you can support this experience. Thank you for considering my request. Your support means a great deal, and I am truly grateful for any assistance you can offer.”
There was no way I could say no to a request like that! I think education is perhaps THE most important way to improve our world (together with eating beans that is). And this sounds like a fabulous trip! The only way to make it better is with Yumbini as camping food!
We communicated and I agreed to donate four cases of Yumbini Mild & Creamy Red Beans and Rice, enough for at least one meal for the group. And the teacher agreed to send photos of the students enjoying the feast!
Then he added:
“I reached out to probably over 50 companies and you are one of only a few making a donation. I am not knocking the other companies because I know the requests that they receive are abundant, but more so I wanted to express my gratitude for your assistance.”
We are happy to help! The students just completed their trip and sent these adorable pictures of camping food prep. Those happy smiles are enough to melt anyone’s heart. Enjoy the slideshow below and support education in your community however you can.
