Maya stood before her group of volunteers, a sense of purpose radiating from her as she prepared to guide them through the process of canning green beans.

“Alright, everyone,” Maya began, her voice steady and confident. “Canning green beans isn’t too complicated, but it’s important to follow each step carefully to ensure the food stays safe to eat.”

Madie watched from the sidelines, her admiration for Maya growing with each passing moment. She had never realized the extent of Maya’s knowledge and resourcefulness, nor the hidden treasures within Bear Country.

“First,” Maya continued, “we need to prepare the beans. Make sure they’re washed and trimmed, removing any blemishes or tough ends.”

The volunteers nodded, listening intently as Maya demonstrated the process. Madie couldn’t help but marvel at Maya’s expertise. She had been eating the food grown and preserved by the Agriculture Club without ever truly understanding the effort and skill behind it.

“Once the beans are ready,” Maya instructed, “we’ll blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes to preserve their color and texture.”

Madie listened intently at Maya’s instructions. She didn’t want to make a mistake in the process.

“After blanching,” Maya continued, “we’ll pack the beans tightly into sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top. Then, we’ll cover them with boiling water and seal the jars tightly.”

Madie listened to Maya, suddenly realizing just how much she had underestimated the members of the Agriculture Club. They were not just residents of Bear Country; they were heroes, keeping their community fed and thriving in the face of adversity.

“Finally,” Maya concluded, “we’ll process the jars in a boiling water bath for the specified time to kill any bacteria and ensure the beans stay fresh.”

Madie nodded in understanding, grateful for Maya’s expertise and leadership. As the she and the other volunteers set to work, Madie couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope for the future of Bear Country High School.