Adventurers Experience Hands-on Honey Education in Yakima

By Juliana Ramirez

Yakima Valley Adventurer Club Director

On May 3, 2026, the Yakima Valley Adventurer Club enjoyed an exciting and educational field trip to Heritage Honey & Pollination, where children and families had the opportunity to learn more about bees, honey production, and the important role that bees play in God’s creation in a hand-on experience.

Karl Norththrup, the owner of the beehives, guided the group throughout the experience. Norththrup patiently answered questions, shared fascinating information about bees, and helped make the day both educational and memorable for the children.

The group learned fascinating facts about the life of bees. Some of the information he shared included: How fast a bee can fly, how long bees live, how bees communicate with flowers, and how bees work together to collect honey. These fascinating creatures reminded the Adventurers of the incredible design and wisdom found in God’s creation. 

During the visit, Adventurers were able to put on bee suits to observe the beehives up close, learn what smoke is used for in beekeeping, and a few children even got to hold a queen bee. It was a warm day, and the children certainly felt the heat, but they also experienced an engaging hands-on opportunity to connect nature, science, and faith while enjoying time together as families and friends.

The Adventurers had much to say about the outing. The children especially enjoyed seeing the bees up close and learning about the queen bee. “It was fun and exciting,” said one. “I got to hold a queen bee!” said another.

One of the special moments of the day came when Emma’s parents asked her how the life of a bee is similar to our relationship with God.

“Bees take care of their hives from intruders and protect their home,” Emma shared. “Just like we need to protect our walk with God from intruders that want to separate us from God. The life of a bee is like our walk with God — everything is sweeter with Him in our life.”

Parents also appreciated the opportunity for their children to learn through experience and interaction. “It was a pleasure to experience learning about the honey process that we enjoy at our dinner table,” one parent shared. “Thank you for including us!”

The field trip was filled with curiosity, learning, laughter, sweat from the warm weather, and many memorable experiences. Norththrup was happy to share his knowledge and passion for beekeeping with the Adventurers, he is thankful to God and wants God to be gloried. His honey's logo includes the bible verse “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24)