Visiting Student
Apprentice Program: What it is and how it works
The
aim of our apprentice program is to energize social transformation. We are not
looking for a source of cheap labor. What we are looking for is
persons imbued with a pioneering spirit - paradigm warriors, if you will,
who are eager to work for a revival of agrarian consciousness, and who are
eager to learn about and participate in the marriage between ecology and
agriculture. As such, we offer an approach to agricultural and
environmental education which leaves the student with an authentic and
direct practical connection to community.
Besides
receiving hands on training in organic farming and gardening methods,
apprentices learn cooking and homesteading skills along with caring for a
small dairy herd. A few years ago we switched to a system whereby students
rotate between herd, garden and kitchen, according to their abilities and
interests. Students also gain valuable experience in public relations as
they become adept at leading groups and individuals on
"walking/talking" study tours of the Teaching Garden.
All the above mentioned activities are focused around our guests
facility, a two bedroom dwelling which facilitates the use of a common
kitchen, a small farm library, a meeting room for workshops and
discussions, a planning and photographic room and overnight guest
facilities.
Commitments of a day, a weekend, a week or the entire growing season are
acceptable. Prior experience is helpful but not mandatory. Long term
interns may receive a stipend and/or living and eating arrangements. For
interviews, either call (304) 243-5990 or email us at info@farmeducation.org. Be
clear about what you hope to gain from the apprenticeship and specify how
you think you learn best. Reading, demonstrations, working side-by-side,
repetitive practice, and independent work can all be learning approaches.
Visiting the farm before committing is a good way to avoid confusion and
mixed signals.
The
aim of our apprentice program is to energize social transformation. We are not
looking for a source of cheap labor. What we are looking for is
persons imbued with a pioneering spirit - paradigm warriors, if you will,
who are eager to work for a revival of agrarian consciousness, and who are
eager to learn about and participate in the marriage between ecology and
agriculture. As such, we offer an approach to agricultural and
environmental education which leaves the student with an authentic and
direct practical connection to community. 
Besides
receiving hands on training in organic farming and gardening methods,
apprentices learn cooking and homesteading skills along with caring for a
small dairy herd. A few years ago we switched to a system whereby students
rotate between herd, garden and kitchen, according to their abilities and
interests. Students also gain valuable experience in public relations as
they become adept at leading groups and individuals on
"walking/talking" study tours of the Teaching Garden.