SUMMER BLOCKS

Summer Blocks are one month programs running from May through September. They are designed to be helpful for:

  • those who cannot commit to our Apprenticeship

  • those who are in the early stages of considering farming as a profession,  

  • those who have done significant online or classroom learning and find they want additional field experience,  

  • or those who seek a meaningful GAP experience before heading to college or to prepare for a WWOOF adventure  

Participation in one of these Summer Blocks is highly suggested for those who wish to apply for the Apprenticeship the following year.

The cost is $750/month.

Not every prospective farmer can take 7-months from their life to work through our Apprenticeship. And yet, having a mentored opportunity to jump from the academic understanding of the components of a working farm to the whole system experience of implementing them can be critical for early farming success.

Our Summer Block program is designed to give you such an opportunity. Like our Apprenticeship, the application process is competitive, and acceptance is based on an interview with our Farm Team.

Because you will be with us for only a portion of the production season, you will not be driving the day to day decisions in the same way our Apprentices do but you will be involved in the discussions so you can see how decisions get made. There is no hourly pay for Summer Block participants, however tent housing is provided.

Requirements:

Must be 18 years or older and have a valid drivers’ license

  • Able to perform physical labor for 8 hours a day, 5-7 days per week 

  • Be fully available for the complete term of your Block (can be 2-weeks, 1-month, or a string of 1-month Blocks) 

  • Competent in communication and teamwork 

  • Prepared and willing to participate in regular check-ins and reflections, designed to deepen the learning experience 

  • Able to accept direction and input from staff 

  • Financially able to cover personal expenses during your term

  • Studies in sustainable ag are required, but
    can be achieved in multiple ways:

    • An academic degree from a community college or university

    • An online training course that covers the basic principles of growing food, preferably as a business

    • Self-driven study of texts, such as, ‘The Lean Farm,’ ‘The Market Gardener,’ or ‘The New Organic Grower’

    • Some Farm experiences that you can demonstrate have prepared you for a deep dive into development of farming practices

Current Covid vaccination, as well as current tetanus shot, required 

Fee: $750/month, or $400/2-weeks