Get Back Into Nature With These Summer Farm Internships (2017 Edition)
Summer still feels a ways away, but deadlines for internships are fast approaching. Websites like Good Food Jobs, WWOOF, and AATRA are quickly filling up with summertime opportunities to learn a little (or a lot!) more about the ins and outs of nature, and its various applications. Below, we’ve put together some of the most exciting opportunities we’ve come across.
North East
What: Greenhouse Coordinator, Crop Coordinator, Irrigation Supervisor, Culinary Assistant, Farm Stand Assistant at Share the Harvest Farm
Where: East Hampton, NY
Good For: those who have some farming experience and are looking to gain more
Application Deadline: N/A
Ever wanted to brag you’ve spent a weekend in Hamptons? We can’t say it’ll be as relaxing as it is in the movies, but we can say, it’ll be a fun, rewarding, fulfilling experience. Share the Harvest is a 501(c)3 non-profit that donates fresh, locally grown produce to community organizations along the East End of Long Island. The farm’s six acres are entirely organic, and implement sustainable methods were possible. Visit their site for information on how to apply.
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What: Farm Kitchen Assistant Chef at Riverbank Farm
Where: Roxbury, CT
Good For: those with an interest in the culinary arts (experience preferred but not required)
Application Deadline: N/A
If you like the idea of farms but farming per se isn’t your jam, check out Riverbank Farm, a historic farm dating all the way back to colonial times. The certified organic farm grows cut flowers and vegetables, and their kitchen serves to highlight the fresh bounty they grow. Visit their site for information on how to apply.
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What: Vegetable Apprentice at Glynwood
Where: Cold Spring, NY
Good For: those okay with putting in the hard work and occasional travel
Application Deadline: N/A
With the goal of uplifting the Hudson Valley food system, Glynwood trains farmers and hosts community events, and is a good place for those looking to go deep into Hudson Valley culture. During the summer, the Vegetable Apprentice is charged with working on vegetable production, including (but not limited to) crop planning and marketing. Visit their site for information on how to apply.
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What: Pizza Maker and Farm Hand Internship at Old School Farm
Where: Honesdale, PA
Good For: those who want a good sense of the farm-to-table relationship
Application Deadline: N/A
Who doesn’t love pizza?! (Okay, I’m sure there are a few people out there.) In addition to becoming an entirely self-sustaining farm (free from pesticides and antibiotics), Old School Farm hosts wood fire pizza nights, open to anyone and accompanied by life music. Visit the Good Food Jobs posting for more information on the opening.
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What: Horticulture Internship at Green Chimneys
Where: Brewster, NY
Good For: those with an interest in child psychology
Application Deadline: N/A
Green Chimneys’ mission is bring nature-based education to children in order to improve children’s emotional intelligence, social learning, communication, responsibility and growth; the internship offers the perfect introduction to the intersection of nature and development (a growing field, particularly with regard to Alice Waters’ model of edible education). Visit their website for more information.
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What: Conservation Science Internship with Mass Audubon
Where: Lincoln, MA
Good For: those who want a preview of a scientist’s life
Application Deadline: N/A
As the largest conservation organization in New England, Mass Audubon is an important part of conservation efforts, advocacy, and education in the North East. Interns will be working specifically with the Bird Conservation and Ecological Management teams, and will work on plant and animal inventories, habitat management plans, GPS mapping, writing blog posts, developing GIS maps, deploying wildlife cameras, literature review, and other field- and office-related tasks.
Mid-Atlantic
What: Work Study at John C Campbell Folk School
Where: Brasstown, NC
Good For: those who want to pursue education alongside practical application of skills
Application Deadline: rolling
Don’t want to let your finely honed scholarly skills dull over the summer? The John C. Campbell Folk School offers year-round classes of different lengths, but all with a focus on meaningful community experience. Interns live at the Folk School and perform duties for six weeks and take classes for three weeks. Visit their website for more information.
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What: Farmer/Educator at The Amir Project
Where: Cascade, MD + across United States
Good For: those with a passion for teaching
Application Deadline: March 31st, 2017
If you love kids and gardening, the Amir Project– which seeks to empower children with information about the environment through learning in gardens and farms– may be your summertime calling. Farm interns educate children (through one of 30+ partner summer camps across the United States) using various experimental methods, involving planting, harvesting, and giving to the community. Visit their website for more information.
West Coast
What: Garden Internship or Apprenticeship at Filoli
Where: Woodside, CA
Good For: those studying horticulture, public garden management, landscape maintenance, or landscape architecture
Application Deadline: May 1st, 2017
Love Downton Abbey? Unlike other opportunities on this list, Filoli boasts a formal garden in addition to its wilderness and farmland, and is perfect for anyone who wants a little history with their summer (or if you’re someone who enjoys being surrounded by lavish landscapes and imagining their own dramatic story unravelling amidst its manicured lawns and ancient trees). Visit their website for more information.
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What: Chef In Training Ambassador at Sprouts Cooking Club
Where: Oakland, CA
Good For: those with a passion for the culinary world
Application Deadline: N/A
With children of all socio-economic backgrounds in mind, Sprouts Cooking Club teaches kids how to cook with hands-on classes, fresh ingredients, and real restaurants settings (when possible). If Master Chef Junior always has you in happy, hopeful tears, become the very own Gordon Ramsey of your community. Visit their website for more information.
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What: Garden Educator Internship at The Youth Garden Project
Where: Moab, UT
Good For: those who love teaching through the outdoors
Application Deadline: N/A
What began as a personal garden has now flourished into a one and half acre space dedicated to providing high-quality educational programs for youth, as well as the local community as a whole. The youth programs focus on academic achievement as well as vocation training, balancing head and hands. Internships range in duration; visit their website for more information.
Pacific North West
What: Cultivating the Elements Stewardship at Self Soul Center
Where: Talent, OR
Good For: those who enjoy nature with spirituality
Application Deadline: N/A
At Self & Soul Center, nature isn’t just the combination of dirt and roots– it’s also the cosmic forces and four elements, acting and interacting. Towards this end, the stewardship blends together biodynamics, mindful gardening, psychology, movement therapy, shamanism, theatre, and play, and is an ideal opportunity for those who want to get more in touch (along all channels) with the earth. Visit their website for more information.
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What: Farm Internship at Sanctuary One
Where: Jacksonville, OR
Good For: those who love animals
Application Deadline: N/A
Dogs, sheep, llamas, rabbits– at Sanctuary One, a home for rescue animals, they’re all your best friend. If you couldn’t get enough Animal Planet growing up and dreamed of being an animal whisperer, Sanctuary One is as good as it gets. Visit their website for more information.
Southwest
What: Market/Seed Farm Intern/Apprentice at Wild Mountain Seeds
Where: Carbondale, CO
Good For: those with a particular interest in seeds
Application Deadline: March 16th, 2017
With its historic setting, Wild Mountain Seeds supports aspiring young food entrepreneurs, and runs a permaculture farm in order to provide a thoroughly immersive education experience for their interns. Tasks vary and the opportunity is best for those looking for a general survey of farm life. Visit their Good Foods Jobs listing for more information.
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What: Farm Dinner Intern at Meadow Lark Farm Dinners
Where: Boulder, CO
Good For: those who love a good party
Application Deadline: N/A
Meadow Lark Farm Dinners celebrate and are inspired by the bounty of Colorado’s harvest. Interns are woven in to the party process, from menu planning to clean-up. Visit their website for more information.
South
What: Sustainable Agriculture Adult Apprenticeship Program at Grow Dat Youth
Where: New Orleans, LA
Good For: those who want to learn farming with an urban twist
Application Deadline: N/A
While farming and the countryside has its charms, sometimes you want to get back to the city. Grow Dat Youth brings traditional farming skills to an urban setting, covering all the basics within the context of the organization’s seven acre plot in City Park. Visit their website for more information.
Midwest
What: Intern Program at Franklinton Gardens
Where: Columbus, OH
Good For: those looking for a justice component to their gardening
Application Deadline: N/A
Franklinton Gardens began as a single plot and has since expanded to a network of gardens and food production spaces. The non-profit’s mission operates along three axises: sharing healthy food, creating beauty, and promoting community. Visit their website for more information.
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What: Internship at Green Earth Institute
Where: Naperville, IL
Good For: those who want first hand farmer expertise
Application Deadline: N/A
With nutritional health and environmental sustainability at its core, Green Earth Institute provides educational programming for children year-round (a true feat in a place like Illinois). Visit their Good Food Jobs posting for more information.
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What: Farm/Healing Arts Apprenticeship at Living Roots Ecovillage
Where: French Lick, IN
Good For: those who want a little of everything
Application Deadline: N/A
Massage, yoga, cooking, fermentation, and farming all factor in to the Living Roots Ecovillage apprenticeship, making for a well-rounded summer experience that will leave participants not just better cooks and farmers, but better citizens of the earth. Visit their website for more information.
