Spend Your Summer (or Spring, or Fall) with Better Farm
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Better Farm's Sustainability Education Program
- organic small-scale farming and gardening
- greenhouses and four-season farming
- compost methods
- alternative building and energy
- rain and graywater collection
- aquaponics
- chicken care
- community outreach initiatives (supper clubs, volunteer work at area farms, workshops, presence at local events)
- homesteading (organic cooking, canning/preserving, splitting wood)
- outdoor survival
Better Farm's Sustainability Education Program runs in one- to three-month intervals. Those attending will receive daily assignments and chores all related to sustainability initiatives and organic farming, as well as the opportunity to design and implement projects on their own. Upon completion of all units and responsibilities, participants will receive a certificate from Better Farm. College students may additionally receive course credit for completion of Better Farm's Sustainability Education Program (pursuant to agreement by that individual's school).
Individuals are immersed from day one in the local culture while working alongside other residents at Better Farm and in the Redwood community. Students are expected to do their share in maintaining the condition of Better Farm as well as its peaceful environment. Those accepted for Better Farm's Sustainability Education Program are expected to work seriously—and to conduct themselves in a manner that aids fellow residents in their endeavors.
Many sustainability specialists visit Better Farm throughout the year to offer mentoring and guidance to students interested in coming here to work and gain valuable experience. Additionally, individuals have the option of taking any workshops and participating in any excursions or field trips scheduled during their time at Better Farm.
Students live on-site and communally on the Better Farm campus in shared rooms. A flat fee of $500/month is required to cover educational fees, supplies, lodging, field trips, wireless Internet, use of the laundry machine, all linens and towels, on-site parking, and use of the communal kitchen (stocked weekly with food).
All applications must be submitted to internship@betterfarm.org. Applicants will be notified of their status within one month of submission.
Click here to download the application.
betterArts Residency Program
Located 10 miles from Alexandria Bay and the Thousand Islands, Better Farm is situated on 65 acres of property offering an unparalleled rural living experience. There are two lakes within walking distance; an on-site pond; vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens; shop space; open-air sheds for pottery and painting; a multimedia room; and a practice space for musicians (recording equipment available for a nominal additional fee). Room and board, all meals, linens and towels, wireless Internet, on-site parking, movie nights, and field trips are included in a low stipend we require of all residents. The environment is simple and communal. Residents are expected to do their share in maintaining the condition of Better Farm as well as its peaceful environment.
betterArts residents are encouraged to interact and participate in the goings-on around the property, and to help out with chores and farm-related responsibilities between three and five hours each week. These responsibilities may include working in the gardens, participating in arts-related community outreach projects, helping with house chores, cooking, or assisting with other odd jobs.
Residencies are for two weeks, three weeks, or month-long periods. Basic facilities at Better Farm will be provided; but betterArts residents are expected to provide the majority of materials and equipment they would need for the production of their work.
The standards for admission are talent, desire to live and work at Better Farm, and a willingness to have a go at the Better Theory: a belief that each moment presents us with the opportunity for exponential personal growth
Click here to download the application.
