Now reviewing applications for summer and year-long internships in 9 locations across North America.
The earth needs regenerative agriculture. It needs stewards – people who will care for the forests, fields, waterways, and all those who call them home – for the next generation and all those who follow. You can help. Learn to grow your own food sustainably with biodynamic farming practices in Camphill.
View Open Positions and Apply Online
In Camphill, volunteers live and work alongside children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (like autism and Down syndrome) in sixteen beautiful communities and schools across North America, many of which practice biodynamic agriculture. During the growing season, the food couldn’t be fresher – it’s harvested in the morning and by lunch, it’s on the table.
Camphill farms raise cows, pigs, chickens, and sheep. There are acres of organically managed vegetable gardens, orchards, small grains crops, herbs, and a seed-saving business. Bees pollinate all these crops and provide honey. Other products include yogurt and cheese, artisan sourdough breads (sometimes made with grains grown and milled on-site), jams, ferments (like kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, and pickles), teas and culinary herbs. There’s a strong herbal tradition in Camphill – communities grow and process healing plants into teas, tinctures, and ointments. Sustainable forestry is also practiced in Camphill.
As a biodynamic agriculture intern living in Camphill, you will:
- Learn and practice biodynamic farming techniques with the support of experienced mentors
- Receive training in therapeutic approaches to person-centered inclusion in agriculture and community
- Have the option to also learn creative skills in a variety of craft studios
- Develop lifelong friendships with interesting people from many different countries, backgrounds, and abilities
- Impact the lives of the people around you and experience incredible personal growth in return
- Have the opportunity to grow into agricultural leadership positions within Camphill communities
In their house community, interns join other members of the household to create a warm home life, environment help with the care, beauty, upkeep, and running of the home. Interns can also help with the health and care needs of the people with whom they live.
Living in Camphill requires stamina, perseverance, and an openness to learn. For those excited by this challenge, the rewards are manifold: personal satisfaction, friendships, discovering new interests and capacities, developing skills, living sustainably, and being part of a community effort to create meaningful lives for people with diverse abilities. The selection process tends to give priority to applicants who are able to care for the people that Camphill serves rather than to applicants who require personal support and healing themselves.
Other qualifications we value:
- A curiosity or desire for community living and a sustainable lifestyle
- An interest in working with individuals with special needs in an inclusive way
- Initiative, teamwork, dependability, positivity
- Emotional maturity and health are important
- Love for the earth and interest in learning about and practicing regenerative agriculture
Benefits include:
- Free room & board (private room in a community house and farm-fresh meals)
- College Loan Support Program
- Access to community cars (gas and insurance included)
- Health insurance
- Professional development opportunities
All Camphill locations have taken strong protective measures that meet all current local, state, federal, and CDC guidelines for COVID-19 since March 2020. We are providing spaces for new arrivals to comfortably quarantine before fully participating in community life.
Read about how Camphill has adapted to life during COVID-19
Check out our website to see the different locations with biodynamic agriculture internships. If this opportunity interests you but you are looking for a longer experience, check out our live-in volunteer positions! Deadlines for your applications and start-dates vary among locations.
Contact Leila Kaplan with any questions.
Email: leila@camphill.org
Phone: 917-765-5315 (call or text)