Apprenticeship positions enable individuals to live and work on a diverse, manually cultivated organic farm. The work includes: farm maintenance, goat husbandry, CSA co-ordination and/or harvesting of vegetables, fruits and flowers, teaching children’s classes and adult workshops, beekeeping/honey room duty, leading garden tours, produce and flower marketing, co-responsibility for a section of the garden (digging and preparing beds, planting, watering, weeding, building compost piles, etc.). Apprentices can participate in many, if not all, of these activities. The apprenticeship is an informal, hands-on learning experience. Apprentices learn by working alongside more experienced gardeners and then by taking responsibility in particular areas on their own. Previous gardening experience is not a pre-requisite; the motivation to observe, work and make inquiries is. We are especially interested in working with people who have a goal of pursuing productive farming/gardening, homesteading or teaching.
Camp Joy functions as a family farm; each apprentice is a vital part of the working operation of the farm and home. In order for the season to flow well, we prefer that apprentices reside here from April through November (or October if not involved in the Wreath Sale). Shorter stays are possible. The first two weeks are a trial period for both parties. The season commitment is to work full-time, 5 days/week, including Community Work Days, Monday garden meetings, and Saturday workshops. Two one-week vacations can be arranged at appropriate times.
Everyone shares the household tasks of cooking and housekeeping. In addition, each apprentice is responsible for the upkeep of her/his residence, interior and exterior. Simple accommodations and healthy food are provided for the duration of the apprenticeship. Persons interested in applying for an apprenticeship at Camp Joy Garden should write us a letter including a description of yourself and any prior experience you have had in gardening and/or shared living. We encourage interested applicants to visit Camp Joy if possible. If you have questions or wish to arrange a visit, contact: Jim Nelson at 131 Camp Joy Road, Boulder Creek, CA 95006, (831) 338-3651 or email Camp Joy.