We are now accepting applications for the 2013 growing season. Applications with instructions can be downloaded HERE.
Applications are due March 1, 2013.
The invitation:
Eighth Day Farm (Holland, MI) is recruiting up to four men and four women to participate in an intern-apprentice program, mid-May through August 2013 . Selected interns will possess an interest in agriculture and creation care along with the physical and emotional dedication to work and learn. Interns will also need to demonstrate a commitment to the Christian faith and a desire to live, cooperate and grow in a spiritual community. Interns will be compensated by having their housing, food shares from the farm and food stipend provided. 40-hour work week. Independent study for college credit (optional and pending approval). Applicants should apply through application form and submit one character reference.
Who should apply:
The Eighth Day Farm intern-apprentice program is designed for younger adults, currently enrolled or recently graduated college and graduate students. The program is ideal for aspiring farmers but also for anyone interested in exploring and practicing a holistic and close existence to food and land with the encouragement and support of a Christian community.
Content of the experience:
Creation care/stewardship
- Agricultural training in basic farming techniques from germination to harvest, soil quality, composting and soil rehabilitation.
- Food preparation for CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) distribution and market stand sales.
- Learn by example and acquire a posture of care and nurture as modeled by our farmers.
Community development
- Learn about food systems, nutrition needs and food deserts.
- Extend yourself to the community by building relationships with CSA members, volunteers and church groups.
- Interact with visiting children and at risk youth.
Spiritual and character formation
- Community living in separate men’s and women’s houses located near the farm.
- Spiritual disciplines, an invitation to deepen your faith through the Scriptures, and prayer.
- Observe how rhythms of work, prayer and rest compliment each other in your own flourishing.
Overview of the farm:
As we are empowered by God’s redemption in Jesus, Eighth Day farm’s vision is to restore the land, produce nutritious, tasty food and see the flourishing of the people of Holland, Michigan.
The Eighth Day farm mission is to use our urban fields as a classroom to cultivate healthy and sustainable communities locally and globally.
Eighth Day Farm was started by Jeff Roessing (MDiv, Western Seminary) in the Spring of 2010 on two small plots of land outside of Holland, Michigan. In 2011 we began our identity as an urban farm by appropriating a .4-acre plot of land in town that was formerly a pre-school. Based on the success of that location, a developer passionate about New Urbanism invited us to farm a 2-acre section of a parking lot in a dying strip mall. Asphalt and the soil beneath was removed. New soil and several treatments of compost were added to reclaim land that was otherwise lost to the sprawl of consumerism.
Community development is difficult. Organic farming is also difficult. Reshaping our community through urban farming is thus highly daunting. As we reclaim properties for agriculture, teach people how to raise plants and eat nutritious food; as we love our neighbors and carefully deepen our faith practices, we believe we are merely returning to old patterns of living that have been lost to our present society. Daunting as the vision and mission may be, we are compelled by faith to move ahead into our fourth growing season.
We believe the recruitment of 4-8 farm intern-apprentices will be a substantial part of the farm’s educational mission and will also position able bodies to ensure a stability of labor for the farm’s longevity. The intern program will be directed by Jeff Roessing and Joshua Banner (Minister of Music and Arts, Hope College, MCS Regent College).
Further inquiries can be sent to bannerj (at) hope.edu