Agriculture Internship

Small-scale farming has the loveliness of a garden and the peacefulness of nature and nature's God. George Bernard Shaw once said "The best place to seek God is in the garden."

God originally assigned Adam & Eve to dress the Garden of Eden. They were to tenderly nurture the plants growing there. Even after they fell from grace and left the Garden of Eden, God gave them small-scale farming as their occupation.

Our goal at BHHEC's Battle Creek Gardens is to work in harmony with nature to produce nutrient-dense, health-giving vegetables and fruits to help those participating in our wellness programs to more rapidly achieve improved health, and more energy. We also desire to provide the best quality produce we can possibly grow to share with our CSA members and other customers. We believe that by working with the laws of nature, and asking the Lord to bless the land and our efforts, we can successfully practice good land stewardship.

Our farm is "Certified Naturally Grown", an alternative to the USDA’s Organic label certification. Certified Naturally Grown is a non-profit alternative certification program tailored for small-scale, direct-market farmers using natural methods. The Certified Natural Grown certification standards are based on the highest principles and ideals of organic farming, and take as their starting point the USDA Organic Standards. Visit their website for more information about Certified Naturally Grown.

Battle Creek Gardens is a small farm located approximately 6 miles outside of Hermosa, South Dakota. We grow over 70 varieties of vegetables, herbs, melons, and beans. We have a deer-fenced 8-acre enclosure with greenhouse. Our crops are distributed within 50 miles of the farm through various avenues such as a CSA program, direct market and regional wholesale.

We are currently seeking individuals for farm internships and shorter volunteer positions for the 2011 outdoor growing season.

Farm Internship positions at Battle Creek Gardens provide interns with the opportunity to experience small-scale market farming through education, observation and active experience, to ask questions and to learn the different steps in being faithful land stewards. Interns will be involved in all aspects of the farm (learning soil fertility management from a natural perspective, vegetable production, harvesting the cornucopia of your labor, post-harvest handling of the produce, distribution of the harvest to customers and greenhouse management); and you will work closely with the lead farmer, other participants and volunteers.

Working on a farm requires being in good physical condition. One must have the capability to participate daily in a rigorous, fast-paced agricultural setting. Small-scale farming offers the opportunity to be caretakers of nature and to discover the spiritual lessons nature has to offer. Working with plants can be an incredibly rewarding and the demanding work environment stimulating.

Is a farm internship right for you?

Interns need to be able to lift 50 lbs, and work long hours as needed. Interns need to be physically able to work daily with their hands, wrists, and back. There is a lot of bending, walking, kneeling and standing involved. Interns should expect to work outside in all weather conditions including rain, possible snow, and summer temperatures possibly into the 100s. Weekly hours will range from 40 to 65 depending on the time of season and the weather.

As with all farms, we would prefer individuals with some working knowledge of farming or gardening using organic or sustainable agriculture for vegetable production, but we are willing to teach someone with no experience if they have a sincere interest to learn.

Our farm is located in the country where the peacefulness of nature and God's presence prevails. The hustle and bustle of the city with its entertainments, eating establishments, noise and bright lights is far removed here. It is essential that candidates are committed to the rural farming lifestyle, both what it has to offer and all that it demands.

Finding a good match between what our farm and center can offer an intern and the needs and expectations of an intern is incredibly important to us.

Qualifying interns need to be energetic self-directed individuals with good communication skills, and able-bodied team players who enjoy physical work outdoors (weeding, planting, hauling, digging, harvesting, preparing produce for market, packing CSA boxes, and general farm and greenhouse activities), as well as being open to learning new skills and new concepts. Interns may also participate in greenhouse propagation, marketing, and distribution. Our summers usually start out warm and sunny and end up hot and sunny. Interns need to be able to work in the hot sun, as well as be aware that some days may include long hours.

Interns must be able to read, write and speak fluent English for interacting with BHHEC staff, volunteers, health guests and customers. Interns will sign a confidentially agreement to protect proprietary intellectual property produced on this farm.

Interns need to have an enthusiasm and desire to work with nature and to farm naturally.

You need to be at least 18 years old.

If you desire health insurance, you will need to provide your own health insurance, as no health insurance will be provided by the center/farm.

Housing

Dormitory-style accommodations in Red Canyon Lodge will be provided, with 2 people to a bedroom, and shared bathrooms. You provide your own linens, towels, pillows, blankets, and personal items, including laundry soap. Twin beds, dressers, closet and desk are provided. Upkeep and maintenance of your personal space is the responsibility of the intern. Laundry facilities are available.

Unfortunately, few exceptions are granted to house partners, children, or pets. Please contact us to inquire.

Housing for Volunteers

Dormitory-style accommodations will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own bed and towel linens, though not mandatory. Twin beds, dressers, closet and laundry facilities are provided. Upkeep and maintenance of your personal space is the responsibility of the volunteer. Unfortunately, few exceptions are granted to house partners, children, or pets. Limited RV space is available. Please contact us to inquire.

Meals

Meals are provided by our Main Lodge dining room. Farm interns and volunteers will join staff and wellness guests for meals. All meals are whole-plant based (vegan vegetarian.)

Internship Dates

• Season starts: late April – early May

• Season ends: mid-late October

• Application deadline: preferably by March 30th

• Minimum Length Stay: we would prefer the entire growing season, however, please contact us if your availability is different, but you are interested.
  Contact email: michelle@bhhec.org

Compensation

For seasonal full-time educational internship: In addition to housing and meals, we are offering a stipend of $600 a month.

The right fit between intern and farm is critical. We hope through correspondence and telephone to be able to determine together that we and you are a good match. We do offer a "trial period" of the first month at the beginning of your internship. At the end of the trial period either you or the farm may terminate the internship at will. After the second week of the internship we will schedule a "check-in appointment" with you to see how your experience is going. You may also talk with us regarding concerns or questions at any time.

Volunteers

Volunteers often come for short periods of time. Please contact us if you are interested and indicate the dates of your potential availability. Volunteers typically provide 6 hours a day of labor 5 days a week in exchange for housing and meals. Volunteers, like interns, need to be able-bodied and able to work outdoors.

We are a Christian organization that operates a health program for those seeking healing and health enhancement. Our campus and farm is a smoke-free, drug and alcohol free, and firearm-free environment. Qualifying interns and volunteers will need to respectfully abstain.

Additional Details about Internships & Volunteers

We strongly recommend bringing your own vehicle as we are 30 miles from town, and there are no transportation services. For those without a vehicle, we can pick you up at the airport or bus station. A vehicle, however, has many advantages. We are located in the rolling foothills of the southern Black Hills. There is much to see and do here. We are within 10 to 40 miles from many outstanding places to explore such as Mt. Rushmore National Monument, Custer State Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, Crazy Horse Monument, the Mammoth Excavations, many hiking trails, etc. We are within 2 ½ hours of Devil’s Tower National Monument, and 1 ½ hours from Spearfish Canyon and the Badlands National Park. There are also walking and hiking opportunities on campus and adjacent to campus.

How to Apply

Please download the application and mail your completed application form and cover letter to:

Farm Internship Coordinator
BHHEC
PO Box 19
Hermosa, SD 57744

or email to michelle@bhhec.org.

Applications for internships should be submitted by
March 30th.

Please answer the following questions
in your cover letter.

• Why are you interested in Battle Creek Gardens and this position?

• Do you bring any previous experience to this position? If so, please tell us about your experience. Also, what practical skills do you hope to acquire here?

• Do you have any allergies, or any current or recurring physical conditions, especially back problems that might affect your ability to live in a rural setting and do farm work?

• For the sake of our health guests, BHHEC has a personal appearance policy that requires staff, students, interns and volunteers to be dressed in clean, modest clothing and to maintain a fairly “traditional” appearance. Do you feel that you can comply with this requirement? If no, why not?

• A willingness to communicate is important when working on the farm. Do you feel comfortable asking questions when things are unclear? Do you have other techniques you employ to promote effective communication?

• Please tell us how you found out about this internship program?