Internships at Heathcote Community in 2008

Interested in finding out about intentional community first-hand? Want to learn skills in natural building, carpentry, gardening, permaculture, cooperative living, or homeschooling? Then maybe an internship at Heathcote is the thing for you.

Heathcote’s internships are a combination of hands-on learning, research, and experimentation. While we have a wealth of experience, we are still developing and fine-tuning our methods. Sustainable living, natural building, and permaculture are vast fields that are continually evolving. Natural building, in particular, requires flexibility with much trial and error.

Internship in Gardening and Sustainable Community Living

The intern will work in our organic gardens under the guidance of experienced gardeners. Much of the work will be done independently. Specific duties include preparing beds, starting seeds, planting, weeding, watering, natural pest control, harvesting, food preservation, composting, and maintaining perennial plants. The intern will also have the opportunity to undertake special garden projects such as designing and planting a perennial forest garden, and implementing our forest stewardship plan. Interns will work 30 hours per week in exchange for room and board. They will be housed in our 150-year-old historic grain mill and integrated into all aspects of community life, including chores, meetings, and social events. A minimum one-month commitment is required.

Qualifications: Must be enthusiastic, responsible, reliable, flexible, able to do hard physical work, and willing to learn through trial and error. Must be willing to live in rustic accommodations with a simple, healthy diet. Should have an interest in rural community living.

Community Life Internship

This internship program is very flexible. We usually design a unique program tailored to the needs of each applicant and to the current needs of the community. Work activities usually include gardening, forest stewardship, repair and renovation of old buildings, child care, and sustainable design projects. A course of readings and discussion in permaculture can also be arranged. Interns are integrated into community life and expected to participate in meetings, cooking, clean-up and chores. They usually do 20 hours of work per week in exchange for lodging and pay $180 per month for food. Options for lodging include small rustic cabins (if available), the bunk room or camping. There may be opportunities to do work for money on site or in the local area to cover the cost of food.

Learn Fair Trade Festival Business

Have an idea for a green retail venture but don’t know where to start? Heathcote Earthings sells at music festivals, county fairs, etc., saving the expense of store rent. We educate consumers on fair trade and many organic, recycled, natural and energy-saving options. We’re a cooperative based at Heathcote Community. Live in community and learn how to make a difference while making your living! Interns will learn jewelry making, selling, display techniques, wholesale ordering, scheduling, bookkeeping, etc., from a 20 year veteran peddler! Upon completion, interns will have skills and business plan to start their own ventures or join our cooperative!. Housing is in our mill bunkroom. Vegetarian meals provided. Internship is a 3 month commitment, offered April through November. 40 hours per week, usually long days most weekends with time off mid week. Non-smoker. Must have own car. Computer skills helpful.

Homeschooling Internship

Heathcote Community has a homeschooling Open Classroom for member children and the larger community. The intern will assist the Coordinator in developing and carrying out Open Classroom’s child-driven curriculum; maintain furniture and equipment; prepare meals and snacks; focus on needs of individual children; and assist in outreach to regional homeschooling community. Work 20 hours per week in exchange for housing. Pay $180/month for food. Phone, TV, and internet available. Fingerprinting and criminal background check required.

HOW TO APPLY FOR AN INTERNSHIP

1. Complete the written application, including a resume and three references. The application questions are printed below. You may submit your application electronically to info@heathcote.org or via postal mail to:

   Heathcote Community
   21300 Heathcote Rd.
   Freeland, MD 21053

2. After receiving your application we will contact you to schedule an interview.
3. Do an interview by phone or in person.
4. Come and visit for a day or two. Visitor Weekends are the best times to visit. To schedule a visit call Carol at 443-491-3486.

Here are the application questions. Please copy the questions and include them with your application.

1. What is your name, address, phone number and email address?
2. Which internship are you applying for?
3. When can you begin and when would you like to conclude your internship?
4. What do you hope to learn and accomplish during your internship?
5. What skills do you have? (ie. gardening, carpentry, organizing, computer, etc.)
6. Can you work well without supervision? (Please explain.)
7. What do you like the most about yourself?
8. What do you like the least about yourself?
9. What is your experience with children?
10. What is important to you about interacting with children?
11. Do you have any special needs?
12. What concerns or questions do you have?
13. When can you do an interview?
14. Where did you hear about our internship program?
15. Please attach your resume and 3 references.