Solstice Farm is a founding member of the Field Program for farm interns. You are able to receive college credit through Washington State University or non credit certification. You need not enroll with WSU if you do not want college credit. The three quarter program begins in April and ends in November. Interns may enroll in one, two or three terms. The program covers 24 separate weekly classes taught either at the host farm or at one of a dozen different venues by well qualified lecturers. The courses cover a wide range of topics from beekeeping to veterinary care.
At Solstice Farm our goal is to become a "seed bed" for future farmers and for those interested in agricultural careers in general. Here the you are required to attend one day of class per week. As mentioned these classes range from beekeeping to building and are taught at either one of several participating farms or with one of the dozen expert mentors.
In exchange the intern is required to perform two additional days doing work/study at Solstice Farm. These work days are attempted to be varied during the day and from week to week to expose to you all the varied tasks on our farm. ( crops, orchard, animals, building, farm machinery and Bed and Breakfast) Also the intern is asked to do feeding chores one morning and one night to become familiar with the needs of all of our animals. Of course, if you are here during the April-May lambing period, you are invited to participate during this most exciting time.
The remaining four days are free for you to explore the area including the wonderful outdoors of the Olympic Peninsula. We are not allowed as participating members of the Field Program to provide any stipend besides excess food grown on the farm. Some of your four free days may be used in finding paid work on other local farms or in one of the local businesses.
We also provide housing in one of two private bedroom apartments which each include two bedrooms,living area, kitchen and bath. For those interested in organic farming the student is urged to produce their own food on their own pea patch on the farm. The food produced on these pea patches often provide not only food for the interns table, but all also produce sales using our marketing outlets.
We are currently looking for only 3 interns and would prefer those interested in attending all three terms. However, exceptions can be made for individual needs. Our farm is extremely varied in scope and provides one of the broadest learning opportunities for those interested in agriculture. Please check out the website for a better understanding of who we are.
If you have any questions please call 360-732-0174 and/or email solsticefarmstay@gmail.com
