Farm & School Permaculture – Good Shepherd Montessori School
Last Updated On: March 10th, 2025 at 09:30AM MST
Contact information
Farm Address:1101 E Jefferson Blvd
South Bend, Indiana, 46617
Primary Contact: Theri Niemier
Primary Phone:
Type: Office
Number: (574) 288-0098
Email: bertrandfarminc@gmail.com
Website: https://www.gsms.org/farming-the-city/
Internship information
General Farm Description: Our urban farm uses intensive annual and permaculture growing practices. We grow fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, and limited meats. Interns participate in all areas of production and aspects of the farm business including educational classes, youth farm camps, and our community sponsored agriculture programming (CSA). In addition, we partner with other nearby farmers to allow interns an even wider range of diverse and exciting farm experiences.CRAFT Member Farm? No
Internship Starts: May or June 2025
Internship Ends: August 2025
Number of Internship Available: 2
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025
Minimum Length of Stay: 10 weeks
Internship Details:
Our summer internships are an opportunity for students to understand the role of agriculture in environmental restoration. Students interested in agriculture, nutrition, earth sciences, or theology are encouraged to apply.
Program goals:
- interns gain experience in vegetable, fruit, and meat production using proven organic practices that are mindful of sustainability with regards to the environment, the availability of affordable fuel, and the future food security needs of our local communities
- interns experience a variety of successful small scale, food producing farming styles
- interns know the steps, from planning to market, for food farming
- interns will understand food security issues that necessitate growth in small farming everywhere.
Our farming experience is an immersion in nature. Some days are exhausting but always exciting and full of reward. A typical day on the farm starts early and includes field work and more physically demanding tasks until noon. Afternoons can include shade work, class work, or down time. Intern hours include Saturday mornings.
The internship program begins with five weeks of heavy focus on urban farming practices and course work regarding ecological agriculture. The second five weeks focus on fieldwork and education projects including but not limited to farm camps and leading volunteer projects.
Specific duties include:
- Daily fieldwork, including animal maintenance chores and farming practices
- Using farm equipment, including hand tools, sprayers, tillers, and farm tractor
- Keeping detailed records on all farm activities
- Participation in weekly educational components, including presentations, workshops, farm tours, and movies
- Pre-reading assignment, includes The Omnivore’s Dilemma (Young Readers Edition) by Micheal Pollen
- Leadership roles with youth in an educational setting
Educational Opportunities: This position includes ample opportunities for learning that are detailed in the Internship Description section. College or university credit should be pursued by intern.
Skills Desired: ● High school graduate, must be 18 ● Candidates should have an interest in environmental restoration and food production/organic farming ● Able to work hard mentally and physically; required lifting can reach 50 lbs. ● Tolerant of sweat, dirt, sun, and rain (enjoying it is a plus) ● Able to work well as a team member and independently ● Able to work a minimum of 10 weeks, start date May or early June (must sign intern contract). ● Able to secure a background check
Meals: We provide produce and meals during work cycles.
Stipend: when available
Housing: Some host housing available
Preferred method of Contact: Email