Massimo citarella

bella donna wrote:I'm not sure your read my whole post.
I in no way think leaving a bookshelf around and expecting interns to build a perfect structor. Nothing replaces a formal lesson.
I've heard it said many times on here. That people do not value a 'lesson' unless it is a sit down-y formal way.

This is what I said:

"Then sit in a class setting and teach about, lets say chickens. We then plan out what we are going to do in a 4 hr chunk. get interns to work along side me for 4 hour chunks. 5 days a week. The rest of the time is theirs."

If you tell them about chickens, show them your plan for the day , then start doing it with them. They should be able to continue to do so. It is creating a frame work that can be fallowed in steps. If you have asked them questions and you feel they truly understand, there can also be accountability. Also so when you come back and nothing is done "I didn't know what to do man." Isn't an acceptable answer. I don't expect people to know what I haven't taught them. However I am not intrested in teaching the samething over and over. I will cull the heard lazy people are bad for group moral and should go.

As an interesting side note. Not all apprenticeships are paid, in both the states and Canada journalists and a few others are expected to do an unpaid internship.
Trades are paid a % of what they'll be paid once certified in canada.

If you are living in a Yurt or something on my land and eating food I've cooked there is value to that. Reality is you need to ether barter or pay for food and shelter.
20hr leaves you time to work a normal job if you want and make tones of loot as a bartender/local labour in a nearby town/resort. My land isn't far from a few towns. In fact you can take a city bus.
Its also a selection process of my end.
I've met so many people that think 'money's the root of all evil', but are the first with their hand out to the farmer.
If you want to work more then that I will pay you in one form or another. Real money even.
If you are a good worker
Botem line is by just showing up to work you are not arriving at the table with 50% of a pie to give to me.

Ciao Bella Donna, I like your posts, my answer was to John suggesting the book shelf. I apologize I am not sure I understend everything you write as I am not a native speaker. For what I understand I like very much your effort.
I wish I would have the chance to visit and your farm but I am in Europe at the moment. Best wishes Max

John Polk wrote:

empowerment + education + respect +good food+ comfortable housing= happy interns
any thoughts?

Yes. If you have a nice collection of gardening/husbandry/homesteading books, set up a library where they can comfortably read/study the books during their ample off-the-clock time.

... Sorry but I dont' agree... a book shel is not enough... I can read from my home. Trust me sharp minds don't need your books. Good effort but be creative, invent "brain candies". Montessori school is great. Sorry It is probably for my back ground in education, when I whant to teach something to my classes I spend a huge amount of hours on the subject, articles, internet, youtube, books, everything ... until I produce something is not already on the market. And it works because in that "new thing" there is my true passion... I am finally able to offere me, my true self, not simply a land where to sweat and books to read. I hope I can give you the idea of what I mean. Yes It is demanding specially if you are not used to this style, but Yes it is a "capitalizable" effort. When I have done it and the "lesson" is completed in a nice pack it will be something that you have primarily give to yourself. And you can deliver it as a big candy to all your guests in years. In other terms you do it once good and it will pay you back for long time.
May I suggest the "research learn" methods at the beginning if you don't really know what to do.
es. : Suggest to your team that you want to plant, lets say potatoes, pretend you know nothing about it, ask them to help you with research. work with them put the effort together. Use internet and capitalize it in a final video or so.
this will make their stay super exciting. they will come home super empowered, with a terrific memory of their experience and a video on youtube to watch and show to their friends.
Good luck.
Kilo

Hallo Zeyang, I have tried to send you my application form but I am afraid your system is bouncing me back. Please let me know if you receive my mail. Thank you massimo.

Alison Freeth-Thomas wrote:We are WWOOF hosts if you want to come to France

I'm going to look up attra as we're really in need of some folk who have slightly more comittment than the usual WWOOFer (no offense to serious folk, but we've had lots of folk who just want a free place to stay and eat)

Interestingly, Joel Salatin recommends NOT to have land, at least not to own it - renting he reckons makes more business sense.

you may discover some interesting tips on this link
http://theruminant.ca/2012/02/05/seven-axioms-farmers-use-to-justify-crappy-compensation-for-their-apprentices/

I don't take offense, but I have seen how easy is to turn a motivated volunteer into an upset person.
By the way I had my own small building company and except rare people that needed to replace I have managed to keep a happy team.
Make en effort my friend I know you want and can do it !)
1) not more then 4 hours per day
2) give them not less then 45$ per week (specially if their work is worth the 1500$ you are not willing to pay)
3) make en effort to teach them sounding knowledge

I have read the article and after "volunteering" I must totally agree. Farmers simply tend to 1) treat volunteers as workers, 2) ask for too many hours 3) don't give any what so ever "ducation". This result in a total drop of motivation and make volunteers regret their choice and effort.
It would simply be fair to do not ask for more then 4 hours per day, make a good rotation between volunteers, better schedule operation, make classes or so. And stop thining "you are giving so much" ... and definetly give a 50er at the end of the week!!!