Good Shepherd Montessori School's urban farm occupies approximately two acres of our property and includes endless opportunities for hands-on learning. We follow regenerative growing practices and embrace the philosophy of permaculture, which seeks to care for the earth, care for the people on the earth, and share with others the fruits of the earth. Our farm is home to goats, chickens, rabbits, and bees and produces a great variety of fruits and vegetables each season. The farm is at the center of our school culture and serves as a resource to the wider Michiana community.
Internships
Good Shepherd Montessori School offers a limited number of internships each summer to students wanting a 10-week experience in ecological horticulture and earth stewardship. Interns work closely with our Farm Manager and Regenerative Agricultural Specialist, Theri Niemier, who has 25+ years of experience in farming and education. See below for all the details and information about how to apply.
Description
We are in an exciting time for the field of food, farming, and sustainability. The desire for re-invention of our food industry is unprecedented and critically necessary. With less than two percent of the current population directly involved in farming, widespread education is needed to address the future of food security.
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.
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.
In short, the purpose of the internship program is:
-
To help 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
-
To help interns experience a variety of successful small scale, food producing farming styles
-
To help interns know the steps, from planning to market, for food farming
-
To help interns understand food security issues that necessitate growth in small farming everywhere.
Duties and Responsibilities
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
-
Position Requirements
-
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). Housing: Some host housing available.
-
Able to secure a background check
Application for Internship
Please complete the Internship Application. Applicants will be contacted for an in-person or telephone interview, but please feel free to follow up on your initial application submission with an email or phone call.
Community Sponsored Agriculture
Joining the CSA at Good Shepherd Montessori School is not just about food, but about education as well. CSA members receive a generous amount of fresh fruits and vegetables each week and also learn about small-scale regenerative farming through hands-on experience. Members participate in all aspects of our farm production and gain a better understanding of agriculture’s role in personal and environmental health. Each membership also supports our beginner farmer internship program.
We believe in creating the best value for our members, while maintaining the principles of earth stewardship and educating the next generation of farmers. Member feedback each year helps us to grow and change to best serve our community. It’s a win-win opportunity: we hope you can come grow with us this season!
2026 CSA Options
Working Membership – Our most popular membership. In May, join us on Saturday mornings from 8–10 a.m. From June through October, join us on Wednesdays or Saturdays from 7–10 a.m. for a work-to-learn CSA experience. You will work with other community members to grow, maintain, and harvest a diverse variety of produce. You will receive a fair share of weekly produce, equaling roughly 3/4 bushel, and access to bulk amounts when available. If a full membership is too big, you can share your membership (1/2 membership) with a friend. See the membership agreement for more details.
Work Days: May 2 – September 5, 2026 including independent harvesting until season ends in November
Cost: $475.00
Pick-Up Only – Drive through and pick up your 3/4 bushel variety pack of fresh organic produce with flowers, farm fresh eggs, or another value-added item each week. If a full membership is too big, you can share your membership (1/2 membership) with a friend. See the membership agreement for more details.
June 1–September 14, 2026
Cost: $600.00
GSMS Farm Camp
Each summer our school sponsors an urban farm day camp program for children 4–12 years old. Children are hands-on involved in the everyday activities of a working urban farm. Each day includes farm chores, agriculture lessons, harvesting, and cooking or nature projects. Nutrition and earth stewardship lessons are intrinsic to all experiences. Take away projects are fun and meaningful and will bring these lessons home.
We welcome children from all walks of life and surrounding communities to join our summer fun (and will provide scholarships when needed). Ninety percent of our time together will be outdoors.
As always, our goal is to follow the child’s excitement and wonder as we visit and learn about the special places on the farm. From the barnyard to the gardens to some very special secret places, it will be a summer of new and exciting discovery.
Come grow with us this summer.
Farm Camp 2026
Due to extensive maintenance on our building and grounds, Good Shepherd cannot safely host campers for Farm Camp this summer.
We will miss you and your children! However, we hope this will be a one-time interruption of our regular program.
Submit this form to receive an email update about the Farm Camp 2027.
We look forward to summers together again in the future!
4—6 Year Olds
FARM ADVENTURE
Children will use their five senses to discover many special places on the urban farm, including the barnyard, vegetable gardens, the orchard, and the secret garden.
7—9 YEAR OLDS
DISCOVERING WHERE OUR FOOD COMES FROM
This camp is a non-stop immersion into the nature of a working urban farm. Campers will work and harvest in all areas of the farm. Animal Husbandry basics will be taught and demonstrated.
10—12 YEAR OLDS
I CAN GROW
Learn basic farming skills. Campers will work alongside interns in the field and with the livestock. Each day will include field work, harvesting and an interactive food preparation class. A great class for future Jr. counselors.
Adult Education
Good Shepherd’s urban farm is a resource for the local community. We are committed to embodying permaculture philosophy and practicing regenerative agriculture. We want to work together with others in our community to care for the earth, to care for the needs of those around us, and to share what we have with others. To that end, we offer workshops, classes, and other educational opportunities open to the public throughout the year.
We are pausing in-person learning for 2026 in anticipation of extensive maintenance on our building and grounds over the summer. However, you can still access the archives of our free online conference, featuring 21 videos from experts on farm-to-school programs, such as Ben Hartman and Theri Niemier, as well as practical topics like conservation, composting, and sustainable farming and gardening. Visit our YouTube channel now.