Smokey House is Seeking

"Willing Workers on Organic Farm"

(WWOOFer) Volunteers

We are located on 5,000 acres in Danby, Vermont.  Our land is mostly wooded with 25 acres in pastures, 2 acres in mixed organic vegetables, and 1 acre in organic highbush blueberries. We raise sheep, turkeys and laying hens.  We produce hardwood charcoal, maple syrup from our large sugarbush, numerous Christmas trees, and firewood for our buildings and sugaring operation.  Our products are sold through a CSA, local Farmers Markets, and at local stores and restaurants.  We look for WWOOFERS year round, but our greatest need is in the spring and summer. Our primary summer needs are in the gardens and blueberries, but days can be varied depending on interests and organizational needs.

Smokey House Center is an educational non-profit organization where local at-risk teens and other youth learn academic, social and work-place skills through hands-on farming and forestry projects.  Crews of 6 youthworkers and one crew leader work together to help with the farm work while reinforcing the student’s basic academic and employment skills.  In addition to the crews, farm production is supported by farm managers, interns, WWOOFERS, and administrative staff.  The working community is an important part of our organization and adds to the diversity of experience available at Smokey House Center.

Suggested length of stay for volunteers is a minimum of one month. We are especially interested in people who could come from April through October, but shorter stays are also possible.

In general we expect about a 30 hour work week.  Some weekends for farmer's markets and chores, and some evenings and/or weekends for haying, sugaring or lambing (depending on the season) would probably be part of the mix. We also expect people to work hard and to have fun. We are also committed to providing educational opportunities for our WWOOFERS.

We live in a really beautiful area with nice hiking right on our property and the Green Mountain National Forest nearby.  We have nice swimming holes in some local streams and great biking.  There are also some good rock climbing sites within driving distance. We also tend to get together frequently for potlucks, barbeques, and activities like ultimate frisbee.

Compensation:  We will provide housing and some basic board (seasonal veggies and other farm offerings, including possibly meat and eggs, plus staples like flour and dry beans).  Accommodations will vary depending on length of stay and can be discussed with folks as they inquire.  Most of our staff live on-property in farmhouses that have been renovated into apartments.  WWOOFERS would likely live with 2-3 other people, share kitchen and living space, and have their own bedroom.  Housing is typically within walking distance of the main center – not to mention nestled in the idyllic setting of the Taconic Mountains.    WWOOFERS would be cooking on their own (or with their roommates).

Learn more about WWOOF program at http://www.wwoofusa.org/.

For more information about Smokey House's WWOOFER opportunities, please contact Sue Katt, Farm Manager, at: