Regenerative Farm Education – Good Shepherd Montessori School

Last Updated On: May 7th, 2026 at 07:38PM 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 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: Flexible
Internship Ends: Flexible
Number of Internship Available: 2
Application Deadline: Rotating
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. Internships are also available during the school year for teachers or farmers interested in learning about farm to school education. 

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 summer 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 can include Saturday mornings. Internships during the school year will involve shadowing of junior high classes with farm work including all aforementioned tasks.  

The summer 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 leading volunteer projects and working with the farm manager. 

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 Michael Pollen.
• Could include 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 will be supported. Intern is responsible to pursue credit through their school.

Skills Desired: ● High school graduate, must be 18 ● Candidates should have an interest in environmental restoration and food production/organic farming and/or education ● 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, flexible start date (must sign intern contract). ● Able to secure a background check

Meals: We provide farm produce during work cycles

Stipend: When available

Housing: No

Preferred method of Contact: Email