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Description
WHO WE ARE
We are a retired professional couple welcoming Work-away helpers as singles or a couple to our property. We're in the process of integrating permaculture design principles and ethics on our property. Eventually we would like to turn our Farm into a place of Learning. Bob still currently works occasionally in education.
The property is 76 acres of mixed woods and fields with trails throughout.
We have lots of trail maintenance for the sugar bush, maple syrup production in the spring, Chickens for eggs, organic gardens with Hugel-kultur beds. We would like our helpers to weed, cultivate, mill logs with bandsaw mill, build new structures (Natural Building) cook some meals and trim trees. Depending on the time of year harvesting of crops may be included. We invite Work-away helpers of any age or experience but some building skills are especially appreciated. We are interested in anyone who has any background in architecture especially natural building. But all are welcome. Some of the new projects may include: outdoor kitchen, small retreat/cabins in the woods and timberframe workshop (2022/2023)
What we do: Permaculture, Mushroom Logs (Shiitake), Greenhouse, Maple Syrup, Preserves, Fermentation, Fruit trees and Bushes, Seed Saving with local organization(KASSI), Organic gardens, mulching, composting and compost tea.
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
Volunteers please bring plenty of old, warm working clothes. This is Canada expect a variety of weather, Waterproof clothing are invaluable as we work out in all weather. Quality outdoor footwear are essential. Working gloves, water bottles and flashlights are useful. Bring all your own toiletries, sun cream, toothpaste etc.
Work 25 hours a week both indoors and out in exchange for accommodation and 3 meals daily. You need to provide your own work clothes, work gloves and boots. If you have your own computer as there is Wifi , but no TV.
Work-away helpers should have there own health or travel insurance before they come.
The Historic City of Kingston is centralized between our capital of Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. We live 20 minutes North of Kingston and offers a variety of sites to see. There is no public transportation from our home. Rides into town can be arranged. We will pick you up at the Kingston VIA rail or bus station.
During summer we try to brake work between the morning and the evening, we do not go out in the very hot part of the day.
We hope to hear from you and welcome you to our small homestead
We would like to meet you via a form of video conference any Workaway Helpers previous to their commitment to come here.
Looking forward to hearing from you
Bob and MichelleTypes of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Helpers may learn many various things, such as; natural building, permaculture techniques, Maple Syrup production, tree planting, seed saving and gardening.
Please keep in mind this is also a cultural exchange as well as worktrade. We are happy to learn about you and your families as well as your travels.Help
Help with Gardens (Planting/Harvesting), Trail Maintenance, Eco Projects there is a possibility of a workshop in Pallet construction. We expect all workaways to help with all meals, and some light housekeeping chores as necessary.
On our property we strive to build one eco-project per season. We intend to build, barn structure and outdoor kitchen using natural building techniques.
Bob is a Certified Permaculture Designer and Educator.
The property is being designed with Permaculture in mind and currently we are putting in a nursery of fruit and nut trees, bushes and shrubs. Some work will be quite physical. Weeding, cultivating plants, stacking wood and using tools and equipment.
Workaway help should have good initiative and work ethics and be self-starters.
Workaway help should come prepared for inclement weather such as rain, snow or mud depending on the season.Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.Accommodation
We offer; Shared or Private room with Bunks in our home. Internet access, Hot showers. Our home is a Log house structure with all modern conveniences on 76 acres outside a small village. We are near Kingston, Ontario, Canada
We accept travellers with tents or their own accommodation (Camper Van)What else ...
Work-away helpers can email for times we have available during the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Maple Syrup Season 2023 - This is our most popular position for work-a-way helpers and we take only 2 helpers (usually a couple) at this time. Please book early if you are looking for this experience.
WE NOW HAVE ONE (1) LONG TERM INTERN VOLUNTEER POSITION AVAILABLE STARTING IN MAY/JUNE 2023 THIS WILL BE for 3 TO 4 MONTHS. The Intern will be working mostly with the Agro-Forestry Permaculture Project which includes; Greenhouse, tree/shrub planting, alley cropping, tree nursery care as well as some construction projects. To apply for this position please email early in Jan 2023. Students who are using this for a University credit are welcome.
Please email if interested in this opportunity to learn more about Permaculture and sustainable living.
All workaways must have travel insurance with them.
Please feel free to email for availability or cancellation alerts
Please keep in mind that this is a volunteer position and for entry into Canada you must meet a certain criteria (TOURISM AND VISITING FIRST). Please read all entry requirements for Canada by visiting the Canadian Immigration Website . Please be aware that we DO NOT write letters of invitation. All travel documents (ETA, Visa, etc) are the responsibility of the traveler. Please be aware of restrictions due to Covid 19 and follow the guidelines.
Thank you and safe travelsA little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
We expect 25 hours a week
Feedback (37)
This was my first workaway experience and It couldn't have been more perfect for me. Despite language difficulties Bob and Michelle were very kind and patient and open to help and explain all the tasks and activities how many times needed.
I… read more
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Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
This was my first workaway experience and It couldn't have been more perfect for me. Despite language difficulties Bob and Michelle were very kind and patient and open to help and explain all the tasks and activities how many times needed.
I… read more
Thank you very much for everything!
Take care Damien
Hope that you are enjoying Iceland
Bob and… read more
Mari jumped in right from the start, she has excellent work ethic and is a willing learner. She is respectful and goes the extra mile to help out. Mari is thoughtful and considerate of everything and… read more
She got along famously with both Michelle and I and we would take her back here anytime she wants to come.
She would be a great asset to anybody who needed help on their farm or business.
Thank you Maria, hope to… read more
Bob and Michelle were very welcoming. I… read more
Bob and Michelle are very nice people who welcome visitors to their home with love and curiosity. We had lots of nice talks about cultures and gardening.
I will recommend other volunteers to visit their… read more
Xavier, was an amazing helper. He is skilled in multiple areas, mindful of others and always has a calm demeanor. He was a great asset to us here helping with gardens, building arbors, planting as well as cutting wood and chipping.
Xavier is always thoughtful and is a kind soul. He is forward… read more
They sincerly make people feel like at home since their arrival and love sharing their experience.
If you are an hard-worker who wants to know more about permaculture, farming, gardening, sustainable development, DIY, cooking, jazz and card games ^^ this is defintitely the place to be… read more
The accommodations are comfortable with access to laundry and wifi. There is an excellent balance of social time and privacy/quiet time.
Work tasks were clearly outlined with all explanations… read more
They make their guests feel very welcome. The sleeping… read more
She has carpentry skills and… read more
I stayed during the maple syrup season from start to finish, which is such a unique experience and it has left me with a great memories that are pretty… read more
I enjoyed all the… read more
Thank you Bob and Michelle for the experience and for welcoming me into your home!
They are always helpful, friendly and patient to explain different things.
We've never felt bored or alone there!
We would love to come back!
Thank you for everything.
Guillaume and Shiori.
It was a short stay while she was on her… read more
Even though I watered during nearly half of my stay (and I actually liked doing it), I did many other things and learnt a lot. From seed saving to killing potato… read more
The biggest help was getting all of us motivated to start the outdoor shower. We got it half done before she had to leave.
Julia is… read more
Bob and Michelle were a great host and I would never forget what I experienced there. They made me feel at home from the first day I arrived at their house. They were kind, warm, with lots of knowledge about permaculture. Thier garden was well cared and their house was clean, cozy. During my stay I… read more
Thanks for helping us Ayano. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Bob and Michelle
I’m truly thankful with them, from the first moment, they welcomed me as part of their family and I also got to spend half of my stay with another workawayer. Both experiences helped me a lot to find myself and achieving everything I came for.
I mainly worked with Michelle, helping in her… read more
Thanks for all your help Barnaby… read more
Jasmine helped with a lot of the baking and cooking we had some awesome cookies.
Thanks a lot for helping us out… read more
Thanks Jasmin, you were a wonderful addition to our spring and summer family.
I really enjoyed my stay at your home with all these new experiences!!!
Bob and Michelle are just the perfect hosts, they'll take care of you as you were a member of their family! And I did indeed felt like a member of their family!
I spent a very good time at Kingston and I didn't want to leave...but I'm sure… read more
It didn't felt like work but fun to help them… read more
They made Banana/peanut butter Ice cream, a great salmon dinner and an awesome Quark cake.
They have a great work ethic and initiative and helped us prepare beds and plant… read more
The Cob oven was completed and we all got to share… read more
I had tons of fun working with them and learning lots of new things about… read more
We had a lot of weeding to do… read more
She also helped out building the Cob Oven in which we now have made pizza's. Thanks Cecilia
The farm is… read more