What is the time commitment?

• CKC Volunteers typically work 2-4 hours per week and generally stick to a regular weekly schedule from March through October.

• CKC Interns are required to work 4 hours per week for 12 weeks.  Interns who work on the farm, will work Monday-Thursday 4pm-6pm in the spring and fall and 5pm-7pm in the summer.  Please note, Interns who express interest in working at the Farmstand Market should be available on Thursday evenings.

 

What are the COVID precautions and protocols when working at the farm?

• Here is the link to our up-to-date COVID response for Koiner Farm.

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What if I have to miss a day?

• No problem - we are all happy to sub for each other. 

• CKC Interns and Volunteers use WhatsApp to message each other - share your request for a sub, or offer to cover someone else on the Koiner Farm WhatsApp thread.  Everyone is going to need a sub at some point, so don’t be afraid to ask and definitely don’t be afraid to help out by covering someone else’s shift.

 

Where will I be working?

• CKC Interns and Volunteers work at Koiner Farm, a one-acre urban farm in Montgomery County, MD.

• Koiner Farm is located at 737 Easley Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910, just 2 blocks from the Silver Spring Library.

• We are less than a mile from the Silver Spring Metro station (red line) and less than a mile from the Montgomery College TP/SS Campus. 

 

Who do I report to?

• CKC Interns and Volunteers work on the farm under the guidance and supervision of one of Koiner Farm's experienced urban farmers (Meet the Team here).

• Ultimately, all Interns and Volunteers report to Hannah Sholder.  Hannah is the Program Director for Farm Management. Hannah can be reached by WhatsApp at 412-979-1172 or email at hannah@ckcfarming.org. 

• Interns and Volunteers should report any accidents or concerns that take place at the farm to Hannah ASAP.  

 

How do I communicate with others?

• We use WhatsApp for day-to-day communications between Interns and Volunteers. 

• Please download WhatsApp before your first day of work and message Hannah at 412-979-1172 to let her know you got it. Hannah will link you in with your fellow Interns and Volunteers.

 

What should I wear?

• First and foremost, bring your mask!  You will be asked to wear it when children are at the farm.

• Come dressed for the weather.  You should wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy, weather appropriate shirt/jacket and shorts/pants that can get dirty, a sun hat or winter hat, if needed.

• Please bring your own work gloves or gardening gloves.  We have some gloves to share, but your own are best.

 

What else do I need to bring?

• Always bring a water bottle, work gloves and mask.

• You may also want a snack, sunscreen, bug spray or other.

• We keep keep extra sunscreen, bug spray and hand sanitizer in the garage.

• We also keep a Brita pitcher of cold water in the fridge, but you will need your own water bottle to fill up.

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How do I keep track of my hours?

• We keep a sign-in/sign-out sheet on the work counter in the garage.

• This is where you will mark down your hours worked. 

• We use this sign-in/sign-out sheet to keep track of all Intern and Volunteer hours. It is very important that everyone, regardless of your reason for working,  track your hours... if not for your own benefit, for the benefit of CKC Farming, as we like to reference "number of volunteer hours" in grant applications among other things. Thank you for your help with this!

 

What are the rules on the farm?

• No smoking on or near the property.

• No use of drugs or alcohol, or any judgement impairing medications, prior to or while working on the farm.  Volunteers and interns may be expected to use heavy tools and operate machinery.

• No language of violence, sexism, racism, homophobia, or other hateful speech.  Koiner Farm is a safe space where all members of the community have the right to feel safe and respected.  Note, CKC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in good standing with the State of Maryland and, as such, is required to report violent behavior and/or language to the authorities.​

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Are there any safety concerns that I should be aware of when working on the farm?

• There are inherent risks to being on a working farm, such as rusty tools and equipment, holes and uneven ground, bees and other stinging insects, and more.  By accepting a CKC Internship or Volunteership, you are confirming that you understand and voluntarily assume these risks.  See CKC's Intern and Volunteer Agreement for waiver of liability. 

• If there is an emergency  that requires medical attention, dial 9-1-1.

• If there is an accident, such as minor scrape, bee sting, bruise,  or other, get the Med Kit from the garage.  The Med Kit is in the cubby under the sign in table.  It has Bandaids, cleaning solutions, and ice packs.

• If someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, move them into the shade, get them water and a snack.  There are popsicles in the freezer on the back deck.

• If someone gets a bee sting, ask them if they are allergic.  If so, dial 9-1-1 or get them their EpiPen.  If not, get them a the Med Kit from the garage.  The Med Kit has ice packs and Sting-eeez ointment.