This unique six-month program, running from May through October, is for students currently in grades 5-12. New apprentices are limited to grades 5-8.
Apprentices meet several times a week to plant, maintain and harvest the farm’s educational gardens and work with Farmer Jonathan in the production gardens. They also care for our rabbits, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys. Kevin Meehan, Program Director, manages the program to ensure that apprentices work collaboratively to assist in all aspects of the farm, including teaching younger children about farm activities.
Apprentices are actively involved in many farm-related tasks. The work can be challenging but incredibly rewarding—the program includes many special events such as Ambler Farm Day, a farm-to-table soup and salad experience, a bonfire and more!
Apprentices will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6pm, and on Saturdays from 9-11am. Hours may shift slightly during the summer months to take advantage of the longer summer days. Attendance is very flexible, as we know our apprentices have busy lives.
Prospective apprentices and a parent need to meet with Mr. Meehan to understand the philosophy and expectations for the program to ensure it is a good fit. Please email Kevin Meehan, Director of Programming to schedule a meeting.
Program slots will be filled first by returning apprentices and their siblings, followed by lottery results if needed. On April 12th, should there be interest beyond program capacity, a lottery will be held to select new apprentices. The lottery will be overseen by Executive Director – Ashley Kineon, Program Director – Kevin Meehan, as well as several Board Members.
If you are requesting financial assistance for the apprentice program, please fill out this form prior to registering your child. We have limited scholarship funding available and will review applications in the order in which they are received. We will reply back to you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
For more information, please email Kevin Meehan.