WHAT WILL PARTICIPANTS DO?
Seasonal Projects with a Purpose
Youth participants will engage in exciting, hands-on activities that connect them to the rhythms of nature and the cycles of the seasons:
Winter & Early Spring: Seed cleaning, garden bed preparation, greenhouse planting, garden design, and light construction of structures like composting toilets and outdoor kitchens.
Spring: Preparing garden beds, planting crops, and focusing on food and dye production for markets and community sharing.
Summer: Harvesting, pest management, irrigation design, farm-to-kitchen meals, herbal medicine creation, eco-art, and market preparations.
Fall: Focus on harvesting, cooking, food storage, composting, and fall crafts.
Winter: Art preparation for holiday markets, soap making, and bottling herbal tinctures.
Youth won’t just complete projects—they’ll explore their own strengths, gain entrepreneurial experience, and uncover their unique talents in a vibrant, collaborative setting.
Empower Your Teen with Hands-On Learning and Mentorship
What Makes This Program Different?
A Revolutionary Approach to Learning and Growth.
Our program is unlike traditional extracurricular options. Here’s why:
Small Groups, Big Impact: With only 3-4 participants per session, youth receive undivided attention and mentorship.
Hands-On, Purpose-Driven Learning: Youth engage in practical skills like farming, composting, creative arts, and irrigation while exploring their purpose and passions.
Anti-Traditional, Pro-Resilience: Instead of rigid, outdated school principles, our program fosters creativity, individuality, and self-discovery.
Mutual Aid and Peer Support: Participants learn the value of collaboration, emotional resilience, and being part of a community.
Who Is This Program For?
Designed for Youth Ready to Thrive in New Ways
Our program welcomes:
Youth aged 14-25 who want hands-on learning over traditional academics.
Individuals from non-traditional families, non-dominant identities (BIPOC, LGBTQ, Neurodivergent, ESL), or those who’ve faced adverse experiences.
Creative, sensitive youth with a passion for art, gardening, or experiential learning.
Youth looking for paid learning opportunities that inspire their future vocational paths.
More Than Just a Program—A Path to Purpose
Participants walk away with:
Skills: Farming, self-care, teamwork, and vocational skills.
Knowledge: Systems thinking, creative problem-solving, permaculture design.
Growth: Confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging.
Participants will also receive a reference letter, potential high school credits, and mentorship in how to create lasting connections with other mentors.
Why Families Love This Program
An Investment in Resilience, Connection, and a Brighter Future
Paid to Learn: Youth earn a $150 stipend per session.
A Supportive Community: Building a "village mentality" with deep peer and mentor bonds.
Real-Life Lessons: Teaching youth how to navigate the world beyond standardized education systems.
We provide a "secret third option" for youth—a chance to explore life paths outside of traditional education or societal expectations.
A Pathway to a Brighter Future
Help Your Teen Discover Their Purpose, Resilience, and Passion
The Sunny Joy Farm Internship is more than a program—it’s a life-changing experience. Through mentorship, practical skills, and deep connection to the natural world, youth leave with confidence, purpose, and a toolkit for life.
Program Schedule
Time Commitment That Fits Into Busy Lives
2 hours, twice a week, for 6 weeks.
Four Seasonal Sessions:
Spring: March 17–April 25
Summer: June 16–July 25
Fall: September 8–October 17
Winter: January 12–February 20
Location: Magical Botanical Studio at Sunny Joy Farm, 165 Hummingbird Lane, Talent, OR
The investment is $600 for the 6 week internship program. Students will RECEIVE $150 stipend in addition to mentorship and skill share.
Contact me with the form below for more information or to begin the enrollment process.
“I really appreciate how my daughter has blossomed through doing
the Sunny Joy Farm Internship! She has learned more about plants
& plant dyes, how to craft & prepare items for market, and communicating
with a working professional, Sunny Lindley. Rachel adores Sunny.
She also has made friends among other young people interested in
conservation & the earth.”
”
FAQ’s
What time are the sessions?
It’s flexible! One benefit of very small groups is that the times can be arranged based on what works for the youth and their family. There can be 2 cohorts that meet at different times. Cohorts may be arranged by folks schedules, their interests or their ages or other factors. Just reach out to me and lets talk about what fits your youth’s needs.
Are you the only teacher/mentor?
For now, yes. I am in conversations with Alliance of Generations (formerly Boys to Men Southern Oregon) about collaboration with my program. The hope is that more trained and experienced local youth mentors will be joining the team. Everyone who will interact with youth is required to have a current background check.