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FAQ
Q+A
Applications are prioritized + processed in the order they are received. Non-refundable deposits are required to claim your dates. We apologize in advance if your preferred dates are not available + appreciate your patience, thank you.
Q: Do I need a car?
A: Absolutely. The nearest food store is a 10-15 minute drive. Biking is not recommended as there are no sidewalks.
Q: Which day should I arrive at the farm?
A: The two-week volunteer program will start on Friday at 5pm with a welcome drink, farm tour and fruit tasting. You're welcome to arrive to the farm as early as 4pm, or you rent the cabin/dome/camp area prior to Friday for an additional cost.
Do I need travel insurance?
A: Highly recommended. You are fully responsible for your personal wellbeing and 100% liable for any accidents/illnesses. Must book your first night on HIPCAMP and then sign waiver before arriving to property.
Q: How many volunteers are there at one time?
A: We currently only have space for 1-2 volunteers (max 4 if they're couples); sometimes there will be guests staying on property as well. We only ask for 2 days of volunteering each week (which is 16hrs total, typically on MONDAY + WEDNESDAY)
Q: May I stay and volunteer longer?
A: Longer stays are negotiable upon successful completion of your original agreement, and based upon availability. After 2 consecutive weeks, you may be offered a discounted rate of $800/month (up to 2 people per cabin) plus 16hrs of volunteer work each week of your continued stay plus $50 for wifi + electricity (up to $50, anything over $50 is your responsibility). Please Note: If your volunteer hours are not completed, they will be deducted from your deposit.
Q: Are meals included?
A: At the Sunday weekly meeting (not a work day) you're invited to participate in the potluck, and you'll receive a meal each designated workday (typically Monday + Wednesday)
Q: What is included?
A: Volunteers will arrive to the property to a clean lodging area. The lodging area as well as the communal areas must be deep cleaned to receive your deposit. Anything that is found broken, that was not communicated beforehand, may be deducted from your deposit- please communicate before you leave so owner is aware something needs to be replaced, thanks!
Q: What should I bring to be comfortable on the farm?
A: Here's our essential recommendations:
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Refillable water bottle
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Work shoes
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Work gloves
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Long Pants
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Multiple Long Sleeve Shirts
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Earplugs
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Headlamp
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Sunglasses
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Sun Hat
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Chargers
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Shower Shoes
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Snacks
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Shampoo
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Laundry Detergent
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Biodegradable toothpaste, deodorant, soaps and shampoo / conditioner
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Non-toxic insect repellent
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Non-toxic mosquito coils or citronella candles
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Water bottle
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Tampons, pads or diva cup for women
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Sarong/Beach Towel
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Swimwear
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Towels
Extras: -
Art supplies, journal
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Camera
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Headphones
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Kindle/books
Q: What time does the work day start and end?
A: Workdays are schedule on MONDAY + WEDNESDAY from 8-12am when the weather is cool, then completing the work day 2:30-6:30pm rain or shine. Your break is scheduled from 12-2:30pm because the sun is extremely hot during this time and this will be when your farm meal is served- you can run any errands you need during this time as well.
Q: How do I document my volunteer experience?
A: You are asked to take before and after photos of their work. After each work period (12pm or 6:30pm), please send team leader the photos, the start and finish time, and a short description of the task completed. See example below:
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8:00-11:00am (3hrs), Cleaning the Sugar Cane Wall, Total Hours Completed 3/16hrs - photo attached
11:00-12:00pm (1hr), Weeding 4/16 - photo attached
2:30-6:30pm (4), Building Planter Beds + Planting Trees 8/16 - photo attached
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Q: What are the expectations while working?
A: Before you start your volunteer experience, we will have an introductory meeting to discuss the task list, and to demo/explain how things work best on the farm. Please note the conditions may be hot or wet, however we encourage you to start early and avoid the high sun. PLEASE BRING A WATER BOTTLE + STAY HYDRATED. While working on the farm we encourage you to treat it like a mindful meditation. You can listen to music or podcasts while your work. A break is scheduled from 12-12:30pm and this is the time for you to do any trips to town, calls, scheduling, etc. rather than taking multiple breaks during the work period.
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Q: How do I receive my deposit when my retreat experience is complete?
A: At the end of your stay, please clean the living areas and then you'll meet with the team leader to show your space, recap your experience, and complete a questionnaire. If you are pressed for time, just clean your living quarters and then you can complete your recap via ZOOM and the questionnaire by email. As long as your hours are complete and your living space is clean, the deposit will be returned as received. If your area is not cleaned, $250 will be deducted to hire a cleaning service.
Q: I want to volunteer and I have an RV or tent to live out of, can you accommodate this?
A: Yes, to stay on property as a volunteer, it's $100/week plus 16 service hours per person for a minimum of 2 weeks. Camping without hours is $40/night + cost of meals. You'll have access to all communal areas, high speed internet, recharging areas, a parking spot and unlimited well water. $800/person deposit required and signed agreement.
Q: Can I pay more and work less?
A: Absolutely! Just mention that request on your form and if you'd like to work any hours or none at all (if so, please include the maximum amount of hours you'd like to work).
Q: If I live on Big Island, can I volunteer for one day?
A: Yes, please see below to see "HOW DO I GET STARTED" and if accepted, we request a 4hr volunteer experience between 8-12pm or 2-6pm. If you'd like to volunteer to redeem farm to table dining experiences, workshops or business consultations, please mention that in your application. You can start redeeming rewards with as little as 8hrs of solid volunteer time- the first four hours are a trial period before being approved for the rewards program or you can volunteer for specific events if extra help is needed.
Q: How do I get started?
A: Fill out the form and EMAIL chefjustinema@gmail.com to confirm we've received your application- if it's a good fit, then we'll send you a Zoom link for a video interview. We look forward to hearing from you!​
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