Staff Interns, Summer Interns
and Staff Membership
at Four Quarters
Four Quarters InterFaith Sanctuary of EarthReligion is a non-profit Church
and 100% volunteer-run. The realities of this kind of endeavor are that if we had to
operate as a business, we simply would not be here. But we are here, because of people who
choose to support Four Quarters, with their paid memberships, with their gifts of what
they can see is needed and with their time.
For each person their way of support for Four Quarters is different,
and that is as it should be. But at some point the meals must be prepared, firewood cut,
newsletters labeled and mailed, events organized and all the other tasks that go into the
day-to-day operations of this kind of undertaking. And the folks who do this kind of work
are the Staffers of Four Quarters.
Staff work is a special commitment, because it can be physically hard
work, emotionally demanding and much of it is unsung and out of the public eye. But the
rewards are very real. Most of our staff will tell you that, after a season of working
behind the scenes at Four Quarters, they could never go back to just attending the events,
because making them happen is a real joy. An act of service.
Perhaps in a way, staffing becomes a certain kind of spiritual process,
as we willingly step into a place of challenge and accept the transformations that will
necessarily follow. Again and again we see our fellow staff grow and blossom into skills
and abilities that they never knew they had. And become fuller, richer people because of
it.
No special skills are needed for Staffing at Four Quarters. We find
that people naturally discover where they can best contribute and develop new skills to
suit. Some enjoy learning the practical aspects of operating and maintaining such a
physically-diverse camp as Four Quarters. Perhaps their strength is in the demanding work
of the kitchen or running FirstAid. Others work in the office or prefer to be interacting
directly with the people during our events. And we have staff who are rarely here; their
work is off-site and just as valuable. But what ties Staff together is their joint
commitment to give their personal energy to this living Sanctuary and help it grow.
Staff Interns
Some folks want to "try out" working as Staff for an event,
or are looking for a way to attend on very limited means. For these folks we have Staff
Internships. They are on a one-time, event-by-event basis and it is quite simple in
practice.
As a Staff Intern you pay one-half of the registration fee for the
event and you work one-half of the event as staff. We do ask that you arrive the first day
of the event and usually we will assign you to help one of our Staff Members.
It's a good idea to contact us early about a specific event that you
may want to intern. Openings fill up quickly for Staff Interns.
Summer Interns
We have grown to the point that we can offer summer internships at Four
Quarters. We work out the details on a case-by-case basis, but basically we can provide
room and board and a bit of pocket money for young people who want to experience an
extended stay at Four Quarters. These are full Staff positions and carry all of the
expectations and privileges of our Staff members.
You can expect to share meals with the family in the Farm House, bunk
down in the dorms or in camp as you prefer, and work like you have never worked before.
We expect it could change your life.
Do give a call if you would like to discuss a Summer Internship at Four
Quarters.
Staff Membership
We ask that Staff make a season's commitment to working two Church
Fundraisers. Or that they suggest a commitment to some other aspect of operations that
they see needs to be done. And we encourage prospective Staff to first try out an event or
two as a Staff Intern. It may not be your cup of tea.
Staff do enjoy certain privileges. Their membership in Four Quarters is subsidized at $25
per year. Staff Camp is permanently reserved for their use and weekend grounds fees are
waived. They do not pay for events in which they are serving as Staff. Not to mention
endless coffee refills at the FarmHouse.
It if you think you may be called to this kind of work, call us and let
us know. It may be one of the most rewarding phone calls you will ever make.
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