Farm Wellness & Adaptive Recreation Intern

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Stardust Sanctuary

Location: Clayton, California
Schedule: Approximately 25 hours/week
Position Type: Internship / Vocational Development Opportunity
Compensation: $35/hour

 

About Stardust Sanctuary

Stardust Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization focused on creating meaningful connections between people, animals, wellness, and the natural world. Through inclusive programming, animal-assisted learning, outdoor education, and community engagement, we provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to learn, grow, and belong.

Our programs include adaptive equine experiences, animal care education, wellness activities, regenerative agriculture projects, youth programs, and community-centered learning experiences.

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Position Overview

The Farm Wellness & Adaptive Recreation Intern will support the development of wellness, movement, animal care, and regenerative agriculture programming at Stardust Sanctuary. This role is designed as a hands-on learning opportunity focused on building vocational, leadership, recreation, and community engagement skills in an inclusive farm environment.

The intern will work alongside staff, volunteers, and mentors while helping develop a future “FarmFit” wellness program that combines functional movement, outdoor recreation, animal interaction, and healthy lifestyle education.

This position is ideal for someone interested in:

• Wellness and fitness instruction

• Adaptive recreation

• Regenerative agriculture

• Animal care and husbandry

• Community programming

• Inclusive education and support services

 

Responsibilities:

Wellness & FarmFit Development

• Assist in developing and leading FarmFit movement and wellness activities

• Help create age-appropriate and adaptive movement experiences for children, teens, and adults

• Support outdoor recreation and wellness programming

• Explore pathways toward fitness instruction certification and movement coaching
   

Adaptive Recreation Support

• Assist with inclusive programs serving children and individuals with developmental disabilities

• Support instructors during adaptive equine and farm-based activities

• Serve as a side walker/helper during lessons when appropriate

• Encourage participant engagement, confidence, and teamwork
   

Animal Care & Sanctuary Operations

• Participate in daily animal care routines, including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and observation

• Learn safe and respectful animal handling practices

• Support overall sanctuary operations and maintenance projects
   

Regenerative Agriculture & Stewardship

• Assist with garden, pasture, composting, and sustainability projects

• Learn foundational concepts related to regenerative agriculture and environmental stewardship

• Participate in projects that support land health and community wellness

Learning Goals

Interns will have opportunities to:

• Develop leadership and communication skills

• Gain experience in adaptive recreation and inclusive programming

• Build foundational knowledge in animal care and husbandry

• Explore wellness coaching and movement instruction

• Learn introductory regenerative agriculture practices

• Develop workplace readiness and professional skills

• Contribute to meaningful community-centered programming

Qualifications

We are looking for someone who is:

• Compassionate, dependable, and eager to learn

• Interested in wellness, fitness, agriculture, animal care, or education

• Comfortable working outdoors in a farm environment

• Able to collaborate positively with children, families, volunteers, and staff

• Passionate about inclusive community experiences

Experience working with children, fitness, animals, or individuals with disabilities is appreciated but not required.

What This Internship Offers

• Hands-on experience in a nonprofit farm and sanctuary setting

• Mentorship opportunities

• Experience developing a new FarmFit wellness program

• Opportunities to explore adaptive recreation and inclusive programming

• Leadership development and community engagement experience

• A supportive environment focused on growth, wellness, and meaningful connection

To learn more about Stardust Sanctuary, please contact us directly.