Student Volunteer Program
WHEN
November 28 - December 15
WHERE
Terlingua, TX
COST
Free
We are recruiting students interested in regenerative design, construction, agriculture, and ecology. This year we will be working to finish two compressed earth block buildings along with restoration projects on our campus. Students get a combination of hands-on experience and formal instruction in the many aspects of regenerative building while living on our campus in beautiful Big Bend. The education, meals, and lodging are provided free of charge. In turn student volunteers help build facilities for the benefit of the next generation of students. This “teach through building - build through teaching” approach allows us to make high-level, experience-based education available to more students every year. Student Volunteers are the heart of SCA’s self-sustaining, free-education model and essential to realizing its mission. Join us today!
Dates
11/28/2023 - 12/15/2023
Activities
Last spring we broke ground on two new buildings utilizing compressed earth block (CEB). This fall work will be primarily focused on the completion of these two buildings and may include CEB production, CEB wall construction, framing openings (window and door bucks), bond beam forming and pouring, completion and waterproofing an earthen vault, interior and exterior plaster, and installing windows, doors, millwork, and finish details. In addition Student Volunteers may work on other structures, energy, water systems, garden and planting, and various restoration projects on our campus.
In addition to this hands-on education, presentations will be given on the various aspects of regenerative design and building including:
-
Natural and Recycled Materials
- Sun, Wind, and Water to Power, Heat, and Cool
- Whole Cycle Waste and Water Systems
- Agricultural Integration and Land Repair
- Land use and Community Structures
The Big Bend region is ecologically and culturally rich. Our campus is located between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, in an international biosphere reserve, within the largest dark sky preserve in the world. In the past, we have facilitated field trips to Marfa, the Chinati Foundation, the McDonald Observatory, and to significant earthen buildings in the region. We have led activities such as an adobe-making workshop in Estación, Mexico, and overnight backpacking trips in Big Bend National Park, and Davis Mountains State Park. These outside trips are optional and are chosen on a case by case basis with each group of students. Aside from any group trips we will help facilitate individual exploration of this magnificent place.
Accommodations
Provided accommodations are simple and rustic as we are in the process of building our campus. Students sleep on cots in large canvas tents and share outdoor showers and basic composting toilet facilities. A well provisioned communal kitchen and living space is set up in another large canvas tent. Tents are equipped with wood-burning stoves for heating. Living in a communal setting, close to the land with simple accommodations is part of the educational experience. That said, we have plenty of space and students are welcome to bring their own tents, campers, trailers, RV’s, or other accommodations to make life more comfortable. If your application is accepted we will contact you directly to discuss specifics and will work to accommodate your specific needs or concerns.
For more information, please contact us.
The School of Constructive Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We support resilient communities and encourage individuals to study, experiment, and advance models for building and living in healthy relation to the natural environment.
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