StudentVolunteers — School of Constructive Arts

We are now accepting applications for our 9th student volunteer program. Student volunteers get a combination of hands-on experience and formal instruction in the many aspects of regenerative design and 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 at no cost to more students every year. Student Volunteers are the heart of SCA’s self-sustaining, free-education model and essential to realizing our mission. Join us today!

Dates

March 13th - 27th 2025

Activities

We have expanded our curriculum to include more foundational learning as a basis for understanding. Work throughout the program may include finishing the interior of our outhouse, construction of a shade structure, experimenting with novel natural materials, finish carpentry, and practicing drylands restoration techniques. Our planned activities may change based on weather, material availability, changes in scheduling, etc.

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
Building with the Land - Agriculture, Integration, and Land Repair

Special Pre-Program Volunteer Period

We are looking for 3-5 volunteers to arrive on Sunday March 1st to help us with the Lime Plaster Intensive workshop we are hosting March 6th - 9th. If selected, you will get free admission to the workshop but you will be expected to help the SCA staff set up for, run, and clean up after the workshop. During this period before the Student Volunteer Program begins (March 1st - March 12th), all of your meals will be covered. Please indicate in your application if you are interested in this special volunteer period.

Location

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. Food will be provided, and students and staff will all take part in cooking communal meals. 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.

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