Our Orientation Retreat is less than two weeks away–that essential component of OC’s Community Internship and Apprenticeship Program. This year orientation will be held at Talon Point Retreat Center on June 3-5, 2014.
Carolyn Riggins (left) and OC Intern & Apprentice Coordinator Megan England are ready to welcome folks for 7 states to OC’s Orientation Retreat!
Talon Point is located in the middle of farm and ranch country, on Texas FM 722 between Dumas and Channing, Texas…a peaceful place with large double-occupancy rooms and adjoining bathrooms, plenty fresh air, not to mention beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
What are the purposes for the Orientation Retreat?
- To learn about the history, mission, and outreach of Ogallala Commons.
- To provide an opportunity for networking and shared learning.
- To offer personal & professional development for career development
- To present the nuts and bolts for completing our program requirements.
Since 2007, Ogallala Commons has created more than 250 Community Internships and Apprenticeships in 6 states…providing enterprising youth and adults with hands-on learning about the wealth, potential, and challenges of life on the Great Plains. Our program also helps youth and adults build a diverse range of skills in community development projects, leadership, entrepreneurship, nonprofit outreach, agricultural careers, health care, renewable energy, social networking, and rebuilding local food systems. In addition to work experience, networking with interns in adjoining states is another huge benefit–opening doors to new learning opportunities, while providing good connections for job searching and resume building.
Most OC Community Internships range from 8-10 weeks during the summer, or throughout an entire semester, and are available for students who are sophomores in high school to college and graduate students, or adults looking to build new skills. OC Community Apprenticeships are generally 500-600 hours in length, and are customized for adults needing work experience that will lead directly to employment in a targeted career. In addition to specific projects and activities, participants in Ogallala Commons’ program are exposed to ten experiences essential to living in the Great Plains: supporting local food production, stewarding natural resources, learning and sharing local history, youth engagement and entrepreneurship, community celebrations, public speaking, fostering a sense of place, and career path development.
We anticipate a total of 60-70 people from 7 states will be attending this year’s Orientation Retreat. We have some great speakers and workshops, as well as a Commonwealth Fair and an evening concert. Ogallala Commons could not offer this innovative experience without the generous financial sponsorship of CoBank and the CHS Foundation. Muchismas Gracias!
