French Meadows Work/Study Exchange Program

We offer a work/exchange program for those interested in helping in the kitchen or in the children's program.

The basic exchange is four days of scheduled work during the eight camping days. The program fee is $450 regardless of the number of days of attendance at camp. Working extra days is available in certain circumstances—e-mail Carl at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.

The kitchen requires physical strength and endurance and the abilility to rise early—it's usually cold at 6:00 a.m. and all the cooking is done outside.

The children's program requires a desire to be around children. Positions are usually given to those with children or those with experience instructing children.

See full details below (or open a PDF of the Work Exchange Program paperwork). After reading the sections below (or the first two pages of the PDF) and if you agree with the terms, conditions, and cancellation policy, simply pay online. Or, fill out the form on page three of the PDF and mail with your full payment or deposit.

Space for work/exchange is limited and fills up quickly. However, a spot can open at any time due to a cancellation; so, let us know of your interest and ability at any time and we'll try to find a place for you. Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 800-232-2372 or 530-566-9765.

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Work/Study Program Details

Basic Exchange—The basic work exchange program is 4 days of scheduled work either in the kitchen or in children’s activities. The work exchange program fee is $450. People accepted for work/exchange are expected to attend the entire camp. A $100 deposit is required with application. The balance is due by May 31, 2013 (or when accepted for work exchange if after May 31) and must be received or your spot may be given to someone else.

Extra Days—Extra work exchange days are available in the kitchen and for help in setting up or striking camp. Contact Carl Ferré to arrange extra days. Any extra days worked that are scheduled in advance with Carl will be credited (or refunded) at an amount of $100 per day. A $100 deposit is required with application and any balance is due by May 31, 2013. People who work extra days are expected to arrive at camp Friday, July 12 by 1:00 pm and to stay until noon on Sunday, July 21.

Membership—Those who are accepted for work/exchange are expected to be or to become members of the Foundation—$35 U.S. and $50 for addresses outside the U.S. for a mailed copy of Macrobiotics Today or $25 for all addresses for a PDF copy.

Kitchen—The kitchen requires strength, an ability to rise early, and good circulation—it’s cold at 6:00 am and all the cooking is done outside. Kitchen workers are needed until about 12:00 noon on Sunday, July 21. Requests to leave early by those scheduled for Sunday require approval in advance. See below for further information.

Children’s Program—The children’s program requires a desire to be around children and positions are usually given to those with children or those with experience instructing children. All workers in the children’s program are expected to arrive in time for an organizational meeting on Saturday, July 13 at 9:30 am. The early arrival fee is waived for those arriving Friday in order to attend this meeting.

To Apply—accept the terms and conditions by paying online. Or, fill out the form on page three of the PDF and mail with your payment or deposit (your deposit will be refunded if you are not chosen as a worker). The balance is due by May 31, 2013. Any request for special arrangements must be made in writing (with the application or via email).

Cancellation Policy—If you have to cancel your reservation for any reason, the cancellation chargesare as follows:

• before April 1, 2013 = $50
• from May 1 to May 31, 2013 = $100
• after May 31, 2013 and at camp = no refund; however any amount paid over $100 will be kept on account and may be used at future French Meadows camps

We will begin deciding the staff in early January. Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions whatsoever. 

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Work/Study Details and Agreement

Here are important details regarding the work exchange program. Payment online means acceptance of these terms and conditions. Or, print and fill out the PDF form (page 3) and return to Carl Ferré with your application. Thank you. 

1. Basic work exchange is 4 scheduled work days for a reduced tuition of $450. Basic exchange persons may arrive as early as 1 pm on Friday, July 12 or as late as noon on Saturday, July 13. Work done other than scheduled work days are in exchange for early arrival or as a donation.

2. In some circumstances basic exchange persons are needed to work extra days. Any extra days worked that are scheduled by Carl Ferré will be credited (or refunded) at an amount of $100 per day. Indicate your willingness to work extra days if the need arises on your application.

3. All work exchange persons are expected to work on the days scheduled. If you do not work on your scheduled work days, you will be charged $100 per day of missed work unless the work day is made up on a day that Carl schedules.

4. A typical day in the kitchen is: 6:15 to 8:30 am, 10:30 to 12 noon, and 2:30 to 6:00 pm (approximately 7 hours) plus extra cleanup for 2 days of approximately 1.5 hours per day. Kitchen setup begins at 6:15 every morning and work begins promptly at 6:30. Be sure you’re in the kitchen and ready to work before 6:30.

5. A typical day in children’s activities is: 9:00 to 11:45 am and 2:00 to 5:30 pm with short breaks during the day (approximately 7 hours).

6. Promptness is essential—bring an alarm clock or other time piece so you can be on time. Work missed due to being late must be made up as assigned by the kitchen manager (or children’s activities coordinator), and you will be charged a $20 late fee for being 15 or more minutes late.

7. For the kitchen you must be strong enough to do standing kitchen work and will be expected to contain your hair in a cap or scarf, to bring an apron, and to wash your hands thoroughly before work.

8. If you are unable to do the work after you have made the commitment and have arrived at camp, you have to make a choice: a) attend camp and pay regular camp rates, or b) leave camp.

Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions whatsoever regarding this agreement or the work/study exchange program.

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Work/Study Exchange Payment

You may pay securely through PayPal here:

Or, Mail a check made payable to G.O.M.F. to:
G.O.M.F., PO Box 3998, Chico, California 95927-3998

There is no discount for early payment of the work exchange fee.