text: *** Update: We are not hosting over the winter months. Come spring (April or May) we will be looking for a few folks to help out finishing our home - earthen floor & a little bit of finishing plaster. There will also be at least 1 more build in the spring/summer - looking for help with chip slip walls and plastering.
  If this is of interest and you are planning your spring, please get in touch. ***
  We are members of a co-housing project located south of Powell River, BC. We have been working together since 2015 and on our site since the beginning of 2019. We are a multi-generational group that lives together on this beautiful 40 acre property. There is a beautiful year round river, with swimming holes along one border, 2 creeks, & 3 ponds.
  We presently have 6 families living on site (possibly more come summer) - ages from 7 months to 75. The community uses sociocracy for our governance and organization. We hold regular meetings (usually once per week), which you would be welcome to sit in on.
  How to build their own home! This is an amazing skill to have and something that can be passed on as well. This method is easily applied to a variety of different locations/soil types. The longer folks stay, the more they will learn.
  Learning about group communication and decision making - our governance model of Sociocracy has been used here for 5+ years and is a great model to witness and learn from. You may attend meetings and see it in action first hand.
  We live in a rural setting about 20 minutes away from the city of Powell River. We have beautiful grounds, with lots of water around for hot days! There is a gorgeous ocean beach about a 10 minute walk away (along a forest path).
  English is our spoken language, and there are folks here who speak French & Spanish.
  Natural build - Hyperadobe
  We are building our second natural build on site using the hyperadobe method. We will need help building the walls, putting on the roof, & with interior/exterior plastering. Lots of oppotunity for learning about how to build your own home. This is manual work - lots of lifting, shovelling, carrying dirt. Not for folks with bad backs or reoccuring injuries.
  Cooking - Lunch & Dinners
  We are also looking for someone to be the cook for our crew! Lunches & dinners for between 4 & 10 people (depending on how much help we are getting!).
  Tenting. We have 40 acres of beautiful west coast rainforest, along a year round river. There are a few different sites available - on elevated tent pads close to the meadow pond. Tent with bed and proper bedding is provided. Access to common house for bathroom/showers, cooking, eating & hang out area.
  Food is provided on working days. Breakfast is self-prepare. Lunch will be cooked/prepared for you. Dinners may be prepared, or a shared prep rotation (depending if we can get a work trade cook :).
  Lots of biking, camping, ocean, rivers, climbing - an outdoor paradise!
  Have a few locations that you could park a campervan/rv. Some locations would have hook-up for water & electrical. No sewer hook-ups.
  It was an honour to be invited to volunteer in these project. I stood for almost a month here and have nothing but good things to say about the work, the accommodation, the people and the whole community.
  Natural building requires a lot of work force, and during these month, work consisted mostly on finish plastering, setting up the roof,… read more windows, doors, ceiling, stove, fan, along many other different tasks.
  We started at 8:30 with a snack break around 11:30 that help us keep up to 1:30.
  We took turns between volunteers and family in the meal preparation, all of which were delicious.
  I had a big tent outside for myself, and the location couldn't be better.
  Falling asleep while hearing the rain at night was very peaceful.
  Afternoons we usually stood home, it's a paradise by its own, surrounded by forest and rivers that invite calmness and serenity.
  We did went for walks, bike rides (weather permitted) or downtown for groceries or to have a ride down the coast.
  I had my Vaccine during my stay, and while i could still work, they gave me the day off to rest, which made me feel really supported by the whole family.
  We had a potluck night for Thanksgiving where it made me realize how grateful i was for the true sense of community that this place it's been cultivating and sustaining for a while.
  Big thanks to Jenna and Jamie for inviting me to be part of these wonderful community. They are one of the most hardworking, honest and realest family i've ever meet.
  Big shout out to Lana, John Michael and Baby Seb for all the talks and fun times.
  Many thanks to every family member and everyone here for making me feel welcomed and for all the good times and memories.
  Me and my two buddy's stayed with Jenna & Jamie for two weeks and had a great time. The work we did was mainly plastering on their natural house and also some carpentry also. Really cool to learn different aspects of building your own house, and everyone was very welcoming and friendly on the property.
  Great food and good times, would recommend!
  Taylor was so great to have working here! Here for 2 weeks and we got so much done during this time. Super hard worker and willing to jump into any of the jobs we had (a lot of plastering!). He came with 2 friends and they really were master plasterers - didn't think we'd get the outside done before the rainy season!!! Definitely recommended.
  Dejado por el anfitrión para el workawayer (Will & Sammy)
  So grateful that Will & Sammy made their way here. What a crew (they came with another friend) to have join us - perfect timing. Master plasterers and really jumped into anything that we needed help with (prepping wood, putting in a ceiling, etc.). Big help in the kitchen too. Highly recommend these guys if you can get them to join you :)
  Great having Elias on our team! He pitched in and helped with lots of plastering and then more plastering :) He's great at checking in and confirming understanding. Took time to himself and would engage with us and the community it fun and interesting ways.
  I had a splendid time at this place, which was a delightful, as this was my first Workaway. Jenna and Jamie are exceptionally politely, respectful, intelligent, and interesting people, and they are building a real cool and healthy community there. The nature is beautiful; there is a peaceful river with an impressive section for cliff-jumping and… read more rope swinging, which was maybe my favourite part. The members of the community are all equally polite and nice, and the work was exactly as described and very comfortable. Based on my experience, I think this Workaway is very safe and fun. Thank you for the good experience!
  Dejado por el anfitrión para el workawayer (Tiana)
  Tiana was so lovely to have here. Very thoughtful and considerate. She was willing to jump right in and learn new tasks on the build. Also was really helpful to have her take on the cooking role for the lunches. Really open and curious. Absolutely recommend her.
  Dejado por el workawayer (Tiana) para el anfitrión
  Jamie and Jenna were absolutely incredible hosts. This was my first ever workaway and I could not have gone anywhere better. Their land and the surrounding is absolutely beautiful, and I can honestly say I've never enjoyed a place as much as I did the river with the rope-swings by their place.
  Everybody I met from the commune was super friendly,… read more welcoming and helpful, and the entire place had a family atmosphere that was extremely comforting. This is a secluded paradise.
  The work was fun and Jamie and Jenna make sure to tailor the tasks to what you'd prefer and is mostly fun to do. I learnt a lot about eco-construction and sustainable living.
  I would not hesitate to recommend Jamie and Jenna's place to anybody, it was an all-round amazing experience and I hope to be back to visit in the future. Thanks guys! :D
  Dejado por el anfitrión para el workawayer (Svety)
  I am so grateful for this three weeks ♡ it was not easy to leave this magical place and people living in the community. Jenna & Jamie are amazing hosts and inspiring people with a big heart! I was learnt a lot about earthbags, the work was well organized and we had a lots of fun there! I also met there other inspiring travellers from all over the… read more world and we had a great time after work.
  I will definitely love to come back someday!
  Lenka is another gem! Wonderful being. So glad she chose to come and help with our build.
  Stepped right in and learned all the different parts and would happily jump in wherever she was needed. Worked hard & with heart. Was really lovely getting to know her and learn a little more about her home & family.
  Dejado por el workawayer (Diana & Pia) para el anfitrión
  I went there to learn some eco-building, but I was given so much more, I left with my heart full of love! What an amazing exchange, I loved it (I didn't want to leave, actually). Jenna and Jamie are part of a beautiful amazing project here, I think of the whole community as true rebels! They are actually making the change they want to see in the… read more world, it was so inspiring for me! I think if anyone who is reading this has the chance to go and help them, you should definitely go, give them a hand and live a little bit in this unique community. I can't quite describe it, you should definitely live it for yourself. The piece of land they have is beautiful, and they are amazing human beings!!
  I know this is really personal, I spent only one month there but I just loved the community and its own way of making things work, together. A real challenge! I wish one day I could go back and visit them, in their finished home and lovely evolving community. All the best for everyone there.
  Thank you so much Jenna and Jamie, for opening your home and sharing your vision of the world with traveler souls like me. I am forever grateful for this experience, you have a special place in my heart.; Jenna, Jamie, Feather and Yewen, all the best for you!!
  ps.: I can always come back and teach spanish, this time for real! hihihi :)
  Dejado por el anfitrión para el workawayer (Diana & Pia)
  So glad that Pia joined our family & community and we had time to get to know her. A really beautiful being with so much to give to the world. Easy going and always offering to help, Pia picked up all the jobs we were doing and was happy to do them. She definitely became the Clay Master!!! Another workaway you would be so lucky to have join you.
  Dejado por el workawayer (Jeff & Kenneth) para el anfitrión
  Wow! What an amazing experience. We came to learn more about earthbags, we left with with full hearts, lifelong memories and more knowledge and know-how then we could have imagined.
  Jenna and Jamie are amazing hosts, they lead by example and we're always happy to take the time to teach and explain throughout the build. Always plenty of fresh… read more produce and stocked cupboards, the food was amazing!
  The property and surrounding areas are an outdoor enthusiasts dream. Biking, hiking, fishing, canoeing, endless swimming holes, beaches and lots of islands and backcountry to explore.
  Thanks again, Jamie, Jenna, Feather and Ewan for an amazing stay! See ya in the Philippines 🇵🇭 😃
  Jeff and Kenn xoxo
  Dejado por el anfitrión para el workawayer (Jeff & Kenneth)
  So very glad that these two came to help with our home. It was great having help from folks who have been researching this building style and had lots of great questions.
  Kenn brought such a wonderful spirit and really gathered the group together. Jeff was always right there and willing to help with all the different pieces of the project. They… read more both put in so much muscle power and heart.
  I can only hope that we can return the favour and help them build their home in the Phillipines :)
  Dejado por el anfitrión para el workawayer (Sören)
  We were blessed to have Soren stay with us for 5 weeks! It was really wonderful to get to know him. Glad he got to take some of his time off to enjoy the backcountry and get in some fishing time.
  Worked hard and lifted so many buckets (plus helped with a lot of woodwork). Followed direction well and always checked in if he had… read more questions/clarifications.
  Glad your journey brought you to our home. All the best!
  So glad Sidney ended up staying for an extra week - was great to have her on board. She picks up skills easily - was a master cob plasterer on her first day :)
  Wonderful joy & enthusiasm for everything going on. Rolled up her sleeves and worked hard everyday. A treat to get to know her.
  Dejado por el anfitrión para el workawayer (Mai Anh)
  Maia is a gem! If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity for Maia to come to you - take it!!! She is an abolute wizard in the kitchen. I can honestly say I have never eaten so well and I will likely never again.
  Absolutely wise beyond her years.
  Amongst cooking unbelievable food, she still found time to come help with building our home.… read more Great enthusiasm - and up for adventure. Look forward to the day when we get to visit Maia in her own restaurant. All the best!
  Came for 2 weeks, stayed for 6, and hoping to return one day - it was that wonderful! Village is a truly special place, a haven on the Sunshine Coast. Jaime and Jenna are the most kind, generous and open people I have had the fortune of meeting on my travels. I felt so welcomed by them and the whole community; an eclectic mix of genuine and caring… read more people, many of whom I now count as new friends. It was hard to leave! Jenna and Jaime are great communicators, value feedback, and always want to ensure their workawayers get the most out of their experience in the area - beach BBQs, hikes and a canoe trip are a few of the highlights from days off. Having said this, the village property itself is such an oasis with so much to explore, and so much wildlife, that I was often just as happy to stay local and absorb the surroundings most days. I really valued the opportunity that feeding the hungry build team here gave me to enhance my cooking skills. I don't think any future customers could ever match Jenna, Jaime and the kids in terms of enthusiasm and appreciation for my efforts! I also helped out a (very) little bit with the building work. I found it really interesting to learn about the sustainble construction methods they are using, as well as the whole co-housing approach that the community is establishing. I worked hard here, but that was my choice, I was never pressured - I simply wanted to ensure I was giving back to the community as much as I was receiving. I will be forever grateful for the time I spent here and how much it has taught me and enriched my life. Thank you!!!
  Alice is an amazing presence and has nourished our family and all those building this home for the last 6 weeks. Such a gift. Alice is SO well organized and kept the kitchen running like a well oiled machine. Great with communication - clear about needs & expectations. We are so lucky that she chose to stay here for this time - we all had more… read more energy to build because of the DELiCIOUS food she prepared.
  Dejado por el anfitrión para el workawayer (Darragh & Kim)
  What an amazing crew! Darragh & Kim came with their friend Kate and they all brought so much joy, laughter, and energy to our build. They came ready to jump in to the project and helped with every & anything that we were working on. Mixing clay, lifting a ton of buckets filled with heavy earth mixes, plastering, wood work, etc. They will all be… read more sorely missed - and always welcome back at any time. Wishing you all the best on your adventures!
  Dejado por el anfitrión para el workawayer (Christina & Kiril)
  Thanks so much to these lovely folks! Hard working & very kind, thoughtful people. Kiril is very considerate and has a great sense of humour, especially if you can embrace puns. And Christina is warm and lovely to spend time with. It was a joy watching her & my youngest get along - he really loved communicating with her. A joy to have in our home… read more & helping us build our new one!
  Dejado por el workawayer (Sanjey) para el anfitrión
  I spent an excellent two weeks here and it was time well spent. I received an introduction to natural building and community living and left feeling inspired to continue seeking and learning of what people can achieve through their desire to shape a beautiful life for their children by challenging conventional ways of life, and having the courage… read more to try something different. Jenna and Jaime are great hosts, very fair and patient with the work and are inspiring human beings. The work could be demanding physically sometimes, but was very satisfying and rewarding to do. The property itself is a haven, things you expect to see in a provincial park including giant trees, waterfalls, canyons and a beautiful river are right in their backyard. Jenna suggested some back country hiking and I was grateful for having her recommendations as it was certainly a memorable experience visiting that alpine jewel. Overall, I value all that I received from this beautiful community and am grateful for having the opportunity to learn from them. Thank you Jenna and Jaime for your hospitality. I wish you well with finishing building your home.
  Dejado por el anfitrión para el workawayer (Sanjey)
  Lovely to have Sanjey join our team and glad he go out to enjoy the back country as well! Sanjey was great to work with, happy to help with anything that was going on - and with a smile.
  Dejado por el workawayer (Vikram) para el anfitrión
  I spent a month helping Jenna and Jamie build their house and it was fantastic! I felt at home and welcomed by everyone in their family and the wider community and got to know everybody a little bit. Both Jenna and Jamie are easy to communicate with, open to feedback and they make sure that the workawayers are comfortable and happy. There was… read more plenty of free time to explore and to do your own thing, great food and Jamie's jokes are impeccable!
  If you get the chance to be a part of this project and experience the community life, I can't recommend it enough!!!!!
  Thank you for an awesome month!!
  Dejado por el anfitrión para el workawayer (Vikram)
  What an amazing being! Vikram was with us for 4 weeks - right from the first row of bags (for the walls) till the first floor was done. Helped with whatever was needed with a positive attitude. Was great help when new folks showed up - helping them get orientated and answer questions. He gave us good feedback and has great communication. You would… read more be lucky to have him come work for you! I hope our paths will cross again.
  Dejado por el anfitrión para el workawayer (Steivan)
  Steivan has been a joy to have working with us. He works hard everyday, easy to work with, always seems happy, and is very confident and skilled with tools. Always willing to lend a hand and jumped right into to help clean-up from meals. Would happily have him back anytime and you would be lucky to have him come visit your place!
  What a wonderful experience! Pablo was our first Workaway helper and I think he may have spoiled us so much, no one else coming after will ever be able to do better :) Not only was he willing to do a lot of big laborious jobs, but he did them quickly and thoroughly. Whatever he put his hands to he was good at, he learned new skills quickly, even… read more building us a set of recycling shelves and a beautiful, folding, laundry table. In addition to his impeccable work ethic he is an interesting guy with lots of life experience, joy and laughter to share. We consider ourselves lucky to have hosted him and so would anyone who has the good fortune to be his next Workaway hosts. All the best to you Pablo! Todo lo mejor de la suerte y la felicidad para ti, mucho amor de todos.
  I stayed for 10 days and it was a beautiful experience. I really enjoyed sharing my time and my work with those wonderful families, specially with Jaqueline & Mark. Jaqueline is such an amazing cook. She prepared the best meals I've had lately. And the dogs Lily and Sophie was also a great company.
  The place is just amazing, surrounded by forest… read more where you can easily see some bears (I saw one!!) and other wild life.
  I really recommend this place if you want to enjoy the nature and a different way of living in a small community.