I came across this a few weeks ago on Boing Boing and I thought it would be worth mentioning here as well. I think from past shows and blog posts, it’s apparent I make an effort to bring attention to the fact that there’s still adventures worth having in a modern world. The Internet has become a great way to create more unique opportunities for experiencing life, which is what brought me to WWOOF.
WWOOF, short for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, is more or less a directory of organic farms available for individuals to volunteer on. Non-registered users are allowed to search the Web site for registered organic farms, browsing by area until eventually coming to a list of farms organized by region and state.
The site caters to a global market, listing farms in all corners and continents of the planet.
The part that I really got a kick out of though was the ability to be hosted at these farms for long periods of time. Provided you pitch in your fair share of the work, there are great many farms listed on the site that allow workers to stay with them, providing them with a place to sleep and sustaining meals.
The site isn’t that greatly designed, making it a little difficult to navigate through, but even for people who aren’t super tech-savvy should be able to get the hang of it within a few minutes. After trying a couple methods of searching the site I eventually was able to navigate to the listing for Michigan, which has 13 farms in the central area of the state.
I always get a spark of excitement seeing real world experiences aided through the vast online community. The WWOOF isn’t the only site that I’ve seen place a solid effort into this. Similar activities that I’ve watched flourish and been a part of over the years on the Internet are Book Crossing, Geocaching and Couch Surfing. I’d recommend taking a look at all of them if you want to find a new way to vacation, or just a fun activity for the weekend.
While inundated with a growing To-Do list currently, the WWOOF seems too good to pass up in a post-graduation world with slim responsibilities, limitless possibilities, and with the shaky economy, few opportunities.
Those who want to visit the site can find it here.
-Andrew Struska
