Farmhand Program
Farm work and sustainable learning with free room and board
Live, Work and Play at WHOKA
Join us at WHOKA for an unforgettable farming experience, where you’ll learn new skills while getting a deeper appreciation for living in harmony with nature.
Live
WHOKA offers a different way to think and live with nature.
Work
Depending on your skill and interest levels, WHOKA has a project for you.
Play
In addition to the work, WHOKA is a great place to play in nature!
Help and Learning Opportunities
We’re striving for an eco-friendly, sustainable farm. Whether building new structures, farming the land or honing a specific skill, we provide options for every volunteer based on your interest, skill level, and length of stay.
DIY and Building Projects
Garden Art/ Features
Farmhand Help
Small Construction Jobs (an example steps, paths)
Harvest & Preserving
Animal Care
Planting Seeds, Seedlings & Plants
Help with Eco Projects
Art Projects
General Maintenance
Accommodations
While working at least 25 hours a week, you earn free room and board. Depending on availability, you’ll stay in one of our lodging accommodations that we’ll assign for you as found in our rental section. We also have accommodations for campers!
Work Gallery
FAQs
How do I apply?
What projects are available?
2025 has several projects starting and finishing.
Projects finishing:
– Walipini greenhouse: The main timber frame is up. We have roofing, windows and walls to build.
– Sailboat house: We have sailboat that sleeps two. We are renovating it and plan to place it on our lake.
– Beach Volleyball Court: We currently have one court completed and plan to build another.
Projects starting:
– New home. The design can be seen on Jenish.
– Small ‘A’ frame modular units.
– Earth worm farm
– New main entrance gate
– Floating water dock
We always have videography, gardening, animal care, haying, painting, wood splitting, etc that need some love.
Event Calendar
Greenhouse Walipini (sunken greenhouse)
We are building a walipini (sunken greenhouse) in Mahood, BC, which involves several key steps. The project includes excavating a trench below ground level to take advantage of thermal mass for year-round growing. The walls are reinforced with materials like concrete, stone, or rammed earth for insulation and stability. A sloped, transparent roof—angled for optimal sun exposure—covers the structure, often made of polycarbonate or greenhouse plastic. Proper drainage, ventilation, and water collection systems are essential. Helpers may assist with excavation, framing, insulation, glazing, and setting up irrigation and planting beds. It's a rewarding project that extends the growing season in a cold climate. We have started the project but it is incomplete. We only have the main frame completed.
Mahood Falls, BC V0K 1J0 Canada
Modular Mobile ‘A’ Frame Units
The modular A-frame units are a unique and mobile housing solution designed for flexibility and adaptability. Each unit serves a specific function—such as a kitchen, bathroom, hallway, or bedroom—allowing for customizable living arrangements. Built on sled runners, these structures can be easily relocated, making them ideal for off-grid or remote settings. The A-frame design provides durability, efficient snow shedding, and a cozy yet functional living space. These units offer a blend of mobility and modularity, enabling users to configure their living space based on their needs while maintaining a compact and efficient footprint.
Mahood Falls, BC V0K 1J0 Canada
A Frame Home Construction
In May, we will begin building a 1323 sq ft. home with many green features. We're looking for anyone with carpentry skills, plumbing, electrical, dry-walling among other things. We're also looking for anyone willing to do clean-up and light to heavy lifting chores. Email us for more information.
Mahood Falls, BC V0K 1J0 Canada
Join Us for a Rainwater Harvesting Installation
Come be a part of a hands-on, community-driven event where we’ll be installing a rainwater harvesting system! Whether you’re passionate about sustainable living, eager to learn new skills, or just want to connect with like-minded folks, this is a great opportunity to get involved and make a difference. We'll be working together to set up a system that collects and stores rainwater—perfect for gardening, greenhouse irrigation, and off-grid living. No prior experience is needed; just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to learn! 🔹 Learn how to set up gutters, filters, and storage tanks 🔹 Get hands-on experience with sustainable water solutions 🔹 Meet great people and enjoy a fun, productive day outdoors What to bring: Work gloves, weather-appropriate clothing, and a reusable water bottle. Snacks and drinks will be provided! RSVP or reach out for more details. Let’s build resilience together—one raindrop at a time! 🌎💙
Mahood Falls, BC V0K 1J0 Canada
Sailboat House
Imagine this, a charming 24' sailboat, gently rocking on the water, offering a peaceful retreat beneath the open sky. Tucked into the cozy V-berth at the bow, guests fall asleep to the soft lapping of waves against the hull. By day, they sip coffee on deck, watching the sunrise paint the water in hues of gold and pink. But before this dream can become reality, the boat needs a little care—a revival of its spirit. The deck needs sanding, the rigging checked, the cabin freshened up, and a few thoughtful touches to make it not just seaworthy, but inviting. With the right hands and hearts, we can transform this sailboat into a floating escape, a sanctuary on the water for adventurers, dreamers, and those seeking a moment of peace away from the shore. Let’s bring this boat back to life—who’s in?
Mahood Falls, BC V0K 1J0 Canada
What Our Guests Are Saying
★★★★★
We have been with Kim, Tony and the kids for 2 weeks in july. It was pretty hard to find a host for the whole family. But with them we found the “perfect place“. Their farm is a wonderful place to stay. Inbedded in this wonderful nature. Sourrounded by all kinds of wild animals, a beautiful landscape and very kind people. 🥰
It took our kids quiet a while to warm up with the language, but already on our way back to the airport they started to ask when we‘ll be able to come back..
We helped out with painting a lot and the guys gave Tony a hand with all kinds of other stuff, while Kim always tried to find interesting work for the kids.
We spent the weekends and evenings together as a whole group going rafting, riding, hiking, watching movies or playing games. We were able to participate a very funny birthday party and they even gave us a pretty cool farewell party.
Thank you so much for the wonderful time we were able to spent with you and your whole family! We will never forget you and it probably won‘t be our last workaway.
★★★★★
Fantastic experience ! Me and my dog Laïka stayed at this place 3 weeks and I enjoyed every single day of it 🙂
Kim, Tony and the 3 kids are thoughtful, fun and active people, and they really made me feel confortable and part of the family.
I stayed both in the RV and the cabin, super cozy and comfortable, with a short walk to access the main house, the bathhouse and the beautiful surrounding.
As a busy farm, there is a lot going on! I tried to take part in various projects during my stay, as I was curious of a bit of everything, keen to learn / share.
Tony and Kim are making the work fun, adaptative, meaningful and dynamic. They were both patient, open for discussions and ideas, I had opportunities to choose the projects depending on my interests and always felt comfortable to try something new 🙂 During my stay, we did some construction work, fencing, barn cleaning, animal care, gardening, foraging, cooking, painting… most of the time with Kim or Tony and some good music ! We had many meaningful and inspiring discussions about sustainable projects, self sufficient farms, social economy, community projects.
We did fun activities most evenings and week-end : board games, movie night, playing music, walk with dogs, kayak, horseback riding, and awesome Beach Volley Ball games on the 5 stars official size volleyball court ! As a beginner, I’ve been coached by the entire family and thanks to team play, I had awesome games !
I am grateful about the great memories, everything I’ve learnt and the bond I had with all members of the family. It was a blast to get to know them, and they inspired me in many ways. I will always be happy to visit 🙂 Thanks for this experience !
★★★★★
Working on the farmland was both educational and deeply rewarding. Each day brought new lessons about sustainable farming practices—from soil health and crop rotation to composting and water conservation. I gained hands-on experience that helped me understand not just the how but the why behind these methods.
What made the experience truly special, though, was the Pressacco family. Their knowledge, generosity, and passion for sustainable living created an environment that was both inspiring and welcoming. They were always eager to share their expertise, answer questions, and involve me in meaningful projects. Their dedication to the land and community left a lasting impression on me, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside them.
Jeff Skop
Volunteer
Start Your Journey with WHOKA
If you’ve already worked in our Farmhand program or simply want to learn more about the program, please complete the form below or simply email us at whoka-info@gmail.com . Together, we can create something extraordinary.
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