Discover Meaningful Rural Internships at Campbell Land, Grimshaw, Alberta, Canada. From City to Farm: Why More Young Adults Are Choosing Rural Experiences

Campbell Land is a transformational farm experience in Peace Country, Alberta, offering international students and volunteers the chance to disconnect from city life and reconnect with nature, purpose, and hands-on learning.

• Interns gain practical life skills through daily tasks like cooking, gardening, animal care, and building, while discovering new passions in a supportive, family-style environment.

• Daichi’s story, from shy architecture student to confident leader raising livestock and running a garden market, showcases the personal growth that happens here.

• Students form lasting bonds, integrate into the local rural community, and participate in meaningful events, volunteering, and unique Canadian experiences.

• At Campbell Land, you don’t just learn how to farm—you grow into your best self, surrounded by nature, mentorship, and a global family.

Life in the city is fast, loud, and always on the go. But lately, more and more young adults are craving something different—something real. They’re trading the hustle for the hum of nature, swapping concrete for open fields, and choosing a life that feels more connected. At Campbell Land, we see this shift every day. Students and volunteers from all over the world come here not just for a break from urban chaos, but for something deeper: purpose, hands-on learning, and a sense of belonging.

The Call of Nature and Simplicity

The students who choose Campbell Land are drawn to its rural setting. They want to escape the crowds, feel the stillness of nature, and experience wildlife in its purest form. But more than that, they want authenticity. They’re not here to be tourists; they want to be part of something real. They want to get their hands dirty, see where food comes from, and learn practical skills that city life rarely offers. Most of all, they crave connection—with the land, with the community, and with the family they build here.

A Story of Growth: Daichi’s Journey

One of our most inspiring stories is Daichi’s. A Japanese architecture student, he arrived at Campbell Land after completing the Camino de Santiago—a 500-mile pilgrimage through Spain. He stepped off the plane into a brutal Alberta winter, respectfully shy and struggling with English. He stepped off the plane and only saw white.  He thought to himself, “where am I?’ he chuckled when he told me. But his openness and willingness to help made an instant impression. He fit right in immediately.

Our first real connection happened in the kitchen. Cooking and baking became our shared language, breaking down barriers faster than any conversation could. In the evenings, he sat at the table, determined to improve his English, wrestling his way through Harry Potter. When the vocabulary proved too difficult, we switched to children’s books, and little by little, his confidence grew.

Originally, he planned to stay just two weeks. But something about Campbell Land felt unfinished. He asked if he could come back when he graduated from school. Of course, I said yes.

His next stay happened after he graduated as an architect. He stayed for six months. He became my shadow—helping with errands, caring for animals, cooking, cleaning—always eager to learn. It was easy because he was already familiar with the setting and characters. When Sophia, a young woman from Germany, arrived for her three-month experience, Daichi naturally became her mentor, passing on the same guidance he once received. Soon she was good friends with Daichi and part of our family.

After his six-month stay, we said an emotional goodbye. But Campbell Land had become part of him. Not long after he left, we came up with an evolution of an idea. He would come again—this time with a clear vision: he wanted to take full ownership of his learning.

He returned with a mission. He didn’t just want to help with the animals and garden; he wanted to raise the chickens and pigs from infancy to harvest. He wanted to build a new garden from scratch and run his own market. And he did just that. Over the next year, he grew into a leader, gaining the kind of confidence that comes from doing hard things and succeeding. It wasn't always easy, but he was dedicated. “There is nothing I cannot do,” he told me once. And I agreed with him.

The Skills That Shape a Life

Every student at Campbell Land starts with the basics: cooking, cleaning, feeding animals, taking out the garbage, shoveling snow, washing windows, helping in the shop.. These everyday tasks build a foundation of self-sufficiency. Once those are second nature, the real magic begins.

Curiosity takes over. Students explore interests they never knew they had. They start markets, drive fuel trucks, train dogs, and build projects from the ground up. They don’t just learn how to farm; they learn how to thrive. They develop confidence, adaptability, and a deep sense of resourcefulness that sticks with them long after they leave.

Finding Belonging in a Rural Community

One of the most beautiful parts of this journey is how students integrate into the community. In a rural setting, distractions are few, and relationships grow deep.

They get invited to community events, volunteer opportunities, and local organizations. Daichi attended a band camp. He learned to play guitar. He shared homemade pizza, cinnamon buns, cookies, and more with the campgoers. Sophia trained with the RCMP K9 unit. Both volunteered with the Town of Grimshaw, the Pioneer Museum, and local events. They didn’t just stay at Campbell Land—they became part of something bigger.

A Global Family

Today, Daichi and Sophia have gone on incredible adventures, each weaving their unique skills into their lives in ways that continue to inspire us. But they remain part of our Campbell Land family, sharing their stories, growth, and commitment to self-development.

A farm isn’t just a place to work. It’s a place to grow, learn, and find a home, no matter where you come from.

I’m endlessly grateful that they found us and joined the Campbell Land family. Their journeys have made my life richer, more meaningful, and full of joy. Stay tuned to hear more about these two and others.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a rural experience is right for you, here’s my advice: take the leap. The best version of yourself might just be waiting for you in the open fields, under the wide sky, surrounded by a community that welcomes you as family.

Ready to trade the city lights for starry nights? Visit campbellland.ca to learn more about joining us at Campbell Land.