Accommodations
Appalachian Catholic Worker’s “E.C.O. Center” is a 100-acre farm in the backwoods.
The part of the farm where we host groups is lovingly referred to as “Rubber Bucket.”
Eat, Meet, ‘n’ Sleep Space – “The Shaq” at Rubber Bucket is an authentic Appalachian tin-roof shack that was built in the 1940s, and housed small families up to four through the generations, so you know it will be cozy with 10! It has a small kitchen and tight eating area, comfortable couch and chairs in the living room, and a tiny little library with books and board games. The upstairs 20 x 26 loft has 10 individual twin sized metal frames and mattresses. Students, please bring your own sleeping bags and pillows. No bag? Just borrow…no need to buy.
Bathroom Facilities– Although we have indoor plumbing, it should be considered “rustic,” but, still a step above an outhouse! Our one shared bathroom has an elderly, fragile septic system, so, we’ll practice how to “let it mellow when it’s yellow, and flush it down when it’s brown,” using a bucket of water. Participants are allowed one traditional shower per week. Although many have found “going without” as a challenge and a group-bonding experience, we HIGHLY encourage daily “bird baths” out of the sink, or the use of ‘wet-ones’ for aromatic quality and comfort in close quarters! Regardless, baseball caps and bandannas will likely become your group’s new fashion trend.
Students from John Carroll University
Meals – Due to high energy costs of the production and distribution of meat, and our respect for the intrinsic value of factory farmed animals, most meals are vegetarian.
Breakfasts and lunches are simple, nourishing and often “on the go.” Your help will be needed for dinner prep, and we eat either buffet or family-style. Clean-up is a group effort. While we try to accommodate special diets, folks may want to bring their own items to supplement meals. Food is figured into your cost.
Fresh free range eggs from the farm
Our beautiful collection of Feistaware!
Students from Xavier University with Neighbors
TYPICAL BREAKFASTS
Mon – Fri – Continental – fruit, yogurt, cereal, bagels, toast, jams, butter
Sat – Sun – french toast & veggie sausage or pancakes & fresh farm eggs
TREATS
popcorn – on movie night
cookies – chocolate chip…for as long as they last!
TYPICAL LUNCHES
Brown Bag: PB&J sandwiches (or veggies & hummus for nut allergies) fruit, pretzels
“The Spread” – if we eat at home, a buffet style- cold veggie pizza, pasta salad, cheese & crackers, fruit, and yummy left-overs
TYPICAL DINNERS
spaghetti, salad, garlic toast (tomato sauce)
tacos -large soft shelled (both meat and bean), salsa & chips
chili (vegetarian), hummus, pita bread
gypsy soup (sweet potato-based, vegan), black bean dip & bread
pesto 3 cheese tortellini and salad
WATER: Our well-water is safe to drink and the sweetest in Roane County! Please bring reusable water bottles and be conscientious of your use of our planet’s most precious resource. Never leave the tap running!
House Chores – Daily house chores encourage service among peers. Participants will sign up to be a member on one of three teams:
Chew Crew – Kitchen clean-up, meal prep if needed
Green Team – Recycling and composting
Poo Crew – Bathroom clean up & tidying up eating and meeting spaces