World Wide
Camphill found its beginnings in 1939 at the outset of the Second World War. A group of Austrian refugees, inspired by Dr. Karl Konig (1902-1966), a Viennese pediatrician, found land and benefactors in the northern reaches of Scotland near Aberdeen. Inspired by the teachings of Rudolph Steiner and Anthroposophy*, they built up a number of intentional communities in which people with special needs were able to find acceptance, acknowledgement and recognition as human beings. In those days, up until the 1960's and 1970's, people with developmental disabilities were seen as patients and were often institutionalized. Camphill's development and growth in the world as a model of true "normalization" had a significant influence on society's perception of the disabled.
The Camphill movement is now made up of several regions: Central Europe, Britain, Ireland, Africa, Scandinavia, North America and the former Soviet Union. Today there are almost 100 Camphill places throughout the world. Some are schools for children, some have vocational training and other are “village” communities for adults. The Camphill movement fosters exchanges for handicapped adults and enables young co-workers to have unique work experience in a foreign country or at home.
The individual communities are quite different from country to country, however there are some commonalities in terms of basic philosophies and goals. Camphill places are autonomous entities responsible for their own finances and development. They support each other through collegial meetings, conferences and interest in each other. Camphill co-workers traditionally do not receive wages. Like all members of the community they relate their individual expenses to a budget agreed upon within their place of residence. Camphill Communities Ontario is part of Camphill Association of North America.
Camphill in North America
Camphill was established in North America in 1959. Today, Camphill in North America consists of ten independent communities that are home to over 800 people whose daily lives are full of vitality and accomplishment. These communities serve and impact thousands of other people in the surrounding areas. The ten communities live and work on over 2,500 acres of land which is cared for using organic and biodynamic methods.
History of Camphill Communities Ontario
Camphill Communities Ontario came into being in 1986 as a home/school setting for children and adolescents. As the residents aged it became an adult-centred community. While social services were readily available for children in Ontario during this time, adults with intellectual disabilities were poorly served.
The property that is now Camphill Nottawasaga was acquired in 1987. Building began shortly after with the goal of creating a village community including adults with special needs. Over the years, the population grew and five houses were built. Workshops flourished and the agricultural work developed from a small sandy patch of weeds to a vibrant, productive garden and farm. In 1996 our cultural centre, Novalis Hall, was built to house festive events for both the Camphill community as well as the broader Simcoe county. Camphill Sophia Creek, an urban initiative in downtown Barrie, opened it's doors in 1997.
*Anthroposophy arose in Germanic Europe in the first part of the 20th century guided by Austrian philosopher, Rudolf Steiner. For more information on Anthroposophy, see our "Links" page.
|
Home Page
