What is Camphill
The Camphill Movement is an initative for social change inspired by anthroposophy. Camphill communities are residential communities and schools for adults and children with learning disabilities, mental health problems and other special needs, which provide services and support for work, learning and daily living. As of 2011, there are 119 Camphill communities in 21 countries in Europe, North America, southern Africa and Asia.
We Believe in a Community Life Which:
Supports buiding relationships through the recognition of the yearly festivals and important events in nature and the life of each individual.
"Companions achieve purpose... a sense of responsibility in having something to offer other Companions and to the community on the whole" - Camphill Parent
We Support a Cultural Life in Which:
- all forms of artistic expression are fundamental to daily life.
- group study, dialogue, education, and continuous learning are supported
- contributions to the broader community are encouraged
In addition to our regular work Camphill also offers cultural and leisure activities such as painting, clay modeling, music and eurythmy. We feel that these activities are not purely recreational but possess therapeutic benefits as well. Cultural and artistic contributions are welcomed as a means of group study, dialogue, education and continuous learning.
Concerts, plays, festivals and educational workshops are presented at Camphill as well. We believe this aspect of life is nourishing to us all regardless of ability and we share these performances with the general public. The completion of the cultural centre “Novalis” in 1997 now serves both the Camphill Community and the surrounding area with a forum for arts based performances.
Our Work Helps us to Cultivate a Life in Which:
- everyone contributes to and benefits from the life of the community
- stewardship of the land and environmental protection are basic responsibilities
- meaningful work enables learning and results in the production of crafts, agricultural products and services
Camphill Communities Ontario recognizes the therapeutic value of work and encourages all individuals to participate as fully as abilities allow. This work can take many forms ranging from food preparation to animal husbandry. Work often begins in the houses by learning life-skills such as cooking, cleaning and laundry.
Outside of the home individuals are instructed by trained work instructors who provide both vocational and social guidance. The work is scheduled in such a way as to offer a consistent routine while remaining flexible enough to accommodate individual needs.
"All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.
Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.
I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be,
and you can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be."
- Martin Luther King Jr.
Together we Invite:
- friends and family members to support the creation of a sharing community
- everyone to contribute to cultural events, work and home environment.
- all to foster self advocacy and communication skills that promote healthy relationships
