Social and Organizational Relationships
and Active Partnerships

Camphill communities form dynamic partnerships with a variety of community organizations. Camphill has developed cooperative associations with environmental groups, scout troops, local schools and universities, Americorps and area businesses. Participation in Special Olympics and job placement programs enrich all those involved. Several Camphill communities provide chemical free, biodynamic produce to their area friends and neighbors through community agriculture projects. By forming these relationships, Camphill supports and enhances surrounding communities.
Innovative Cultural Activities

Creative talents are nurtured in every aspect of life. Music, painting and drama are integrated into the learning and recreational life of each Camphill resident and are seen as supportive of the unfolding of human potential. Each Camphill community is a significant resource in its area, offering a variety of cultural events to the public each year, including lectures and poetry readings, music, dance, dramatic productions, land-based festivities, workshops and open houses. World-class artists such as Richard Goode, André Watts, and Paula Robison regularly perform for the public in the Camphill communities.

Stewardship of the Land

Each Camphill community creates a healthy social and ecological balance within its unique environment. Land stewardship is approached using biodynamic and organic farming methods. This approach builds upon established methods of sustainable agriculture. Compost, manures, soil and plants are treated with special preparations that enhance the earth's organic processes and produce healthy, poison-free foods.


Continuing Education

All Camphill communities in North America provide student-learning opportunities and actively support continuing education. There are a number of courses available throughout the North American Camphill communities.

Volunteerism

Volunteer coworkers are a vital part of Camphill. All coworkers have opportunities to give of their talents, skills and expertise and benefit from the rich and diverse activities of community life created together with other co-workers, their families and children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities. Camphill recognizes the challenging work of shared community life and seeks to foster growth and new learning opportunities for volunteers. The Co-worker Development Office, established in 1988, focuses on attracting qualified coworkers/volunteers. Functioning under the auspices of the Camphill Association of North America, the Recruitment Office is a valuable resource, providing information, outreach and guidance regarding volunteerism and training in Camphill's unique environment.

Effective community building requires dynamic, daily creative effort. There are many challenges and demands on those involved, practically, socially and spiritually. The Camphill way of life provides an enormous stimulus for those who choose it, whatever their age or ability. By providing challenges for self-advancement and by respecting the developing individuality of each person, life in Camphill allows everyone the freedom and encouragement to grow to their fullest potential.

The eight legally and organizationally independent Camphill communities in North America are home to over 800 people, whose daily lives are full of vitality and accomplishment. The communities serve and potentially impact thousands of other people in the surrounding areas. The people in the eight Camphill communities live and work on over 2,500 acres of land, which are cared for utilizing organic and biodynamic agricultural methods.