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Camphill Communities of North America

Address: 

Organization Description: 

Camphill is an international movement of intentional communities designed to meet the needs of children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities through a dynamic combination of community life, the arts and work on the land.  There are over 100 Camphill communities worldwide, ten of which are in North America: California, New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Ontario and Vancouver. 

     Camphill is dedicated to social renewal through community building with children, youth, and adults who have developmental disabilities. In a time where many are experiencing a crisis of spirit and search for meaning, Camphill offers a life of celebration, service, and community building in which all participants flourish.

     Camphill, founded in Scotland in 1939 by humanitarian physician, Dr Karl Koenig, is based on anthroposhophy.  The Camphill approach honors the spiritual integrity of every human being, regardless of ability or circumstances, and recognizes the individualís need and right to lead a full life that includes material, emotional, social and spiritual needs. 

     Most Camphill communities are often in a rural setting.  This provides opportunities for agricultural and horticultural work supporting a sustainable world ecology.  In each Camphill community - whether a childrenís village, a community for young people finding their way into adult life, or communities that provide opportunities for adults - people live together in house communities.  Members of the house community share in the daily life and tasks of the house, and engage in work at school, on the land, in one of the craft workshops or providing some other service. 

Issue Area(s):

• Disability
• Community development 
• Environmental Issues & Agriculture

Type(s) of Bonner Partnership Connections:

• Alternative Break Site
• Internship opportunity
• Educational opportunity
• Job opportunity
• Resource Provider

Internship Position

Internship Description: The experience offered in Camphill is varied and can include: supporting individuals with disabilities in the home, at work on the farm, garden or in one of the various craft workshops, such as weaving, pottery, stained glass, woodworking, candle-making or bakery; cooking wholesome food for your household with a small group of people; enjoying evening activities with others; and creating and celebrating community seasonal festivals together. Celebration has a central place in the life of the community: through arts, festivals and honoring special events and milestones in peopleís lives.  Care for the earth is highly valued and considered an essential component to the well being of people and the community.

Volunteers, called co-workers, come from around the globe. Some people come for a short-term experience (generally, one year); while others make it a long-term way of life. Living and working together - sharing life - with people of all ages and abilities as well as those who have limitations, is both challenging and rewarding. Becoming involved in the ongoing process of community-building and meeting and helping to solve the challenges that arise, provide ample opportunity for learning and growth. Coworkers do not receive a salary in the usual sense. Each person works to benefit the others in the community and in turn their living needs are supported. This includes full room and board, medical insurance, vacation time and a modest stipend for personal needs. 

Internship Start/End Dates:

Application Process: Those interested can learn about specific volunteer opportunities in each of the communities and complete an application online at www.camphill.org After the application with references are received, the individual will be contacted to arrange an interview, generally over the phone. A medical screening and criminal background check are also required.  

Application Deadline: rolling admissions.

Stipend Provided? Yes

Housing Provided? Yes

Hosted Bonners before?

Service Opportunity

Service Opportunity Description: See individual community descriptions for alternative break possibilities.

Service Opportunity Start/End Dates:

Resource Opportunity

Resources Available: 

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