Camphill Worldwide

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.

Where are Our Communities?

For a guide to all Camphill Communities Worldwide, please visit: http://www.camphill.net/

The Camphill Movement International Address List can be found -HERE-