History of Camphill

The foundation of the Camphill Movement lies in the teachings of Rudolf Steiner (1861 - 1925)

The teaching gives many insights into the spiritual nature of the human being. These insights inspired Dr Karl König (1902 - 1966),who founded the Camphill Movement in Scotland in 1940

He was the main driving force behind its remarkable initial growth. Karl König and his friends wanted to share their lives with others in need of help, so that a positive contribution could be made to the world which then, as now, sorely needed constructive alternatives. Therefore they devoted themselves to living with children with special needs. Dr König felt that, through communities, new ways of healing might be introduced into society to counter some of the more harmful aspects of modern life. The vision still lives and each new generation in Camphill strives towards achieving it.

Camphill Communities are communities with disadvantaged people and those with special needs. Pupils, students, villagers and other older residents live together with co-workers and their families in such a way as to foster mutual help and understanding.

Helper and helped live and work side-by-side, each learning from the other.

Effective community-building does not come about without a struggle and makes tremendous demands on those involved, both humanly and physically. The Camphill way of life provides an enormous stimulus for those who take it up, 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 to grow to his or her fullest potential.