Camphill Communities

Camphill Communities in the UK are part of a worldwide network. Volunteers work with children, adolescents and adults with developmental and other disabilities.

The communities

Volunteering in a Camphill Community will give you the opportunity of developing and using a broad range of skills and personal qualities, while doing something meaningful. Induction and orientation courses are offered to all volunteers and further training is available to those committing themselves beyond one year.

The voluntary work is demanding, diverse and rich. You need to be:

• Physically and emotionally healthy
• Flexible
• Open-minded
• Willing to take responsibility

Depending on the nature of the community – school, college or adult centre – you will:

• Be involved in classroom and therapy support
• Participate in vocational and/or workshop activities 
• Support the companions in their life skills and recreational activities
• Take responsibility for the areas you are involved in, e.g. individual support planning and review. This will increase as you develop experience.

The community supports the needs of its co-workers, providing room, board, training and an allowance for personal needs.

Countries/locations

There are 4 schools, 6 further education and training colleges and around 25 adult communities in the UK. Each community has its own history, qualities and character.

How long?

Most communities ask that co-workers commit themselves for at least one full year. Typical starting date is around 1 September.

About Camphill Communities

The first Camphill Community – Camphill Rudolf Steiner School in Scotland – was founded in 1940 by the child psychiatrist Karl König. There are about 100 Camphill Communities worldwide.

Want to find out more?

• www.camphill.org.uk
• info@camphill.org.uk
• 01453 753142