LIFE-LONG personal development is one of the cornerstones of all Camphill communities. We encourage everyone in our communities, of all abilities, to learn new skills and gain knowledge for the benefit of themselves and their community.
Guest volunteers and co-workers take part in induction training when they join a community - usually one morning or afternoon each week - which meets the statutory welfare requirements under which our communities work.
This induction training is often included in the Foundation programme which all communities offer. This includes an introduction Camphill life and anthroposophy (the philosophy which underlies all Camphill communities), human development and psychology, and a review of conditions likely to be met in people who live in Camphill communities such as autistic spectrum disorders, epilepsy, Down's syndrome etc. Creative work in the programme may include participating in plays or music for community festivals.
A number of Camphill communities offer a practical training in biodynamic agriculture & horticulture in a two-year apprenticeship scheme co-ordinated by the Biodynamic Agricultural Association.
Eurythmy - a performing art in which speech and music are expressed as movement - has been used therapeutically by Camphill communities since they first became established. The Camphill Eurythmy School, at Botton Village, North Yorkshire, offers a five-year foundation training.
Participants in these latter two programmes live and study in the host Camphill communities, participating in all aspects of community life alongside community members with learning disabilities and other special needs.
Click to read about more advanced training.