• Life in Camphill

What is Camphill?

Camphill is a worldwide movement with over ninety centres (communities) in twenty countries supporting people with learning disabilities and other support needs.  Camphill communities adopt a holistic approach to supporting individuals, who may have a range of complex needs, to find meaning in their lives and to develop their social, spiritual and practical skills and potential.The Camphill model centres on the creation of intentional communities, where children, young people and adults work and grow with others in healthy social relationships based on mutual care, respect and learning. 

The Camphill movement was started in Scotland in 1940, and is based on anthroposophy, the insights of Rudolf Steiner.  Anthroposophy looks at each person as an individual, encouraging everyone to develop their own human and spiritual potential, and this focus on individuals and their development has always been a key feature of life in Camphill. 

In this section you can find out more about support in Camphill communities, and the history of Camphill.