Aberdeen at the heart of the international Camphill Movement

The Camphill Movement exists to create communities in which vulnerable children and adults can live, learn and work with others in healthy social relationships based on mutual care and respect.

		"Everyone who lives in the Camphill communities regards their work not as a job, but as a way of life."

The central principle is to live a shared life, based on Christian ideals, with everyone contributing what they can to the well being of their fellows.

The international Camphill Movement takes its name from Camphill House at Milltimber in Aberdeen. This was the original base established in 1939, when Dr Karl König and his colleagues found refuge in Aberdeen having escaped the Nazi regime in Austria.

Today there are more than 90 Camphill communities in 21 countries, including 47 in the UK and Ireland. In Aberdeen alone there are more than 700 people living and working in Camphill Aberdeen City and Shire communities. Download Camphill Aberdeen City and Shire information pack (pdf 6.4MB).

The function of the Camphill community is much more than "care". An important principle of the Camphill Movement is that those with special needs should be allowed to reach their potential. That means providing support at home, at school and – in the adult communities – at work in the market garden, the farm, metal, joinery, toy and craft workshops, bakery, café and shop.

The role of the "co-workers" (the community deliberately avoids traditional descriptions such as "staff") is to enable those for whom Camphill is home to do much for themselves. This is done by creating an environment that allows those with special needs to accomplish much in their lives that might otherwise have been difficult, or impossible.

Everyone who lives in the Camphill Aberdeen City and Shire communities regards their work not as a job, but as a way of life. The co-workers are not paid directly for the work they do, their needs are met from the resources of the community.

“An important principle is that those with special needs should be allowed to reach their potential.”

The Camphill Aberdeen City and Shire communities have a broad outlook on life and the children and adults are encouraged to participate in the cultural, spiritual and social life of the community itself and in the wider community of Aberdeen.

As well as caring for people, Camphill cares about the land and the environment. It uses organic and biodynamic farming techniques, with a strong focus on ecology, self-sufficiency and the environment. An important element in the biodynamic approach is conservation of soils and lack of pollution.

The route of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is alongside the Camphill Estate, the birthplace of the worldwide Camphill Movement. It is also home to more than 40 vulnerable children with complex special needs and the co-workers who live with them and care for them.

Camphill communities live their lives by Christian principles, but they welcome anyone of any faith who respects this aspect of community life.

Download Camphill Aberdeen City and Shire info pack (.pdf file 400k)
Download Communities info pack (.pdf file 4.3MB)