Camphill and Aberdeen
Camphill has been part of local community in Aberdeen City and Shire since 1940.
Dr Karl König, Camphill pioneer
That was when, with the help of eminent Aberdonians of the time, the first community, at Camphill House in the Milltimber area of Aberdeen, opened its doors to children with special needs.
How it all began
In their native Austria, the Camphill pioneers had been working for some time on their plans for a community that would provide education and support for children with special needs.
On the night of the Nazi annexation of Austria, they met by candlelight, behind closed curtains and resolved to meet in another country to put their ideas into practice.
They were welcomed to Aberdeen and – with the support of eminent Aberdonians and the Macmillan publishing family – their community opened its doors to children with special needs in June 1, 1940.
In 1953, Camphill took its first steps beyond Aberdeen, with the opening of the first centres in England. Six years later, the first communities began in the USA.
Now there are more than 10,000 people living and working in Camphill centres in Europe, the USA, Canada, Africa, Russia and India.
On the night of the Nazi annexation of Austria, they met by candlelight, behind closed curtains and resolved to meet in another country to put their ideas into practice.
They were welcomed to Aberdeen and – with the support of eminent Aberdonians and the Macmillan publishing family – their community opened its doors to children with special needs in June 1, 1940.
In 1953, Camphill took its first steps beyond Aberdeen, with the opening of the first centres in England. Six years later, the first communities began in the USA.
Now there are more than 10,000 people living and working in Camphill centres in Europe, the USA, Canada, Africa, Russia and India.
Camphill Aberdeen City and Shire represents the shared interests of seven Camphill charities in the Aberdeen area.
The Camphill pioneers likened their first community in Aberdeen to lighting a candle on the hill.
Now that candle spreads its light widely.
More than 700 people live and work in Camphill Aberdeen City and Shire communities, offering education, therapies, training, work and living opportunities for vulnerable children, young people, adults and the elderly.
Internationally the Camphill Movement extends to more than 100 centres in 23 countries.