Discovering Camphill: New Perspectives, Research and Developments
This important book brings together research from scholars and experts in a variety of disciplines to explore a broad range of issues which affect Camphill life. The essays examine social, political and educational topics as diverse as spiritual needs, residential childcare, disabled identity, working with autistic children and the development of Camphill communities around the world.
This book is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the provision of services for children and adults with special needs.
Edited by Robin Jackson; Foreword by Andrew Kendrick
Purchase from Floris Books or from Camphill Bookshop, North Deeside Road, Bieldside, Aberdeen (at the entrance to Camphill School Aberdeen Murtle Campus).
This book is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the provision of services for children and adults with special needs.
Edited by Robin Jackson; Foreword by Andrew Kendrick
Purchase from Floris Books or from Camphill Bookshop, North Deeside Road, Bieldside, Aberdeen (at the entrance to Camphill School Aberdeen Murtle Campus).
Reviews
Dr Thomas Garfat, child and youth care worker, and Editor of Relational Child and Youth Care Practice journal:
"Before reading this book, I thought I knew Camphill. Now that I have read it, I realise how much my thinking was in error, based as it was on what one of the authors calls the 'myths of Camphill and its founder'. This book, easily readable and well presented for the curious, offers some fascinating perspectives on a phenomena of caring about which, I suspect, many of us have known little. It bridges effectively the gap between Camphill and the 'outside world', a gap which has been of concern to supporters and critics alike over the past years. Here we find a window into a world of caring in which many of the contemporary values of child and youth care practice have been in evidence from the initial founding. To treat each person individually, to live together in a caring relationship of mutual trust, to be aware of self -– all of these stand out as not only a bridge between Camphill and the outside world, but between the past and the present in the practice of caring. As Social Pedagogy becomes of greater interest, this book has much to offer."
Mike Gibson; The Times Educational Supplement Scotland, August 5th 2011:
“The contributors are refreshingly frank about the mistakes of the past and the challenges facing the movement in the future. They also convey very well what is inspiring about the Camphill movement.”
"Before reading this book, I thought I knew Camphill. Now that I have read it, I realise how much my thinking was in error, based as it was on what one of the authors calls the 'myths of Camphill and its founder'. This book, easily readable and well presented for the curious, offers some fascinating perspectives on a phenomena of caring about which, I suspect, many of us have known little. It bridges effectively the gap between Camphill and the 'outside world', a gap which has been of concern to supporters and critics alike over the past years. Here we find a window into a world of caring in which many of the contemporary values of child and youth care practice have been in evidence from the initial founding. To treat each person individually, to live together in a caring relationship of mutual trust, to be aware of self -– all of these stand out as not only a bridge between Camphill and the outside world, but between the past and the present in the practice of caring. As Social Pedagogy becomes of greater interest, this book has much to offer."
Mike Gibson; The Times Educational Supplement Scotland, August 5th 2011:
“The contributors are refreshingly frank about the mistakes of the past and the challenges facing the movement in the future. They also convey very well what is inspiring about the Camphill movement.”
Simon Jarrett; The British Journal of Learning Disabilities, September 2011
“A highly recommended read, as much for critics of village communities as those with a general interest in the history and ideas surrounding people with learning disabilities. Some may sneer but, for all the well-known flaws and risks of separate communities, as we strive for inclusion, acceptance, autonomy and a sense of purpose in the daily lives of people with learning disabilities, we should not ignore that these things may be happening more effectively and effortlessly in the world of Camphill than in the world outside it.”
Lynne McNeil, Life and Work (Church of Scotland monthly magazine), August issue.
“For those interested in the care and education of children and adults with special needs, this is a fascinating story of the evolution of the Camphill communities born from seeds of pre-war Nazism... ...The editor successfully dispels the myth of Camphill communities as ‘closed’ communities with this work, bringing together the experience of many professionals and diverse individuals who have been touched by the Camphill experience, with its roots firmly in the heart of a corner of rural Scotland.”
“A highly recommended read, as much for critics of village communities as those with a general interest in the history and ideas surrounding people with learning disabilities. Some may sneer but, for all the well-known flaws and risks of separate communities, as we strive for inclusion, acceptance, autonomy and a sense of purpose in the daily lives of people with learning disabilities, we should not ignore that these things may be happening more effectively and effortlessly in the world of Camphill than in the world outside it.”
Lynne McNeil, Life and Work (Church of Scotland monthly magazine), August issue.
“For those interested in the care and education of children and adults with special needs, this is a fascinating story of the evolution of the Camphill communities born from seeds of pre-war Nazism... ...The editor successfully dispels the myth of Camphill communities as ‘closed’ communities with this work, bringing together the experience of many professionals and diverse individuals who have been touched by the Camphill experience, with its roots firmly in the heart of a corner of rural Scotland.”
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.