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Camphill School and Camphill Farm Community GENERAL INFORMATION AND APPLICATION DETAILS ( March 2004 )
OUR BACKGROUND Camphill Hemel & Aarde consists of a School and Farm Community and is part of the worldwide Camphill Movement founded in the 1940s by Dr Karl Konig, an Austrian physician, writer and educator. It draws inspiration from the philosophy and practical teachings of Dr Rudolf Steiner called Anthroposophy. By the end of the 1940s there were five centres clustered together outside Aberdeen, Scotland. In the 1950s new centres were founded in England, Northern Ireland and South Africa (1952). Throughout the last decade new communities have sprung up in other countries and continents. Each has its own particular purpose, but at the heart of every centre the guiding impulses have been the same: the effort of each individual to extend his personal ambitions to help others and through living in a community to create a healing environment that encourages everyone to develop to his fullest potential. WHERE WE ARE Our community nestles in the beautiful Hemel en Aarde Valley near Hermanus (approx. 120km from Cape Town). It is a peaceful setting surrounded by mountains. Unlike the other provinces of South Africa, the South Western Cape has winter rainfall. This means our summers are dry and warm, but not unpleasantly so. Winters are often cold, stormy and slashed by powerful gales. Warm clothing, rain gear and hiking boots are essential since temperatures can drop close to zero and the houses are not centrally heated. LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY Life in a Camphill community will probably be different from the way you have been living. You will become part of a large extended family, which includes children or adults with special needs, other co-workers and their children. As a co-worker you will be required to take care of a small group of children or a small group of adult villagers; these duties to include taking care of their personal hygiene. You will also assist in the house community, helping with housework, cooking, cleaning and laundry, under the guidance of a houseparent. Farm co-workers will also be required to work in one of our workshops or on the land. School co-workers will, under the guidance of a teacher, assist in the classroom. (Please note: workshops only apply to the farm community) If you join us you will be part of a group of people from many nationalities and cultures. As we are an English speaking community it is essential that you understand and speak the language. It is also important to remember that English should be spoken socially, even if you are addressing someone from your home country. WHO IS A CO-WORKER? All people who volunteer to work and live in our community are co-workers. Together we take on the responsibility of caring for the children or adults; running the houses and workshops. There is no hierarchy, manager etc., so the community decisions are made by groups which are formed to deal with the different aspects of our Threefold way of life. A temporary co- worker is someone who has committed themselves for one full year. It would be possible to extend your commitment if desired. A permanent co-worker is someone who commits for a minimum of two years and longer. Permanent co-workers carry more responsibility in the community and are expected to commit to the relevant meetings. The financial needs differ from those of a temporary volunteer. These can be discussed at the interview. CULTURAL AND SOCIAL LIFE OF OUR COMMUNITY We share a strong cultural and social life based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner. Living in a Camphill Community is a way of life and not a "9 to 5 job". At times our hours can be long and demanding. On the lighter side there are many activities including plays, music, talks, painting and drawing. If you play a musical instrument please bring it along (unless it happens to be a piano!). We also have many other evening activities such as lectures, concerts, walks and excursions. Your initiative in this realm will be greatly appreciated. Our community is enriched by what you can offer. We do expect your commitment towards the participation in our cultural activities and festivals. RELIGION Christianity is central to our way of life although we are entirely non-denominational. Therefore the Christian festivals form an integral part of our annual rhythm and around each one special artistic and cultural events are organised. The daily reading from the New Testament is discussed at Saturday's Bible Evening which is celebrated in each house. The Bible Evening is also seen as a preparation for the lay Sunday service to which we accompany the people in our care. In order to lift these occasions out of the everyday routine we dress more formally. Co-workers need to set an example and dress appropriately. TRAINING Upon arrival the first week will be seen as an introduction week. On the farm you will work in each workshop to acquaint yourself. Each newcomer must participate in our one year Introduction Course. It consists of weekly sessions covering topics relating to Camphill, Anthroposophy, and the needs of our residents. This course will help you to be more fully equipped for your tasks here. A three year seminar in Curative Education is offered to permanent co-workers and will be discussed on arrival. REMUNERATION All work is done voluntarily. All co-workers receive their board and lodging and modest monthly pocket money. Each person gives the benefit of their work to the community and receives from the community cover for their basic needs.
ACCOMMODATION Each co-worker is provided with a single room and will be required to share bathroom facilities with other household members. On rare occasions you may be asked to share a room with another co-worker. Our way of life demands a certain amount of flexibility. It can happen that after a time one is asked to move to another house or workshop because a greater need has arisen. While this may be difficult for you, the basic attitude of Camphill is to help where there is a need. CARS AND TRANSPORT We own several vehicles which are used by appointed drivers for our various transport needs. One vehicle is available for the use of temporary co-workers on their days off. In order to use these cars you will need to bring your original driving licence and to have possessed this for a minimum of one year. Drivers from outside South Africa must obtain an International Drivers Licence before departure. Newcomers to Camphill are required to pass a driving assessment with Hermanus traffic authorities before being allowed to drive a Camphill vehicle. According to individual ability you may be required to drive different vehicles of our fleet in a responsible capacity. In order to make use of the temporary co-worker vehicle (driver or passenger) a refundable deposit of R350 will be required. Details of the cost will be given to you once you are a member of the community. Please note that the cost per km is relatively high, as it has to cover fuel, insurance, maintenance and replacement of the vehicle. MEDICAL PROVISION You must take out a medical insurance to cover your personal medical and dental needs for the first year as this is not provided by us and medical care in South Africa is very expensive. GENERAL Useful QUALIFICATIONS are welcomed but no special qualifications are necessary besides enthusiasm, commitment to learn and a willingness to share life with all kinds of people. Please send a copy of all certificates/diplomas that would be relevant to your application. Compared to Northern Hemisphere our seasons are 180 degrees out of phase. We have found it takes one full year to acclimatise. Coupled with the fact that it takes time to settle into Camphill ways we would ask for ONE FULL YEAR COMMITMENT as the minimum. We do not have the means to pay for your FLIGHT TICKET, WORK PERMIT COSTS, or extension of visa. Applicants accustomed to European or American standards of living should note that South Africa is a developing country and our Camphill is not a financially wealthy community. Living within our economic limitations may require some adaptation on your part. CAMPHILL SCHOOL
Was founded in 1952, and is dedicated to the care of approximately 35 residential children and adolescents as well as about 15 day pupils, aged between 3 and 20 years, catering for a wide range of learning disabilities, developmental handicaps and emotional disturbances. The residential children live in family groups in 5 houses. All the children attend classes according to their age. Our curriculum covers a wide range of subjects based on the Waldorf curriculum for normal children but adapted to suit specific needs. In addition to training in basic skills there is a good deal of artistic work such as drawing and painting, music and modeling, movement and drama.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AND FREE TIME All school co-workers have one free day per week. There are four holidays per year. During these periods community life does not stop. Although the majority of the children will be away there are always some who stay behind and need to be looked after. Cleaning and maintenance of the houses and grounds are also done by co-workers. Alternatively you may be asked to work in one of the farm workshops especially during the busy tourist seasons when production is at its peak. All co-workers are entitled to six weeks holiday per year. To make preparation for the next term, co-workers are required to return from their holidays one week before term begins. Times away must be arranged within the house communities. CAMPHILL FARM COMMUNITY
Accommodates 57 adults with special needs. It was founded in 1976 and is based on the idea of mutual help where there is interdependence between all members of the community. The farm has 7 communal homes which vary in size from 6 to 20 people. Through living and working together the distinctions between various members of the community become transformed into an appreciation of the contribution that each individual makes to the whole. Almost everyone is connected to a workshop. WORKSHOPS (ONLY APPLICABLE TO FARM COMMUNITY) Our 125ha Dairy and Pig Farm and gardens which are run according to Bio-dynamic methods produce milk, eggs, meat and vegetables. • Our Dairy processes milk into yoghurt and cheeses, which are mainly sold in our shop in Hermanus and via distributors elsewhere. • Our vegetable garden supplies vegetables for our own use. • Our Herb Garden grows herbs, which are processed and sold to farm stalls and health shops. • The Bakery produces bread, pastries and rusks to Hermanus and further afield. • Our own village distribution store buys and sells provisions for our daily needs. • The Wood-workshop produces various woodwork items. • The Candle Workshop produces handmade candles. • The Estate and Maintenance Team maintain our houses, gardens and grounds. • The Craft workshop produces mats from recycled fabrics. FARM HOLIDAYS Temporary co-workers are entitled to one six week holiday per year, which must be taken at the end of your stay. If your friends and family are coming to visit you: please make sure that it is planned together with your holiday time. Temporary co-workers have one free day a week and one weekend in every third month. All co-workers are asked to be available at all other times including weekends according to a reasonable daily routine. Permanent co-workers have four weeks holiday per year. Please do not plan your holidays over the festival times. The festivals are as follows: • The beginning of Lent until Easter Monday • Ascension and 10 days to Whitsun. • St Johns (last week in June) • Michealmas (Last week in September) • Advent and Christmas (the whole of December until 6th January) Permanent co-workers may take 10 days holiday after the first 6 month period, and the rest at the end of your first year. ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR BOTH SCHOOL AND FARM COMMUNITIES PERSONAL CONDUCT At Camphill Hemel en Aarde our work and lifestyle is living with and caring for people with special needs. We aim to create an environment that is safe, healthy and promotes the full potential of each individual within the community. Owing to the nature of our work, the use of prohibited drugs and the abuse of alcohol is not permitted inside or outside of the community. Such actions may lead to instant dismissal . It is important for co-workers to be alert and able to help with difficult situations at any given time. The children and adults in need of special care require our fullest awareness. As they are vulnerable, personal integrity and a sense of responsibility are essential. The healing work in Camphill would be impaired by the use of alcohol or drugs. In addition, as a public organisation, we are directly accountable to the Government and the parents of the people in our care.
Those smoking cigarettes must not do so during work, indoors or in the presence of children. If you understand and agree with the above and are prepared to comply with it, please sign the ACCEPTANCE FORM below and send it in with your application.
IN CONCLUSION We would like to say that we feel our life is meaningful and good although it is not always easy or comfortable. You will be busy throughout the day as well as most evenings and the new challenges can be intense and demanding. At the same time you will meet many interesting and rewarding new experiences and learn new skills. Your participation can add its unique contribution to our community life. Send your application to:
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