Welcome - how it all started

Situated on the edge of the beautiful Dartmoor National Park in a landscape of rolling hills and woodland, our Community, of approximately 80 people, includes those in need of special care, vocational volunteers (long-term Co-workers), volunteers from abroad, and non-resident employed staff. Residential accommodation is based in 7 houses where shared family sized units offer people the support they need. The aim is to provide a secure and stimulating environment in which the full potential of each individual can be nurtured. Everyone is encouraged to live a full and useful life, each contributing to the best of their ability to the Community as a whole.

Camphill Devon Community was started in 1979 by a small group of co-workers and Villagers from Botton Village in North Yorkshire, where the first adult Community had opened in 1955. The first Camphill Community was founded in 1939, in Scotland by a group including Dr Karl Konig, an eminent Viennese paediatrician. This Community created new opportunities for children with special needs. Later on Adult Communities were developed, and the Camphill Movement gradually became a world wide organisation. Today there are over 50 Camphill Communities in the UK and they can be found in 23 countries. The ethical and social principles followed are those of Dr Rudolph Steiner (1861-1925). His ideas, which inform much practical work in education and the arts, agriculture, medicine and social life are known as Anthroposophy, and it is this philosophy that provides the cornerstones to our approach. In Common with other Camphill Communities we are concerned with the spiritual and emotional as well as the physical health of each individual; and in providing a community life where individual needs are mutually respected.

Contact The Manager on 01364 642631 or devon@camphill.eclipse.co.uk