VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN USA | TRAVEL WITH YOUR FAMILY

 

THE CAMPHILL ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA 

The Camphill Association of North America is an interconnected group of intentional communities that provide support and services for people who have developmental disabilities. The very first Camphill community was established in Scotland in 1939 by Karl König, the Austrian philosopher and educator and the movement has since grown to a global initiative. The North American branch of Camphill was founded in 1961, and it has grown today to 16 different communities in North America.

Camphill communities are based on the principles of anthroposophy, a spiritual philosophy developed by Rudolf Steiner. It highlights the spiritual nature of humanity and makes it a point of duty to integrate spiritual insights into every aspect of life. In these communities, this means a focus on meaningful work, artistic expression, and community-based lifestyle.

Even though each Camphill community is different, they all share a commitment to providing support and an inclusive environment for people with developmental disabilities. The residents engage in a wide range of activities, from gardening and farming to weaving and pottery. Individuals within the community work together to create a vibrant social life, with shared meals, festivals, and other forms of celebrations.

Overall, the Camphill Association of North America is focused on promoting a more inclusive and compassionate community by facilitating support and services for people with developmental disabilities.

VOLUNTEERING 

Volunteers are critical in Camphill communities because they act as enablers in carrying out their mission of providing specialized care and support for people with developmental disabilities. Volunteers come from all over the world and may stay for a period ranging from a few weeks, a few months, or for even longer periods. Volunteer positions are different depending on the specific needs of the community, but they generally work alongside residents in various aspects of the community life.

Below are some of the common volunteer opportunities with Camphill communities in North America:

Co-worker: This is the commonest volunteer role at Camphill communities. Co-workers live and work alongside residents, supporting with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, gardening, and caring for animals. Co-workers usually need to indicate they are willing to commit to a minimum of six months.

Short-term volunteer: Short-term volunteers usually support Camphill communities for a period of two weeks to three months. They may assist with specific projects or tasks, such as building a new greenhouse or helping with a summer camp program.

Professional volunteer: Professionals in fields such as education, nursing, and therapy can also choose to volunteer at Camphill communities. Professional volunteers typically commit to a longer period of service, ranging from six months to a year or even more.

Internship: Camphill communities gives opportunity of internship  for students and recent graduates. Interns work with residents and co-workers in various aspects of community life, and are able to gain valuable experience in fields such as social work, agriculture, and education.

As a volunteer with the Camphill Association of North America, you will gain a rewarding and meaningful experience and will enable you make a difference in the lives of others. It's important to note that some volunteer positions may require specific skills or qualifications, and volunteers may be asked to undergo a background check and complete a training program before the start of their service.

VOLUNTEERS ROLES

The responsibilities of volunteers at Camphill Association of North America communities will depend on the needs of each community and the specific volunteer position they applied for. However, you will find below some general tasks that volunteers may be expected to perform:

Assisting residents with daily tasks: Volunteers may be asked to help residents with tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and personal care.

Participating in community activities: Camphill communities place a strong emphasis on community life, and volunteers may be expected to participate in shared meals, festivals, and other social activities.

Working on the farm or in the garden: Many Camphill communities have farms or gardens where residents and volunteers work together in a sustainable manner to grow food and care for animals.

Providing educational or therapeutic support: Volunteers with specific skills or qualifications in fields such as education, therapy, or nursing may be asked to provide specialized support to residents in these areas.

Maintenance and construction work: Volunteers may be asked to assist with some maintenance and construction projects around the community, such as building repairs or landscaping.

Supporting events and activities: Camphill communities often organize events and activities for the greater community, and volunteers may be tasked with planning, setup, and cleanup.

Assisting with fundraising and administrative tasks: Volunteers may be asked to help with fundraising campaigns, writing proposals and grants, and other administrative tasks to support the community's activities.

It's important to note that volunteers are not expected to have any specific skills or qualifications, as training will be provided on site. To ensure a gainful experience, volunteers should be open to learning and willing to work collaboratively with residents and other volunteers alike.

OVERSEAS APPLICANTS

Camphill Association of North America welcomes volunteers from all parts of the world. In fact, many of the Camphill communities have a long history of hosting volunteers from different countries, which in turn contributes to building a rich and diverse community life.

Volunteers who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents may need to obtain the necessary visa to be able to engage in volunteer activities in the United States. The specific visa requirements will depend on the length of the volunteer service and the volunteer's country of origin. The Camphill Association of North America can provide some guidance and support to volunteers in helping them navigate the visa process.

It's also worth noting that some volunteer positions may require proficiency in English, as communication is an important part of community life. However, it is not all positions that require fluency in English, and some communities may offer language support to volunteers who are not native English speakers.

Overall, the Camphill Association of North America appreciates and values the contributions of volunteers from different backgrounds and cultures, and sees volunteer service as a way to promote understanding and cooperation across borders.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT 

The Camphill Association of North America does not offer financial remuneration to volunteers for their service. Camphill communities rely on the support of volunteers to fulfill their mission of providing care and support for people with developmental disabilities, and volunteers are seen as a critical part of the community.

However, volunteers are typically provided with accommodation and board during their volunteer period, and may also receive other benefits such as training, language support, and cultural enrichment opportunities. Additionally, volunteering is always a valuable experience that can lead to personal and professional growth, as well as the satisfaction of contributing to a meaningful mission.

It's also worth knowing that volunteers may be eligible for stipends or other forms of financial support through external funding sources, such as grants or scholarships. However, these opportunities are not guaranteed and are dependent on funds availability.

TRAVELLING WITH YOUR FAMILY

The provision for volunteers to bring their families to Camphill communities in North America may vary from one community to another. Some communities may have limited space and resources to cater for families, while others may be more flexible.

If you are interested in volunteering with Camphill and would like to bring your family with you, it's best to first reach out to the specific Camphill community you are interested in and make inquiry about their policies on volunteering as a family. The community can provide you with information about available housing options, support for children's education and childcare, and other important information.

It's worth noting that volunteering with Camphill can be a very immersive and demanding experience, and may require a significant commitment of time and energy. Volunteers with families should carefully consider whether they have the capacity to balance the demands of community life with their family responsibilities, and should have realistic expectations about the level of support and resources available to them.

Overall, if you are interested in volunteering with Camphill and would like to come with your family, it's best to discuss your options directly with the community you are interested in and carefully evaluate whether volunteering with Camphill is the right choice for you and your family.

OPEN VACANCIES

To know the open volunteering positions, you can check the Camphill Association of North America website or contact them directly to inquire about any available volunteer opportunities.

The Camphill Association of North America website has a volunteer section where you can learn about the different types of volunteer opportunities available, as well as the requirements and application process. You can also browse the website to learn more about the different Camphill communities in North America and the types of work they do.

If you are interested in a specific Camphill community or position, you can contact them directly to inquire about any available opportunities or upcoming openings. The Camphill Association of North America website provides contact information for each community, and you can also reach out to the Association itself for more information and guidance.

Please note that volunteer and job opportunities at Camphill communities usually vary based on the needs of each community and the time of year. It's important to be flexible and open to different types of work and communities, and to patiently search for a suitable position.

For a list of frequently asked questions and answers regarding opportunities at Camphill, consult this link

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