“Testimonials describe what has been, & are a promise of what is to come.”
My Son, Lee
Moving day, March 7, 2015, was the start of a new life for Lee. We loaded up a truck with his bed and belongings and drove to Camphill Village. I wondered if he really understood that this was more than a visit. I sensed he was stressed but also that this was what he wanted to do.
Not long after his move in, we had a meeting to discuss how things were going. Lee attended, too. He sat silently as we discussed his behaviors, the good and the not-so-good. He was gleaning that we were talking about him and his being at Camphill. When we had a pause in our conversation, we all sort of looked at Lee, and he pronounced, “Stay.”
One word changed everything.
My experience at Camphill was incredible–at times challenging–and in the end very enriching, both professionally and personally. I have a degree in agronomy, and I learned a lot by helping the farm team with their daily work. I met amazing people that I will take with me in my heart. I hope to keep in touch with everyone and visit them in the future. The daily life with people with developmental disabilities was very important for me. Being able to meet them and help them do their jobs also helped me a lot to learn about various subjects and with learning the English language. I am Brazilian and my native language is Portuguese. Having this experience with different people, from different countries, with different accents is unique and helps you a lot. I will miss my time at Camphill, even the cold weather! I believe I have contributed to the community with my life experience and friendship.
~~Erika
I have immensely appreciated this utmost beautiful and life-changing opportunity. When I think about Camphill Village Minnesota I have a huge smile on my face. It is a place where people can take ownership of their life: contribute talent, hold space for healing, and value community in this world. I would look forward to waking up every morning to such loving households: singing in the kitchen, making meals together, and chatting about what we're going to do for the day. I think that humans are meant to stream life through an intentional village lens and that we thrive on growing and sharing experiences together. So, thank you, Camphill, for existing in all your beauty. From the looms of the weavery to the vegetables harvested on the farm, this place has so much to offer and I'm so grateful.
Much love and harmony, ~~Wren (they/them)
“I lived at CVM during my gap year after college while I was applying to medical school. When I first saw a video advertising CVM, I was hesitant to think that a place like this actually existed—a community that lives and works together, grows food together, celebrates with each other, all in a peaceful rural town—especially coming from Los Angeles, which was practically the exact opposite.
When pulling up to the farm during move-in, though, and seeing how many people were excited for my arrival, and how many people just wanted to know more about who I am, I knew I made the right choice for my gap year.
I am so grateful for the community and family that I have formed at CVM, and I cannot wait to take all of the gifts of knowledge I have learned from you all and apply them to the rest of my life.”
-Nicolo, Live-in Volunteer 2020-2021
I came to Camphill knowing that I was only going to stay for three months, but I quickly felt enchanted by the energy and care of the community. I was to be a garden intern, and I lived in a house with 10 people where I became part of the family. I loved waking up every morning to the sound of my housemates getting started with their days, being greeted with GOOD MORNING MARI, and preparing breakfast. By the end of the summer, it was difficult to imagine not seeing my housemates every day or working in the garden. Looking back, I’m so grateful to have been welcomed by the community and to have shared so many laughs and stories with the special group of people at Camphill Minnesota.
-Marilia, Live-in Volunteer Summer 2021
Dede and Maddie
“After my sophomore year of college, I made the decision to leave my previous summer job in my hometown of Minneapolis to try something new: I was to live in a place called Camphill Village Minnesota from June through August and work on the farm. I accepted the Land Internship position knowing very little about the community, or what my internship would entail, exactly.
Though I had been gardening at school for the past few years and knew quite a bit about growing vegetables, I had never worked with livestock or operated a tractor so I definitely had a lot to learn. Being only twenty years old (the youngest coworker at the time), I felt nervous to enter a new community. Little did I know, I had nothing to fear. Upon my arrival, I was welcomed with open arms, embraced both literally and figuratively. The warmth of the community was instantly palpable. Very quickly after arriving, I overcame my intimidation and dove headfirst into each new day.
During my time in the community, I learned many things. I gained a wealth of valuable skills and grew confident in many aspects of farming. Those who had been milking cows for years were patient with me as I learned the process. Within weeks I learned how to drive a tractor, rake hay, and move bales. I became comfortable assessing what needed to be done, and leading crews to complete the tasks. With the support of a patient and understanding team of farmers, I was able to play my part to help not only myself but the CVM community thrive.
In addition to learning farm skills, I learned a whole lot about myself, community, and the relationship between the two. Being surrounded by open, honest, and loving individuals fostered in me a desire to share myself and my gifts with those around me without fear of judgement, and gave me the opportunity to connect more personally with those in the community.”
Maddie, Land Intern and Live-in Volunteer, summer of 2017 and 2018
“I was a coworker at CVM for a year. I lived in Prairie Wind and worked in the garden, the orchard, the harvest kitchen, the weavery, and arts. I loved life-sharing and getting to know all of the amazing people who live at CVM. My favorite thing was sharing meals with my house and eating the delicious veggies from the garden! I am really grateful for my experience living in the community at Camphill Village, and for the memories we made together that will last a long time.”
-Jenna, Live-in Volunteer 2020-2021
“My year at CVM presented challenges and triumphs in such concentrated ways that it will forever be difficult to compare such a relatively short amount of time to anything else in my life. After continuing to life-share in another, smaller community in Great Barrington, MA, I was eventually offered, and took, a full-time position as a program manager for Hawthorne Valley Farm's Place Based Learning Center in Ghent, NY.
My job includes working with 3rd-10th graders from different Waldorf schools as well as non-Waldorf schools on the farm in an educational way, and helping coordinate the programming for our interns and summer camp counselors. I am involved in some other aspects of the farm; a particular favorite is being included in the milking rotation for our 60-head herd of dairy cows! I am optimistic about delving deeper into the Waldorf pedagogy and feel so fortunate to have strengthened my Foundations through my year at CVM. I think of my dear Minnesota friends often, and miss all the wonderful people I met and continue to hold close in my heart.
I feel able to share myself more fully and freely in the world because of my time at CVM.”
-Betsy, Live-in Volunteer 2016-2017
"For two years I lived and worked at Camphill Village Minnesota. Through this experience I learned a great deal about myself, my passions, and really my personal purpose in life. People give and receive in a variety of ways. At Camphill, if one is open and perceptive, this is clearly evident. For example, I lived with an individual with significant physical and social needs. I provided for that person to the best of my abilities. What I received was beyond compare. I received dignity, purpose, and friendship in the truest sense. Our humanity and livelihood was interlocked for those two years and it is an experience I will never forget. Living at Camphill is difficult for a variety of reasons. However, if one is open and willing to give – to truly give without pride and expectations of reciprocity – then Camphill is certainly a worthwhile endeavor."
-Joe, Live-in Volunteer 2014-2016
Adam, Joe, and his cat out for a stroll.
“Since leaving Camphill I graduated with my Bachelors from Northland College and moved out west! I lived in Truckee, CA for 3 years where I went back to school to get my teaching credential. Right now I am finishing up my Masters in Teaching, and teaching 6th grade English in Reno, NV. Since Camphill I have kept my love of farming, animals, and working with people. Had it not been for Camphill I am sure I would not have considered teaching which is truly a passion of mine. As a result of Camphill, I am still at my best when I am outside often, working with my hands, and able to connect with people.”
-Ellie, Live-in Volunteer 2013-2014
"The three years my family spent at Camphill Village Minnesota were transformative. Our skills were put to use in so many ways and each day provided new opportunities for us to learn and grow. Our lives were enriched by the home we shared, meaningful friendships were made and these still exist today. What first appeared as challenges or hurdles were in fact invitations to connect with one another and to truly know another person.
We also experienced what the word Community really means in the ways we were supported and how we were invited to support others. We miss the wide open skies and the wide open hearts of our friends there, but know we can visit anytime and be welcomed with open arms. "
-Nathan, former House Leader and his family Maria, Oliver and Curtis
“I spent a year at Camphill Village Minnesota and can honestly say it was one of the best years of my life. I learned so much about myself and made life long friends. It was a fun-filled year and I came away knowing that I had made a difference in peoples’ lives; enabling those with special needs to experience a rewarding and fulfilling life. I felt instantly welcomed into the community; the people are warm, friendly and accepting. The life-sharing ethos of Camphill means that you get to know your community members well and I left feeling like I was leaving a family behind. You live a healthy and active lifestyle in beautiful surroundings, meet inspirational people and learn many new skills."
-Jess, former Live-in Volunteer
To speak to an alumni and learn more about the Camphill experience email volunteer@camphillmn.org
