Discovering Camphill : new perspectives, research, and developments

'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.' -- Dr Thomas Garfat, child and youth care worker, and Editor of Relational Child and Youth Care Practice journal 'This is a remarkable book. Rarely does one find a program of any kind willing to open itself up to such intensive internal and external critical examination. Through the wide-ranging perspectives presented, the reader will indeed "discover Camphill", and find it to be an impressive global movement in support of the integrity of persons and the wholeness of human life.' -- James P. Anglin, PhD, Professor of School of Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria, Canada 'This is a deeply impressive collection -- impressive in its scope and depth, its worldwide coverage and its inter-disciplinary range. But most of all what is impressive is the enduring humanity and compassionate engagement of the Camphill approach, which these authors so movingly describe, analyse and evaluate. Thoroughly recommended!' -- Adrian Ward, Consultant Social Worker, Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust, London 'The book achieves its two principal aims: one is to report on the findings of research on several Camphill communities; the other is to discuss societal trends which are likely to impact on the future of the Camphill movement... 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.' -- Mike Gibson, Times Educational Supplement Scotland 'Robin Jackson, to his great credit, has brought together some illuminating thesis work, research projects and Camphill stories, not just in Scotland but throughout the world, to illustrate the work and worth and bring out the significance of the now 70-year-old Camphill Movement.' -- Vivian Griffiths, New View '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.' --Simon Jarret, British Journal of Learning Disabilities '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 the seeds of pre-war Nazism. Whilst this is a collection of essays which essentially attempts to enlighten readers about the history and breadth of work of Camphill (which now spans seven countries), the work also offers a fascinating insight into the history of the movement.' -- Lynne McNeil, Life & Work 'This book marks a much-needed step in Camphill emerging into the bright light of public scrutiny.' -- Bob Clay, Camphill Correspondence 'Discovering Camphill is a thought provoking account of Camphill's roots, beliefs, practices and evolution ... All the chapters warrant reading, but it is the sections dealing with Camphill's approach to caring for and educating children with SEND that will particularly interest Special Children readers.' -- Diane Crew, Special Children 'this book gives a thorough and descriptive explanation of what Camphill stands for and actually does. The model fits well with residential care philosophies and can be a helpful additional perspective for administrators and policy makers as we continue to expand our understanding of how to develop useful ideas about residential care.' -- Jack Phelan, Relational Child and Youth Care Practice Journal Read more...