Help us create a larger community

Please take a few moments to read the following thoughts from one of our day volunteers, a high school student named Tanner, who described Camphill Kimberton in a college admissions essay:

Tanner

Heat bakes the area around my feet as I reach through the spiny leaves surrounding the cucumbers. Dirt covers my clothing and cakes under my fingernails. Although the conditions are harsh, the fields of plants continue to grow with vigor. The smells of ripening vegetables permeate the air. These mid-July farm conditions may not sound like a place where one might find contentment but the experience has served me well, heightening my respect for others and reaffirming my appreciation for the opportunities I have.  My sense of awareness, both in my role on the farm and in my maturity, put me at ease here.  

I volunteer at the garden that is the nucleus of Camphill Kimberton. While working, I ponder what life must be like for a farmer who battles these conditions to earn a living.  A farmer’s life is harsh; yet, he labors tirelessly and takes pride in his effort to benefit his family and community. While I shuffle on my knees in search of the last fresh tomato of the day, I am thankful for the experience that is so different from my own routine.  

Working here nurtures my respect for others, including one of the villagers, Andy. Andy has worked and lived at Camphill Kimberton for 34 years. His dedication is extraordinary. The farm means everything to him and offers him a complete sense of pride and purpose. I regularly work beside Andy and help him with various tasks. He makes me genuinely happy with his humor and overall work ethic. It is fulfilling to work at Camphill Kimberton because I am helping to sustain the Village’s mission.  I am rewarded by the positive feeling of sharing myself with people like Andy. I enjoy teaching, laughing with, and being a friend to the villagers.  In these relationships and while toiling under adverse conditions, I feel a growing maturity in which I truly appreciate my opportunities.  Working alongside dedicated villagers such as Andy is a privilege and one in which I intend to continue.  

Andy

More than 200 day volunteers, like Tanner, regularly work with us each year.  When we are asked, “how many people do you serve?” our answer is always a long one, because we don’t serve anyone; we all work together, with friends, neighbors and volunteers.  We do this with uncommon care and attention, while at the same time making it possible for all who come in contact with Camphill Kimberton to benefit in many ways.

Know that your financial support not only helps the lives of those who live in the village, but it helps to create a larger community. The impact of that is immeasurable.

Please help to make this possible with your contribution to our Village Support Fund – your gift will inspire and enrich many lives.  25% of our annual operating budget - which finances our workshop and household needs - is raised through charitable donations.  To make a secure, online contribution, please click here. Thank you!