About Camphill California
Camphill California is an anthroposophical life-sharing community where individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities live, grow, and work together with a deep sense of autonomy, interdependence, and belonging.
About Us
Camphill California is a life-sharing community for adults with developmental disabilities and of all abilities, located near Santa Cruz, California. Our vision of community living involves relationships of mutual respect, ongoing education, meaningful work, and natural circles of support. Our mission is to create a community that supports all individual abilities and recognizes the potential of every person.
Residents of Camphill California are dedicated to caring for the land using organic and biodynamic practices. One of our main day activities is gardening, as well as producing and processing herbs. Our Herb Crew harvests and tends the beds and creates herbal tea and delicious culinary cooking mixes.
In addition, residents create beautifully crafted goods in our weaving studio, weaving a variety of household and gift items. Some Camphill residents participate in volunteer opportunities in the wider Santa Cruz community, internships, and supported employment programs.
Camphill California is an anthroposophical organization, and is inspired by the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, a philosopher and social reformer. It is founded on the principles and ideals of Dr. Karl König, an Austrian pediatrician who created the intentional community movement for children and adults with special needs.
Click here for more information about daily life at Camphill California, including the cultural and spiritual aspects.
“One of the most beautiful ways in which human beings can live together is when one person develops toward the other; when in the realm of the soul one human being is becoming through the other. This is precisely the way in which human community can be most wonderfully established.”
-Rudolf Steiner
Mission
Camphill California is an anthroposophical life-sharing community where individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities live, grow, and work together with a deep sense of autonomy, interdependence, and belonging.
Vision
Camphill California is dedicated to nurturing the unique potential of every individual through meaningful work, inclusive living, and shared daily rhythms that support the well-being of body, soul, and spirit.
We are a life-sharing community rooted in the international Camphill movement and guided by anthroposophical principles as formulated by Rudolf Steiner.
We cultivate a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging inspired by Karl König’s vision of social renewal.
Together, we grow through collaboration: Strengthening relationships within our community and cultivating deep connections with families, neighbors, and mission-aligned partners both locally and globally.
Community Map of Camphill California
(hover your mouse over the map to see the various building names)
Aulinta
Marimi House
Chrysalis House
Mariposa House
Sunrise
Evergreen
House of Ishi
Barn
Swini
A Brief Community History
Camphill California was founded in 1997, and opened its doors in 1998, thanks to a group of founding parents “California Friends of Camphill” as well as key founding Camphill coworkers from other Camphill communities, who came here to create a Camphill initiative for adults. Camphill California, which initially started as one home on a single property, has now grown to a community of over 40 residents located on over seven acres on six properties, all within a two-mile radius in the Soquel foothills of Santa Cruz County. Camphill California is a diverse community that strives to cultivate human relationships among people of all abilities through shared living, and learning and working together.
Inspired by the teachings of philosopher and academic, Rudolf Steiner, Camphill California is an anthroposophical organization that is part of an international movement for social change. Pediatrician Karl König founded the first Camphill school for children “In need of special care” on Camphill Estate in Scotland in 1939. Today Camphill has become a world-wide movement of intentional communities and initiatives that work with children, youth and adults; practicing and promoting inclusive social change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Camphill California is a life-sharing community for adults with and without developmental disabilities. We are located on 6 acres of land in Soquel, CA between the north shore of Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Camphill California is a nurturing, dynamic community where a dedicated group of individuals of all abilities live, learn and grow together.
The first Camphill communities were founded in Great Britain and Europe by Austrian doctor Karl König (1902-1966). With the belief that community was an essential component of healthy social and spiritual life, Camphill villages were created for adults with and without disabilities to share their work and home lives together and to mentor and support one another.
All Camphill Communities are inspired by the teachings of Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) who understood human beings as a totality of body, soul and spirit. Steiner’s philosophy and its practical applications constitute a body of knowledge known as Anthroposophy.
If you have a family member or friend with developmental disabilities who would like to learn more about Camphill California, please visit the Admissions page and/or sign up for our monthly tours at admissions@camphillca.org. Camphill California members are CA residents and clients of the San Andreas Regional Center. Camphill California residents vary in age from 21-60+. You can find more info on our admission policy HERE.
If you have a family member or friend with developmental disabilities who would like to learn more about Camphill California, please visit the Admissions page and/or sign up for our quarterly tours at admissions@camphillca.org. Camphill California members are CA residents and clients of the San Andreas Regional Center. Camphill California residents vary in age from 21-60+. You can find more info on our admission policy HERE.
Camphill California welcomes a wide range of short term and long term volunteers. The interests and experiences of these individuals varies. Many are introduced to Camphill through connections with Waldorf Schools, or from interests in working with adults with developmental disabilities. Visit our Volunteer page for more information, or contact us at coworker@camphillca.org.
We welcome all contributions to our day, residential, and supported living programs. Donations can be made here. We welcome cash, checks, and gifts of stock or annuities. For more information please contact giving@camphillca.org.
Camphill Communities California is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all contributions are tax-exempt. Your gifts are important to us and help us to maintain and expand our exceptional programs and recruit gifted and dedicated caregivers to our community. For more information contact giving@camphillca.org.
Here is a list of local programs.
Situated in the hills above Soquel, near town, the ocean and beaches, Camphill is in a prime location for a wide variety of both urban, cultural and nature focused activities
WHAT WE VALUE
Community
Everyone has a unique gift to give to the world, regardless of their level of ability, and each person plays an integral role in the community as a whole.
Capacity Building
Building our skills and abilities creates a sense of purpose, and helps every individual we serve to have an impact on the community and the world around them.
Belonging
At Camphill California there is a place for each human being to unfold their potential, be seen for who they are, and to feel a true sense of connection and belonging.
Community
Everyone has a unique gift to give to the world, regardless of their level of ability, and each person plays an integral role in the community as a whole.
Capacity Building
Building our skills and abilities creates a sense of purpose, and helps every individual we serve to have an impact on the community and the world around them.