Volunteering area: People & Earth Care

Location: New York, USA

Short description: Camphill Village Copake has been working for social and personal change for 60 years. People have come together to try to build a new model for life on this planet. Volunteers at Camphill Village Copake gain practical skills such as biodynamic and organic gardening, farming, baking, crafting, woodworking and basic homesteading skills. Volunteers join our community from around the world for at least one year and sometimes longer.

Camphill Village is situated on over 700 acres of wooded hills, gardens and pastures in upstate New York. Volunteers live in extended family-style homes along with adults with developmental differences and everyone contributes in a way that is meaningful to them.

Main activities will include (but are not limited to): 

Volunteers are responsible for supporting people with developmental differences in their activities of daily living and integrating actively into the house community. This could include:

• Joining housemates in social outings
• Emotional support
• Cooking meals
• Participating in house meetings
• Supporting workplaces around the village
• Personal care
• Cleaning common spaces

Specific information/requisites:

– Requisites:

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to perform well in an environment that requires compassion, helpfulness, patience and resourcefulness
• Willingness to learn and take responsibility
• Must pass a background check (first interview)

– Compensations:

• Monthly allowance for incidental expenses
• Medical insurance from arrival until departure
• Free room and board (private room in a community house)
• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• Basic toiletries and daily living items
• Daily organic, fresh meals
• One full day off during the week

More information: camphillvillage.org / Their Instagram