On April 20, 2009, the JEM group visited Camphill Village Kimberton Hills located in Kimberton, Pennsylvania. It is the closest ecovillage to Philadelphia, only 30 miles away! Camphill Village Kimberton Hills was founded in 1972 when it was donated to the Camphill movement by an aging couple. A brochure that was given to us clearly describes the message of this Camphill Village. "Camphill Village Kimberton Hills is a vibrant famring and handcrafting community that includes adults with developmental diabilities. Kimberton Hills residents, living and working side by side, create a dynamic and caring community for people of all ages and varied abilities. Located on 432 acres of farm, gardens, and woodlands in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Kimberton Hills is also a local center for culture and a model for sound ecological living."
Currently there are about 100 residents living at Kimberton Hills, 41 of which are adults with developmental disabilities. There are about 20 long term adult residents without disabilities and about 25 year long residents, either working through AmeriCorps, or are volunteering foreigners. There are 13 children living at Kimberton Hills. The population is diverse in age and in abilities, although the people at Kimberton believe that each person, no matter developmentally disabled or not, can contribute to the village in a significant way. Residents of Kimberton Hills are divided into expanded families that live together and share 3 meals a day together. During the day residents work on the farm, in the gardens, in textiles and woodworking, in the bakery, coffee shop, or in the households. Kimberton Hills offers a variety of therapies, such as art and music therapies, eurythmy, counseling and support groups, which all strive to enhance the health and well being of the residents.
Check out our individual blogs to learn more about ecological design, biodynamic agriculture, renewable energy, waste, water and recycling!
You can also check out their website here.
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