At Camphill Village, Copake, New York, we welcome dozens of volunteers, age 19 and over from around the world to enjoy their Gap Year or Service Year or to become a Biodynamic Apprentice. Many volunteers find it to be the richest and most vibrant experience of their lives.
SaraMae Kline from Seattle, WA, put it this way: “There’s so much of a focus of education and a career and moving forward that this part of life - of serving other people - can be lost sometimes … I think that’s really important to go out into your community and help others and commit to that for a while … you’re young, there’s a lot of time, there is no rush. There’s a lot of people who need help, you have the energy and the time to do that.”
SaraMae Kline from Seattle, WA, put it this way: “There’s so much of a focus of education and a career and moving forward that this part of life - of serving other people - can be lost sometimes … I think that’s really important to go out into your community and help others and commit to that for a while … you’re young, there’s a lot of time, there is no rush. There’s a lot of people who need help, you have the energy and the time to do that.”
Volunteers at Camphill Village Make Friends for Life
Only 2 hours north of New York City, in Copake, NY, Camphill Village is an intentional community where you share daily life with other young people from around the world, with adults and families, and with individuals with developmental differences. At Camphill Village you learn to be responsible and yet independent.
We grow and cook healthy organic food, enjoy music and laughter, share in spiritual practice and connect with our residents as friends. Volunteers come to Camphill Village to explore nature, human nature, and to learn about themselves. At the same time they will form lifelong memories.
Antonia Goevert, a Camphill volunteer from Germany, describes her experience: “All of the volunteers are from different countries. I’ve got some friends from Korea, some from France … it’s really interesting to meet them, to get to know them and their culture, and what they bring to the Village.”
Many overseas volunteers, like Antonia, find their English is much improved after a year immersed in the language. A highlight for many is the activities which include: Biodynamic agriculture, farming (crops, animals, artisanal goods), baking, candle making, book-binding, stained glass crafting, woodcraft and growing and using herbs.
Dan Hayden from New Jersey sums up his time at Camphill Village, “This place has so many opportunities in so many different areas - just let yourself go! This is an amazing place for growth and change.”
Interested in volunteering at Camphill Village, Copake, New York? If you live in the USA, click here for information. If you live outside the USA, click here for information.
