Life in Camphill Village Copake
Camphill Village is an integrated community where we connect with one another through meaningful work, enriching spiritual life, and supportive relationships. We are unfolding our potential together through the practice of social therapy, in which we nurture the gifts of our peers while meeting their needs through life’s different stages.
There are more than 20 lifesharing households in Camphill Village. These are shared by individuals with and without developmental differences, including house leaders and their families, volunteers, and students of the Camphill Academy. These housemates of all ages and abilities live as extended families—experiencing milestones and challenges together, enjoying wholesome meals, and sharing responsibilities within the household.
We spend our mornings and afternoons working in our therapeutic craft studios, houses, and practicing biodynamic agriculture. Evenings and weekends are dedicated to creative pursuits and visiting with friends; we might enjoy a week baking cookies and sourdough breads in our Bakery before relaxing on a Saturday afternoon in our busy Coffee Shop. Some will spend evenings practicing a new piece of music before performing alongside fellow musicians in our Village Bell Ensemble concert.
Our weekly activities provide structure and balance, but life in Camphill Village follows the natural rhythms of the seasons. Chilly winter mornings spent cradling mugs of hot mint tea from our gardens melt away into long sunsets by the swim pond. And through these seasonal shifts, we gather for our many holidays and spiritual festivals.
Many of our celebrations are held outdoors, as our scenic valley landscape provides us with space to grow food, as well as gather. Our land enables us to stroll and chat with friends, ride our bicycles in a safe environment, and to decompress peacefully at the end of a fulfilling day.
Camphill Village Copake is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, and we thank our donors and other generous supporters for helping us to make Camphill Village the special place that it is. Learn about the different ways you can support the adults with developmental differences who make their home at Camphill Village here.
Medical and Therapeutic Care
In addition to off-site care, the Medical Office here in Camphill Village is staffed with nurses and doctors. Our caring medical staff practice integrated medicine—combining homeopathic and mainstream medical care and remedies.
We offer on-site dental care, vision care, physical therapy, and mental health counseling, as well as a wide array of supportive therapies including massage, eurythmy, painting, music, and movement—all of which are utilized enthusiastically by our community members of all abilities.
Camphill has reminded me that life is a gift to be shared. The staff in the medical office, the house leaders, and the villagers give testimony to the power of community; and it is clear that Camphill cares.
Upcoming Events
Join our team at the Camphill Village Green! While working Tuesday through Friday, you`ll be a part of our bustling crew, making specialty coffees, preparing soups and lunches for our coffee shop customers, and baking sweet treats for our coffee shop counter. Apply on our website at camphillvillage.org/careers (link in bio)
Today is Three Kings Day! Also known as the Epiphany, the last of the Holy Nights is an excellent day to reflect and take stock of the year ahead. In the Village—and in many Camphill communities—we do this by creating a Biodynamic preparation for our pastures and woodland perimeters using water, gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which we apply using sprigs of fragrant rosemary from our greenhouse. Today`s mild weather was perfect for snowy hikes through our valley, woodlands, and pastures. We hope our Biodynamic farmer and gardener friends around the world enjoyed a fun day appreciating the land together ahead of of the 2026 growing season!
Our New Year’s Eve spectacular was the best kind of mayhem! Our neighborhoods all joined forces to represent each of the “Twelve Days of Christmas,” and three sets of royals traveled from afar to behold our holiday fashion show. The McFly family made it just in time to introduce the latest in futuristic reflective fashions, and we were transported to a dreamy winter scene with Aillinn and Orchard houses’ beautiful rendition of “Snowman” by Sia. We ended with a neon disco finale performed by the young coworkers from our Orientation Group, followed by a dance party and our evening New Year’s Eve service. Many thanks to all—including the Fountain Hall costume closet—for making this, no doubt, the greatest celebration in the region.
On the fourth and final Sunday of Advent, we were delighted to welcome David Anderson of Walking the Dog Theater for an incredible one-man performance of "A Christmas Carol," followed by a cozy bonfire to celebrate the winter solstice! We hope all of our families and friends have a wonderful week as we head into Christmas and the Holy Nights🎄
Camphill Village Copake needs your contribution! The volunteers who live here in Camphill Village are so important for our community life, in our households, in our craft studios, and on our land. Receive medical insurance, free room and board, all of your homecooked meals are paid for, and you`ll receive a modest stipind. Stay with us for six months or more! Apply online at the link in our bio!
We were delighted today to both host and support our Ukrainian friends, who worked so hard to cook and serve a delicious cafe meal of borsch, varenyky, and stuffed cabbage—for which all proceeds will go toward Medical Relief for Ukraine (@medicalreliefforukraine). Thank you for inviting us to dine and support a wonderful humanitarian cause!
We were given the rare opportunity to attend a concert performed by Moroccan composer, vocalist and guimbri player Lala Tamar (@lala.tamar.official), who was joined by Epichorus members Megan Gould on violin (@fiddlermegan), percussionist Rich Stein (@rsdrum) and Rabbi Zach Fredman on oud and guitar (@zachi.asher). The music was amazing! We`re so grateful to the Berman Family for making this concert possible—a special occasion for Tammy`s 65th birthday weekend. Many thanks to Lala Tamar, Rabbi Zach, Rich, and Megan. Your music is so impactful. @sharibklyn @berman.lorraine
We’re still a ways away from our fundraising goal today, Giving Tuesday. Please help Camphill Village meet the full amount of a matching gift being offered by the Baresich family! Your donations compose a significant portion of our annual operating budget, which ensures our community members can continue to lead fulfilling lives with deep connections every day of the year.
