Volunteer Coworker

  United States

Philadelphia

Durations of Program: 7-12 months, 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 years

Description: Young people from all over the world volunteer at Camphill Special School as residential volunteer coworkers. They are compassionate, intelligent, and hard-working, lending cultural diversity, many different talents, and a great deal of love to our community.

Residential volunteer coworkers are welcomed to the School at the end of August every year. After a week-long orientation, they plunge into life either at the Children's Village at Beaver Run or The Transition Program at Beaver Farm, under the supervision of experienced volunteer coworkers who have made a long-term commitment to the community, its way of life, and our students.

During their time at Camphill Special School, residential volunteer coworkers receive room and board, health insurance, a modest monthly stipend, and a definite assurance that they have made a difference in the lives of our children.

During their first year, residential volunteer coworkers participate in a course of study that serves as an introduction to curative education and the Camphill philosophy. Coworkers staying for the entire year may apply to participate concurrently in the first year of the Camphill School of Curative Education. After completion of the first year, coworkers are awarded a Certificate in Foundation Studies in Anthroposophy and Curative Education.

Highlights: As a coworker your responsibilities will include various activities. An example of these are as follows: Care for 2-4 students guiding them towards independence in self-help skills (i.e. tying shoes, putting on and zipping coat, etc.), home life and care skills (i.e. putting dirty laundry in washer, transferring to dryer, then actual folding of clothes), encouraging the routine of independent personal hygiene (i.e. appropriately and thoroughly brushing teeth and hair), participating in and initiating recreational activities (i.e. hiking, arts and crafts, etc.), and essentially appearing as a role model and assisting them in appropriate behaviors.

Again main duties will vary in accordance to setting: Home life responsibilities include meal preparation, helping to maintain cleanliness and beauty in the home environment, assisting to create festivities that may occur (i.e. Birthdays, seasonal celebrations, etc.).

Vocational skills are a large part of this particular program encouraging the transition of the young adult from a school environment to a working environment. Vocational activities would include: Work in neighboring camphill community which could include land work, gardening, orchard, etc.

Qualifications: Outgoing personality, flexibility, patience, a willingness to try new things and openness to learning about the child with special needs. Previous work with children and/or youth is an advantage. We are looking for people with self motivation and initiative, a good sense of humor, competency in their work ethics, a willingness to learn, and an open mind to new and different approaches. Some college background is preferred--minimum requirement is a High School Diploma or its equivalent. NOTE: Overseas Applicants must have a Proficiency in English, TOEFL's may be required.

Minimum Education: High School

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 20-on up

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to United States Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 5-10

Application Process Involves:

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Camphill Special School-Beaver Run's Mission Statement: Camphill Special School's mission is to create wholeness for children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities through education and therapy in extended family living so that they may be better understood and their disabilities moderated, that they may more fully unfold their potential, and that they more fully and meaningfully participate in life.

Year Founded: 1963

Camphill Special School-Beaver Run is a anthroposophy based organization. We do not require our participants to be of the same faith. Our volunteers will not be involved in religious proselytizing.