Our Roots
Two PEOPLE
Austrian scientist and educator Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), drawing on his extensive background in science and philosophy, developed the field of anthroposophy which can be defined as “spiritual science” or simply “wisdom of the human being.” Dr. Karl Koenig (1902-1966), a pediatrician and educator who pioneered work with children with special needs, was greatly influenced by Steiner’s work.
A Bold Experiment in a Troubled World
Fleeing Nazi-occupied Austria, Dr. Koenig and a group of friends, teachers and artists established the first Camphill school community in Scotland in 1939. The aim of Camphill from the outset was to create an environment in which individuals with special needs could receive the care and support they needed to live full and meaningful lives.
A World-Wide Movement
Dr. Koenig’s vision of a community for people with and without disabilities has led to an international movement that includes over 100 Camphill centers in twenty-one countries. Almost 10,000 people of all ages and abilities work, live or are directly involved in Camphill worldwide.
Triform’s Place in the Camphill Movement
Triform Camphill Community is one of fifteen Camphill communities located in North America and is a member of the Camphill Association of North America (http://www.camphill.org). Begun in 1979 by a small, but dedicated group of experienced Camphill coworkers, Triform’s mission was to provide work training in manufacturing to under-served individuals living in the local community. Forty years later this mission has changed and expanded into a youth guidance intentional community which is one of only two communities specially dedicated to supporting the transition of young adults with special needs as they assume their place in their adult world.