History and Ethos

Our History

Camphill is an international movement, which was founded by a group of Austrian refugees living in Scotland. Inspired by the work of Rudolph Steiner, they came together just before the outbreak of WW2 with one purpose – to live with, care for, and educate children with special needs.

‘We are a very special family’

There are now over 100 Camphill schools, training centres and villages across the world where children, adolescents and adults in need of special care live and work together.

You can find out more about the origins of Camphill here.

‘Where anything is possible’


Our Ethos

At the very heart of The Camphill Movement is social renewal through community living. Or, quite simply, creating communities which give everyone a sense of integrity, dignity and worth.

‘We all have something important to do’

Camphill Blair Drummond itself was founded by Anke Weihs – one of the original Austrian refugees – over forty years ago.  At Camphill Blair Drummond, residents, day students, employees and volunteers are all part of our extended family. Every one of us contribute to our community life here in different ways. And it’s true to say that we work together, learn together, and grow together.

‘We help each other grow’