Camphill Special Schools, Inc., is a residential community of 150 people; almost half are developmentally disabled children and adolescents living with trained curative educators and their families. Called "Beaver Run," this children's village is located on 77 woodland acres in Chester County, one hour west of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The campus includes 11 custom-built family homes for the special children and those who work with them; a schoolhouse; a cultural hall; space for group and individual therapeutic treatments; a medical care unit; a craft house with a store and workshop; a stable for therapeutic riding; and various auxiliary buildings.

Camphill's educational philosophy, called "Curative Education," is based on the social, educational, and spiritual insights of Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian scientist and philosopher, and aims for a more complete understanding and appreciation of man's spiritual nature and destiny. Camphill recognizes that the relationship between one person and another is the basis for all healing and social renewal and that in such relationships one receives as much as one gives. The school offers a four-year training for qualified adults in Curative Education that combines conceptual academic course work with hands-on practical experience. Life is intense and demanding here but very enriching. American applicants can participate in the Americorps program, which offers a bonus award program toward payment of student loans or further education.

Please contact us for further information. Phone: 610-469-9236; fax: 619-469-9758; e-mail: BRvolunteer@aol.com; Web site: http://beaverrun.org.