I am a volunteer at Staffansgården a Camphill, a community inspired by the anthroposophical model, which is based on Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy and views the human being as: body, soul, and spirit. In these communities, people with disabilities live and work together in an inclusive environment. Social inclusion is promoted through collaboration, sharing, and mutual respect, valuing each individual’s abilities. The model is applied in educational, therapeutic, and work settings, creating spaces for everyone’s growth.
In the center, the days are divided in two different moments: the mornings are dedicated to workshops and practical activities, designed to encourage autonomy, creativity, and a sense of belonging to the community. The villagers participate in various fields: cooking and baking, where they prepare meals and sweets for the community and for selling to the city; textile work, focusing on wool processing and fabric creation; farm work, taking care of animals and cultivating vegetables; woodworking, crafting wooden objects that they will sell at the christmas market; gardening, maintaining gardens, cure vegetables for the houses and green spaces; and the paper workshop, where they engage in handmade paper production and bookbinding that after they will sell it to all the Sweden. These activities not only provide useful skills but also promote increased self-esteem and a sense of personal achievement, allowing each individual to contribute actively to community life.
In the afternoon, the villagers take part in group activities that strengthen community bonds and offer moments of personal expression and physical well-being. These include group dances, which promote coordination and social interaction; choral singing, where music becomes a tool for unity and harmony; swimming, for relaxation and physical exercise in the water; gymnastics, to keep the body active and healthy; and theater, a space for creativity and self-discovery. Theater, in particular, is a powerful tool for social inclusion and personal growth. Through acting, the villagers have the opportunity to express emotions and explore different roles in a safe and welcoming environment. The stage becomes a place where everyone can be seen and heard and each person’s uniqueness is celebrated. Theater helps develop self-confidence, communication skills, and teamwork, strengthening the sense of belonging to the community.
This year, the theater workshop has taken on an even more special meaning: the villagers are preparing a play to celebrate the center’s 50th anniversary. This project is not only an artistic opportunity but also a way to tell the story of the community, its journey, and the values that define it. The preparation of the play involves everyone, creating a shared experience that strengthens bonds and fosters a sense of collective achievement. For those participating, it will be a chance to challenge themselves and proudly showcase their talents in front of an audience, demonstrating how theater can be a powerful instrument of personal and social transformation.
Staffansgården is a place that shows how society can be different. It offers a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where people with disabilities can take part in real, meaningful activities like farming, cooking, crafts, and caring for shared spaces. Everyone is involved as a real member of the community. The main idea is simple but powerful: we should not just “include” people with disabilities – we should recognize their right to take part and to contribute. This means acknowledging that every person, regardless of ability, has something to offer, and deserves to have the conditions that make participation possible. It’s not about meeting a standard set by others, but about creating spaces that adapt to different strengths, interests, and rhythms. A society that supports this is one that believes in dignity, self-expression, and community belonging. At Staffansgården, this vision is put into practice each day.
Bianca, 2025.
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