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56 Years Old - and stepping into our strength!
by James Sleigh
Fifty-six years ago in October 1964, Camphill Village West Coast started, with three residents in one humble house. It was started with a vision and has in many ways grown into this vision. Equally, this vision has adapted, developed and grown. It is an incredible feat for an organisation not only to survive for this length of time, but also continue to thrive. This is a testimony to the vision itself, and also to the ability to keep alive what lives within and sustains the organisation. Camphill West Coast has grown through many different political and economic landscapes, and has had to brace itself for many headwinds but, by staying alert to the needs of those it serves, it has managed to ride through challenges and attract people who feel in tune with its vision and help it to keep its vision relevant.
Last Friday we celebrated our 56th birthday, the theme being "Proudly Camphill". It was truly wonderful to see that a home has been created for so many people - a place of belonging and meaning, where people of all abilities can together make such a big difference in the lives of others. Without our village, without the vision, the lives of so many could have been so different.
There is an African proverb: "The child who is not embraced by the village, will burn it down, to feel its warmth". At our birthday celebration we saw a village illustrating the positive side of the proverb - it was inspiring to see how each person was embraced. In spite of the regulations around COVID and our need to stay at distance, with very limited and managed contact, how embraced each resident felt, how supported each person felt, and how, as a team all were able to shine.
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Thankful hearts
by Delmein Willemse
We always go the extra mile for our residents, and since we couldn't do much this year due to Covid-19 we decided to make Camphill's birthday extra special for them. After brainstorming a few ideas we decided to hold a competition amongst the houses, where each house came up with an idea to express why they are proudly Camphill.
We had a week to plan this event, and we couldn't have done it without the following people: Ooh Fudge, Sugar Plum Gifting, Emerald Events, Evelyns Pastries, Balloons Mamre, and last but not least Vanessa and Felicia. It was such short notice but they sponsored us some lovely goodies to make the day even more special for our residents. I really want to thank you guys from the bottom of my heart for all your effort, we highly appreciate it.
For any upcoming events, or to spoil someone with a gift, these are the people to contact!
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Soooo proud
by Janine Strumpher
The Camphill staff are made of pure magnificence, worth their weight in gold. Here we have two interns, Delmaine and Katriena, three junior staff, Frankie, Geonelle and Maggie, and Camphill veteran Max, who came up with this brilliant idea for our birthday celebration. After everything this year, we were in need of a little bit of magic and abracadabra… they delivered. They planned, found sponsors and executed the event to a T.
I felt like a Mom having to let her little one walk on their own, you want to help but not interfere, but they proved themselves capable of flying solo. You guys rock and are an example to the youth of today and we are proud and grateful to have you as part of the Camphill team.
A poem written by Lee Adams, Housemother of Huis ten bos in celebration of Camphill turning 56.
They say over 50’s are over the hill – they are so wrong
Here we have Camphill @ 56 still relevant, still going strong
From the Hodeda wake-up call
To the chorus in the field
The snakes and the horse flies just keeping it real
From the carpets of daisies, splendour of white
And the Paterson’s curse* is a purple delight
There’ve been highlights and lows and stuff in between
But when we all pull together we make quite a mean team
By nature we nurture and strengthen abilities
We are one very special
“special needs” facility
Happy Birthday Camphill!
By Lee Adams
*Paterson’s curse is a purple flower, Echium plantagineum, an invasive alien native to Europe
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The Culmination of our Men’s Group
by Nina Oberzaucher, Carine Human, Francinah Mahlomuza
From its conception, the idea of running an activity-based support group for our male residents was something we looked forward to. Little did we know how beautifully it would unfold! From the planning to the final session of the group, every step brought a new discovery and continuous learning for us as therapy staff.
From July to October our team facilitated our first Men’s Group. Seven residents joined and committed to 10 weekly sessions on Wednesday afternoons. Each participant went through a screening process to determine readiness for joining the group and clarify expectations, following an orientation meeting.
The space facilitated for this group of men was next to sacred. Together they set rules of engagement for the coming weeks including the importance of communication, trust, confidentiality, respect, creating a safe space, and to learn from one another. Often the group was the highlight of each participant’s week. It provided them with a space where they could be themselves, not feel judged about their limitations, and be affirmed for their strengths.
As facilitators we delighted in bearing witness to our residents’ amazing personal development unfolding before our eyes, as the group began to hold itself and participants supported each other, connected more meaningfully and found their own voice. They spoke of their past, their everyday challenges, their life experiences and their abilities and disability.
It is easy to imagine that when the group came to an end our residents were not done with being in a group. It was felt that the group had been a valued space to share, bring problems, and connect. Our last session with our residents involved a pizza lunch in our Bakery to celebrate their achievements.
The experience of running a Men’s group has taught us that there lies immense value in running ‘longer-term’ groups for our residents. Having had access to a safe space has given them the opportunity safely to voice matters that are important to them, where otherwise their voice might have gone unheard. Through trusting and sharing with one another, they now know that they belong and that they matter.
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Celebrating life at Camphill with Barbara Townsend
by Francinah Mahlomuza
Barbara Townsend has been part of Camphill Village for all of its 56 years, having become a member of our family the year Camphill Village West Coast was established. Barbara is one of our most lovely and kind residents, a grateful and friendly woman. Every time we bump into each other around the village we greet each other and she wishes me a blessed and lovely day; she says “stay beautiful my darling, God bless you…” and then we blow kisses since physical kisses and hugs are things of the past.
Here’s how the catch up with Barbara went:
When did you come to Camphill?
Wuuu!! My darling, a very long time ago, it is a very long story but I will try cut it short (laughs). I came to Camphill Village in 1964. There were only two houses when I first came here – Orchard and Pine Close.
Can you still remember people that were here the year you arrived?
There were only a few men and women helping digging foundations for more houses. We also had people from outside the village coming in everyday to help us dig and make the sand look nice.
In time, we had not more than 19 residents. I still remember John Thorp (he was a tall man from overseas), Peter Townsend (he was my husband) and Michael Burger. Some later left the country with their families.
How many houses have you stayed in?
First was Orchard, then Grange, Grover, Sunset, Pine Close, Ferry, and now this is my second time here in Aloe house.
How many work centers have you been to since you arrived in Camphill?
Listen carefully my darling, when I stayed in Orchard house, I used to be a milker, milking cows and goats by hand before they put in the milking machines that they are using now. I also used to work in the garden, either raking or planting some vegetables. Now I help in Aloe house doing domestic chores.
How does it feel having lived at Camphill Village for 56 years?
Oh my gosh, it is lovely! I really enjoy staying here and I like everyone that is helping us. Staying here for 56 years is making me feel special, I love it. I also like James and his family for allowing us to stay here. Renate was a very lovely and caring lady.
Do you have a few words to share with everyone (Residents and newsletter readers)?
I would like to give some advice - a lot of people must come stay here at Camphill Village, it is very nice. Any person whether from Europe, Australia, Johannesburg or around Cape Town is welcome to come. I am very thankful for staying here and helping out in the house, so I think they will all feel the same.
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Fruits of the earth
by James Sleigh
Well done to Antonius and the farm team, who have just harvested over a ton of potatoes. You brave the heat, the horseflies, the dust. You plant, you sow, you clear, you mow.
Please spare a thought, each time you buy something from a shop, that behind each product, lie hours of labour and sweat.
We salute you - our farm team!
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Wellbeing Through Nutrition
by Lise Muller
Eating a healthy diet is not about strict limitations, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, improving your health, and boosting your mood. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be overly complicated.
The Harvard Healthy Eating Pyramid makes it easy to follow a healthy balanced diet that supports wellbeing through nutrition. The widest part at the base is for things that are most important. The foods at the narrow top are those that should be eaten sparingly.
Exercise is the most important part of living a healthy, balanced life. The facts are indisputable that it improves mental health, reducing anxiety, depression, and negative moods, and improves self-esteem and cognitive function. Exercise has been found to alleviate symptoms of social withdrawal and builds up self-confidence.
At Camphill Village we put a lot of focus on making sure that our residents eat healthy, organic food. We grow our own veggies and these are distributed on a weekly basis to the houses, ensuring that everyone has a daily portion of nutritious vegetables. Everyone that lives at Camphill is involved in some way or another with an activity that keeps them both physically and mentally active, and it is obvious when you met our residents that this healthy way of living has kept many people looking years younger than they are. The secret to their wellbeing is a good mix of nutrition, exercise and good old happiness mixed together to create a wonderful thriving community.
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Cheese!
by Lise Muller
Our cheesemaker at Camphill has outdone himself by making the most delicious selection of cheeses using milk from our grass-fed, antibiotic-free Jersey cows.
The Cheddar Cheese has a sharp flavour that is rich and creamy, and uses only salt and a plant-based, kosher culture. The Gouda is a mild cheese with a semi-soft texture and likewise uses only salt and a plant-based, kosher culture.
We also have a wonderful Feta, Labeneh and Quark. The Labeneh is creamy and super nutritious, it is a low-fat soft cheese made by straining yogurt, and the Quark is the full fat option. Both are rich in Vitamin A, Omega Fats and Vitamin K2, which plays an important role in bone and heart health. If you want to spruce up your cheese board or spoil the family then do yourself a favour and buy in some of these amazing cheeses!
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 Wellbeing of our Planet
by Janine Strumpher
As we are dedicating our Newsletter to wellbeing this month, it got me thinking of the wellbeing of our planet, mother nature and how do we contribute,. Where on the scale are we as a community? I went on an expedition around our Village and was filled with pride at how we recycle, reduce, reuse and upcycle. We do not waste or throw away, and what we have no use for we pay forward and donate to other organisations. We clear aliens and plant new trees in their stead, we practise ethical farming principles. All of this contributes to the absolute feeling of calm you experience the second you enter the Camphill gate.
We had an old sofa that was ready for the dump. We saved it and took it from drab to designer with a new jacket. It is transformed and can be used for many more years to come instead of rotting in a landfill. Malachite house’s lounge has been brightened with a new sofa where many memories will be made. Thanks to all involved in making this transition possible.
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 Aum Holistic Health Hub
by Lise Muller
Aum Health Hub is situated in Melkbosstrand and has been stocking Camphill products for the last two months. Aum is a place where your journey to optimal health and wellbeing can start. Their drive is to support local brands (keep our money in our country) and to enable our health product manufacturers, entrepreneurs and farmers to continue to bring us the best in natural and alternative health products at an affordable rate.
http://www.aumhealthhub.co.za
https://www.facebook.com/AUMHealthHub
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Mental Health Awareness Month
by Carine Human
October is declared Mental Health Awareness month in which the aim is educating people about mental health, along with addressing the stigma and the discrimination that many people living with mental illness often face.
Stigma is when others see you in a negative way because of your mental illness. Discrimination is when someone treats you in a negative way because of your mental illness. Social stigma and discrimination could potentially worsen mental health problems and prevent a person from obtaining the treatment and support that they need.
Stigmas associated with mental health derive from misguided views that mental health patients are different from everyone else. Beliefs about the cause of mental health issues in previous centuries included demonic or spiritual possession, which led to caution, fear, and discrimination.
Often people will only seek professional help once their symptoms have become serious and start affecting their daily functioning, relationships or work. People might also engage in negative coping mechanisms, such as alcohol abuse, over the counter medicine abuse, or risky behaviour.
Once the right treatment is sought and a person starts feeling better, they sometimes might disengage from services or therapeutic interventions or stop taking medication, all of which can cause relapse and hinder recovery. To reduce stigma, it is important that the facts are known.
Support others
Education about mental illness, including substance disorders is especially important. Your attitude and behaviour are also of great importance in fighting stigma. Be mindful of the words you use about the topic and around people with mental illness. It is important to focus on the positive – don’t view the person with mental health issues as a diagnosis, but as a person with many positive attributes as well. Be open, accepting and supportive to a person with mental illness.
Keep your own balance or find your balance
- Value yourself by treating yourself with respect and kindness and be mindful not to be a self-critic.
- Ensure you plan your time so there is time for hobbies, fun projects and exploration of new ones. Routine is important, but break the monotony with something different. Engage in activities that help you to be in the moment, such as a crossword puzzle, gardening, dancing, etc. and do it daily in a space that offers silence and calmness – this could be incorporated into meditation or prayer and assist in self-regulating.
- Take care of your physical body, as it contributes to mental health. Eat nutritious meals, avoid smoking and alcohol, drink water, be active and sleep enough.
- People with strong family and/or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network.
Stress is part of life and it is vital to practice good coping skills as mentioned above. Don’t forget to laugh, as that could boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress. When you set goals, write them down and ensure they are realistic, but aim high! There is a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-worth when you achieve specific goals.
Last, but not least find the support, help, care or treatment that you need. It is a sign of strength, not weakness and an investment in living a full, rewarding and happy life!
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Camphill Jojoba Oil to the rescue
by Lise Muller
Here’s what two Camphill friends had to say about their experiences using our Camphill Jojoba oil on their hair:
 Danielle Brodalka
“We all know that colouring and highlighting your hair almost always guarantees some kind of damage. I found that my hair was dry, dull and had split ends, and so I started looking for something that would repair and strengthen my hair and prevent further damage. It was very important to me that the product was organic, was not tested on animals and that it was 100% pure. I was introduced to Jojoba Oil made at Camphill Village West Coast and I could not believe the difference it made to my hair after the first treatment. I simply add it to dry hair, working it into the ends, leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash and rinse my hair. It has worked wonders in repairing my damaged hair”.
 Savanna Muller
“I have thick, curly hair which has always been very difficult for me to manage. I get knots in my hair very easily and find it extremely painful to get them out. Jojoba Oil has made a massive difference in my life. I add a little to my hair working it from the roots to the tips with a comb and leave it on for an hour or two. When I wash my hair the knots literally fall out and my hair looks soft and shiny. I even take it with me when I go swimming and add it to my hair as soon as I get out of the water.”
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Finding Eczema relief in Camphill Jojoba Oil
by Carine Human
Eczema is an itchy inflammation of the skin medically known as ‘Atopic dermatitis’. It usually develops in early childhood and is more common in people who have a family history of the condition. This is caused by an overactive immune system and an abnormal skin barrier. The main symptom is a rash or patchy dry skin that typically appears on the arms and behind the knees, but can also appear anywhere or almost all over the body. Treatment usually includes avoiding soap and other irritants, such as fragranced cream etc.
Certain prescription creams or ointments may also provide relief from the itching, which often contain hydrocortisone steroids. When using such creams, one can experience a stinging or burning feeling when applying it for the first time, which improves as your skin gets used to the treatment. Thinning of the skin may occur, as well as permanent stretch marks (striae), bruising, discoloration, or thin spider blood vessels (telangiectasias). Topical steroids may trigger or worsen other skin disorders such as acne, rosacea and perioral dermatitis and may darken skin of darker colour. Hair may increase in the treated area as well as inflammation should an allergy develop.
Both my children have had eczema since their very early baby days. I have also had eczema, but more so later in life, which I found to be stress related. I therefore had much sympathy and empathy for the discomfort it causes. My son (11 years) has to a large degree ‘outgrown’ his eczema but may develop an occasional patch now and then. My daughter (5 years) however still has it all over her body, and struggles especially at night with itching and burning sensations. She is also struggling with sensory hypersensitivity, so certain textiles (clothes and bedding), clinging fabric or labels she cannot tolerate on her skin, along with creams and oils. Treating her eczema has been a constant challenge. If she is dressed too warmly, she itches and burns more, so you will hardly ever see her with long sleeves or pants.
Much to my joy, I have started using our own home-grown Camphill Village West Coast Jojoba oil (preferably at night when she sleeps due to her dislike to the feeling of creams or oils on her skin) and it has had an amazing result. Her skin is much less dry and itchy, and it absorbs quickly so she does not feel ‘sticky’. Should she wake up and express her disgruntlement about me putting something on her skin it is a quick console, and she is back to sleep again, and presumably I’m forgiven in the morning when she wakes up smiling and well rested!
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Rooikrans House
by Francinah, Velda & Carine
Each house, together with its awesome residents, plays an integral part in the village. For this month’s newsletter we are celebrating Rooikrans house. The house has seven residents living with Velda Johannes and her husband Luan Johannes. Velda is the Group Home Leader and with her kindness, love and knowledge/understanding of her residents, she tells how each resident’s everyday life looks both within the house and in the village:
"At Rooikrans we are one big happy family. We share three meals a day. In the morning we sit together as a house and have our breakfast, later have our lunch at 12:00 and then supper at 6pm. During supper residents share how their day went. After supper we then sit together in the TV room to watch television and stay updated on current affairs. We laugh, play and cry together."
Each resident has a different task:
Jamie-Lee works on the farm during the week and at the dairy, milking the cows. She enjoys what she is doing. She does drumming as one of her therapeutic activities.
Glynnis also works on the farm and she brings the bread home from the bakery. Every Tuesday and Thursday she likes to tell us about all the happenings on the farm. Glynnis likes to sing and plays drums together with Jamie-Lee.
Rosaline is Rooikrans' right hand. She helps a lot in the house. She also works on the farm, Aloe and Ferry house. Rosaline likes singing gospel and dancing.
Debbie is the quiet one in the house. She works at Cosmetics and leaves the house early because she enjoys what she is doing at Cosmetics.
Heidi works at Cosmetics as well. She has a very beautiful sunflower garden and she spends her free time taking care of the garden.
Roehan is the only male in the house. He is working in the dairy.
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Huis ten Bos Facelift
by Lee Adams
Not 50 shades of grey - now just a subtle one! Thank you so much from all at Huis ten Bos for the wonderful facelift to our home!
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From the Kitchen
by Lise Muller
Fish and Sweet Potato Chips with a Yoghurt Dressing
INGREDIENTS
700g sweet potato, peeled
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon paprika
Olive oil spray
180g (2/3 cup) Camphill Full Cream Yoghurt
1 tablespoon capers, rinsed, drained
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh continental parsley
4 (about 150g each) white fish fillets
Mixed salad leaves, to serve
METHOD
Step 1
Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper. Cut the sweet potato into 1.5cm-thick batons. Cook in a steamer over a saucepan of boiling water for 5 minutes or until just tender. Place sweet potato, in a single layer, on the tray. Sprinkle with the oregano and paprika. Spray with oil. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden.
Step 2
Meanwhile, combine the yoghurt, capers, lemon rind, lemon juice and parsley in a bowl.
Step 3
Spray a non-stick frying pan with oil and heat over high heat. Cook fish for 2-3 minutes each side or until just cooked through. Divide fish and chips among serving plates. Serve with the yoghurt dressing and salad leaves.
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Thank Yous
by Janine Strumpher
Thank you to all the loyal MySchool/MyVillage swipers who contribute monthly to Camphill as their beneficiary. Please note that Builders Warehouse is now also a partner.
Cathy – Craft magazines
Brigeta – Nappies
Margie - Hiking Boots and walking stick
Sandy – Craft material
A huge thank you for all the support, support financially, in kind and emotionally.
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View our previous newsletters
If you would like to view some of our previous newsletters... CLICK HERE
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Sponsor a Resident
by Janine Strumpher
We have embarked on a drive to find a sponsor for each resident who has no family or financial means. Without Camphill Village they would be on the streets where people with special needs are often victims of abuse and manipulation and at risk even within their own families and/or communities.
And without financial assistance we cannot continue providing this place of safety.
Living at Camphill Village West Coast gives people with intellectual disability the chance to live a full, creative and fulfilled life, to develop their abilities and contribute to their community. The life that we take for granted, is for many a gift. However we can only do this when financial support is found for the individuals.
If you can help, or know of Individuals or Companies we can approach please contact Janine Strumpher on 021 571 8600 or e-mail fundraiser@camphill.org.za
Take a break from your busy day and watch this beautiful slideshow about life at Camphill - https://youtu.be/B3BQ8PmMZuY
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How to Donate
by Janine Strumpher
Our PayPal account is now in operation; there are now three ways to donate cash to Camphill Village West Coast.
- We now have a Payfast account if you'd like to donate in ZAR - Click Here
- And a PayPal account for donations in USD or Euros - Click Here
- EFT – Camphill Village Standard Bank Malmesbury Acc: 082 399 204 Branch: 050507 Swift: SBZA ZA JJ
- Foreign donations can be made through a NPO in your country and a tax certificate can be issued, please contact Janine to discuss for more info.
NB! Your donation is TAX DEDUCTIBLE, we would like to thank everybody that supports Camphill, remember without your support we cannot continue the work we do. We provide a safe normal life for people living with intellectual disability.
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My School Card
Support Camphill Village with a MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card.
Every time you shop at Woolworths, Engen, Flight Centre, Loot, Bidvest Waltons, Alltech Netstar and Power 24 a percentage of the amount goes to your MySchool beneficiaries.
If you don’t already have a card the application form is available on our website here. http://www.camphill.org.za/my-school-card
If you already have a card, update your profile to include Camphill Village West Coast as one of your beneficiaries. https://www.myschool.co.za/supporter/update/
You can have up to three beneficiaries per card, so can support us at the same time as your school or other favourite charity.
Thank you – every little bit makes a difference!
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