|
|
|
|
Our March Market
by Geornelle de Villiers
Are you one of the handful of individuals who have not yet attended a Camphill Market? You are surely missing out on great fun. Before you suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out) our next market is on 5 March 2023, 10h00-14h00.
Our regular vendors will be back and we also welcome new vendors to the market. Our vendors offer a variety of products and it is a memorable experience walking from stall to stall exploring all the beautiful handmade arts and crafts on display.
The Camphill stalls include our dairy, bakery, cosmetics, farm produce (wood, honey, homemade jam and plants), delicious homemade cakes, breakfast buns, boeries and a lekker plate of braai. Our bar is also open and our tuck-shop offers a variety of snacks.
Our not-to-be-missed tractor rides do the rounds on the hour, throughout the duration of the market, but this month each trip will have its own twist. One will be a trip to feed animals, the others might be something totally different.
Now I am sure you are excited to visit our market.
Diarise the date, invite along friends, colleagues, family and your four-pawed friends, and spend a day filled with fun at our farm market. We are excitedly looking forward to meeting and hosting you.
See you on 5 March 2023 from 10h00-14h00. Come early so that you do not miss out on any of the fun.
DIRECTIONS & CONTACT DETAILS
Directions: From the N1 take the N7 towards Malmesbury, travel approx 35km.
At the Exit 50 sign “R304 Kalbaskraal, Chatsworth, Atlantis” turn left, drive another 4,5km
and we are on the left.
Email orders@camphill.org.za or visit www.camphill.org.za/market
Contact 021 571 8600 & 8641 on market day
|
|
A Valentine’s outdoor movie experience
by Delmaine Willemse and Geornelle de Villiers
On Friday 10 February 2023, our residents were treated to an outdoor movie experience to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Initially residents were sceptical about the idea (they were used to a Valentines dance), but as they arrived at the community centre, where our stretch tent was reinvented as an outdoor movie theatre, with lights, movie decor and a popcorn machine, they soon became excited.
On arrival they took pictures in the Valentine-themed photo booth and were given snacks to enjoy during the movie. Once they’d gathered in groups in the ‘cinema,’ the movie Me Before You began to play and it was beautiful to witness how residents and staff connected emotionally to the storyline.
For some the highlight was simply the experience of watching a movie outside at night; others loved the delicious cake we enjoyed afterwards; and music-lovers had a ball at the mini dance party at the end of the event. All in all there were big smiles all around.
An event like this reminds one that it is not necessarily the big things that make most impact, but the little things done from a genuine place. We hope to have a similar event soon, for this one was a big hit.
This is some of the feedback from our residents:
Angela – It was fantastic! I really enjoyed the evening and all the snacks they gave us. Hope you will do it again next Valentine’s Day.
Madeleen – A big thanks to the office staff that made this possible for us. The movie night was the highlight of my weekend, I really enjoyed it.
Gerard – Thank you office staff, I really enjoyed the movie night.
Arno – Thank you for the movie night; hope we can do it soon again. I had so much fun.
Alex – Thank you so much office people for everything, It was really nice.
|
|
Love in the Gift of Giving
by Janine Strumpher
Love can be found in all acts of kindness, and one of the greatest and most rewarding acts of love is the gift of giving. This refers to the act of giving or donating something to someone or a cause, without expecting anything in return. It is a selfless act that can bring joy and happiness to both the giver and the recipient. The gift of giving can take many forms, such as giving time, money, resources, or support. It can also involve volunteering for a cause or helping others in need.
The act of giving can have a profound impact on individuals and communities - it can strengthen relationships, create a sense of connectedness, and promote generosity and kindness. Additionally, it can bring a sense of fulfilment and purpose to the giver, as they make a positive difference in the lives of others.
The gift of giving can be as simple as a small act of kindness or as significant as a major charitable donation. What is most important is the spirit of generosity and the willingness to help others.
Co-incidentally February is also the end of the financial tax year, where you can donate to Camphill and SARS will refund you on that gift. So spread the love.
We hope each and every one had a beautiful, connected February. If you need extra love just visit the Camphill market, where there is an abundance to share.
|
|
Self Love – Wellness day
by Sister Yaschka
On Thursday 16 February we had our first wellness day for the year. This happened to fall in the month of love. There is such a huge connection between self love and physical health. Love and health are intertwined in surprising ways. We as humans are made to connect with each other. When we build healthy relationships with one another the outcomes are amazing. This does not necessarily mean romantic relationships, but building good, solid and understandable relationships with the people we surround ourselves with in our daily lives. When we are loved right, we take better care of ourselves.
Hosting our wellness day gave our residents a sense of feeling loved, as attention was given to each individual and they got to have one on one time with familiar faces. We live in a fast-paced world where all we focus on is getting the job done, often not having time to personally get to know the people you surround yourself with. We never know what the next person’s struggles are. Just a friendly, “Hello, how are you?” could be enough to brighten someone’s day.
Self care and self love has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety. Self care is a personal journey; every individual needs to look for motivation and inspiration in order to keep going. Let’s look for that motivation and inspiration in others and be a motivation and inspiration to others!
|
|
Laughter is the best Medicine
by Janine Strumpher and Lizl Wessels
Thank you Annamie (Laughter Therapist), Rudsi (Tactile Support) and Cielie (assistant to Annamie and Rudsi) for offering your therapy on our wellness day. Laughter was a new and interesting experience for most, if not all, who attended. It was an opportunity for our residents to step outside of their comfort zone and bond with each other.
Annamie explained the reasoning behind laughter therapy and why it is so important for us to laugh more in our everyday lives. It might feel unusual to laugh for no reason, but with Annamie’s ‘fake it till you make it’ technique, everyone was giggling soon enough. Annamie tried her best to include the residents, asking them questions about their favourite animals and challenging everyone to imagine what that animal would laugh like. She concluded her session with a wonderful meditation. Many of the participants reported that they had an opportunity to relax and think about the things and people that they love.
|
|
Camphill’s self-care range
by Rozaan Meyer
Our home-grown Jojoba oil is the secret of our number one Cosmetics range, which makes your skin feel absolutely amazing. These products can be used for your skin, hair, body and are totally natural and plant-based, how fabulous is that?!
In our Jojoba range we have the following: face scrub, soap, face and body oil. This range is our go-to for everyday use on our hair, body and skin. We often speak about how good our Jojoba is and what it does to our skin, so here are some ways of using it:
Face
Jojoba scrub – removes excessive oil and dull skin cells without rupturing the skin. It revives your skin and helps with exfoliating.
Jojoba soap – smooths and moisturizes your skin
Jojoba oil – a moisturizer and/or after-shave oil
Hair
Our jojoba oil is rich in many vitamins and minerals that specifically nourish hair. Use it to help with:
- dandruff
- dry scalp
- promoting hair thickness
- strengthening the hair and preventing hair loss
Body
- perfect for dry skin, leaving skin glowing.
- helps with eczema
- helps with skin repairs and damage control
Spoil yourself and give your skin some love with our amazing product range. Find them on our Cosmetics stall at our monthly market. Or email marketing@camphill.org.za should you be interested in buying at our Cape Town outlets. Hope to hear from you soon!
|
|
There are different types of love...
by Janine Strumpher
...And there are different types of people, we are all different and unique. So how do we love? We start with self-love and show the self real love and the rest will follow. Firstly, love with respect and dignity, get to know the individual, be patient in your communication. Be a good listener, and allow each individual to express themselves in their own way. Show interest in their lives, share joys and accomplishments.
Be supportive, and encourage independence as far as possible. Be flexible, and adapt to uniqueness and abilities. Actively practice inclusion, and include all in social and recreational activities. And always remember, everyone deserves to be loved and respected, regardless of abilities, achievements or accolades. Love the self, love the person you are with in that moment.
|
|
Ferry House Valentine’s
by Julia Hendricks
It's the 14th February, it's Valentine's day! This is a very special day, the chance to get all dolled up for the occasion, in our red and white looking our best. Love is in the air, so on this dedicated day we go above and beyond in expressing our love for all our friends in Camphill.
Gifts of flowers, red roses and beautiful handmade cards with hearts, red ribbon: love and gratitude messages are exchanged, to show appreciation amongst each other. The day started with a healthy breakfast of oats, fruit salad, milk and tea. Lunchtime was a delicious home cooked meal. Teatime at 4, a treat of biscuits, energy bar snack, marshmallows and apple juice. Supper, a toasted cheese and tomato sandwich... and to end the day our movie evening and popcorn.
The expression of love is endless: from a small handmade card, to telling someone they look good, red balloons, candles and of course roses and flowers everywhere. Everyone was in a lovely mood and happy. Another special day of magical and beautiful memories!
|
|
Love that stood the test of time
by Janine Strumpher
One of the most important things about being human, giving us the will and the want to live and be happy and get up in the morning, is CONNECTION. That one person out of billions that puts a smile on your face. Many connections have been made here at Camphill, some for a fleeting moment, and others that stood the test of a lifetime.
Here at Camphill Village, Derrick and Rosheen have had a special relationship from the first time they laid eyes on each other as youngsters.
This love has grown in the last 50 years. They had a formal commitment ceremony, a happy celebration of their love at the chapel. They are a perfect unit where each one balances the other’s shortcomings. Derrick is physically stronger, always looking out for Rosheen, making sure she is warm enough and taken care of, saving for a chocolate or picking flowers. Rosheen is emotionally stronger and keeps Derrick calm and content. You always see them walking together on the farm, Derrick making sure Rosheen does not fall and Rosheen happily smiling and chatting into Derrick’s ear.
In celebration of Valentine’s day, the longstanding happy couple went out for a special Valentines meal and milkshake. Love truly is what makes the world go around and there is a lid for every pot, you just have to keep on looking.
|
|
Keep doing what you love!
by Lizl Wessels
As occupational therapists it is our goal to enable people to engage in the occupations that they love, by looking past their limitations. We focus on their abilities and adapt their daily activities so that they can continue to engage in meaningful occupations.
Sigi was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome a while back, and so decided to stop working in the bakery where she’d long been a key component of the team. During Covid times she’d knitted over 360 squares to make blankets for Mandela Day, but stopped knitting due to the pain she was experiencing.
Thanks to Sigi’s creative thinking and a little bit of help from a doctor and an occupational therapist, she has been able to channel her love for food and crafts into other projects. Now Sigi expresses her creativity by painting, and she makes her own mayonnaise and mustard. She is slowly starting to bake again at home and is motivated to return to the baking team in the near future.
Sigi chose to focus on her abilities. She is a reminder to us all that the difficulties that some of us experience shouldn’t put limitations on our doing the things we love.
|
|
Acknowledging the good in ourselves
by Geornelle de Villiers
As we went through the month of February, we all gave some love to those near and dear to us in some form or other. Yet I am sure many of us forgot to stop and show love to ourselves. Whether by booking a pampering session, spending a day doing what we enjoy most, or simply sitting still and recognising the things that we love most about ourselves.
I asked a few of our residents and staff to share what they love most about themselves:
|
|
Ria
The journey called life has knocked me down so many times, left me broken and hurt a thousand times, but my heart never changed its beat. It is still loving, caring and full of compassion no matter what obstacles I have to face, it will always beat to the rhythm of kindness.
|
|
|
Connor
I love the fact that I am able to remain kind in all situations.
|
|
|
Juan
I believe that I am kind. I love that I am always happy and people are able to trust me.
|
|
|
Juandre
I adore the fact that I am very patient and I have a big and soft heart. I also like the fact that I know Jesus loves me and everyone else in Camphill Village.
|
|
|
Braam
I love that I am always eager to lend a helping hand and try to avoid fights at all cost.
|
|
|
Nathan
I love my helpful and caring nature.
|
|
|
Vuyo
I am blessed to have always been a happy natured type of person and this happiness I am always somehow able to project into the company that I find myself in. It is this exact ability that has brought smiles to sad faces and I see it as a gift; the one characteristic I love most about myself.
|
|
|
These responses did not come easily. It was interesting that most could so easily identify the good in others, but struggle to see the good in themselves. I think one ought to once in a while sit back and give acknowledgement to the good characteristics that one possesses. It’s the good in us that brings happiness to others in distress.
|
|
Love who you are!
by Masixole Madyungu
Just in case no one told you today: never let anyone or anything distract you from noticing how amazing you are, and how amazing who you are really is.
I used to be driven by words of affirmation, validation from others. I needed attention in order to feel important. Living in a world where there's no self-love, where there's no self notice, I never chose myself when it came to happiness and having peace of mind. Everything stemmed from wanting to be seen and accepted. If I didn't receive recognition for accomplishing goals I didn't feel valued. Some days I find myself crawling back into that mindset, wanting to be loved by words, but I've decided to choose myself, who I am.
Jessie J says it all in Who you are:
"Don't lose who you are in the blur of the stars! Seeing is deceiving , dreaming is believing , it's okay not to be okay , sometimes it's hard to follow your heart but tears don't mean you're losing , everybody's bruising, just be true to who you are."
We can’t love anyone if we don’t love who we are. I'm just me. I'm not perfect. I've said the wrong things, I've said the right things, because I'm me. I don't like everything I've done, but I did it because I'm me. I've loved the wrong people and trusted the wrong people and I'm still me. If I had the chance to start again, I wouldn't change a thing. There are a lot of good things about me, you just need to look past the imperfections to see what's right.
Don’t be afraid to be who you are, because you are the only person who knows you best. Loving who you are becomes simpler when you stay true to what you believe, see things for yourself and stay loyal to what your heart says. Don’t let anyone’s view of the world influence you negatively, limit your thoughts and opinions. See the world on your own and create the one you want to see.
|
|
For the love of the planet
by Janine Strumpher
Camphill is always looking for ways to save: save finances, save resources and save the planet by scrutinising our spending. Spending in rands, spending in humans and spending in carbon footprint. And here comes a solution for all in a small, but powerful package. An electric farm-mobile, that gets charged by our solar plant. No diesel, minimal maintenance, no noise pollution. Meet Camphill’s new company vehicle and it needs a name.
|
|
Nothing says I love you like a cupcake
by Geornelle de Villiers
At Camphill cupcakes are mostly enjoyed when we have some sort of celebration; like a birthday or a gathering of some sort.
There are many different types of cupcakes but a good old vanilla cupcake with frosting hits the right spot every time. Here’s a vanilla cupcake recipe with a fancy port twist.
Pink Port Cupcake
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups of cake flour
1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
1 teaspoon of baking powder
Pinch of salt
13/4 cups of sugar
1 cup of cooking oil
2 large eggs
Half cup of buttermilk
2 teaspoons of vanilla essence
1 teaspoon of white vinegar
1 cup of pink port wine
Decorations:
1 cup of labaneh
3 tablespoons of pink port wine
Half a cup of fine icing sugar
Method:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and put 24 cupcake papers in a cupcake tin
Sift together the cake flour, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder and salt
Mix together the sugar and oil in a separate bowl. Add the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla essence, vinegar and pink port and mix together.
Add the liquid mixture to the flour and fold in thoroughly.
Dish spoons of the mixture carefully into the cupcake papers, so they are half full.
Bake for 17-20 minutes until top is springy.
Cool in tin for 5 minutes then remove cupcakes to a cooling rack.
Cream the labaneh until soft and smooth. Add the port and mix well. Sift in the icing sugar to taste.
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, cover with the port frosting and top with a decoration such as a strawberry.
These cupcakes are very tasty and make a pretty gift. Nothing says I love you quite like a dozen cupcakes prettily packaged!
|
|
Thank Yous
Sam Sastenrath – Washing Machine
Annamarie Roos – Garden Set, Linen, Art
|
|
View our previous newsletters
If you would like to view some of our previous newsletters... CLICK HERE
|
|
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
|
|
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.
|
|
My School Card
Support Camphill Village with a MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card.
Every time you shop at Woolworths, Engen, Flight Centre, Loot, 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!
|
|
Please click the Facebook link below to hear about weekly updates happening at the Village and you can also follow us on Twitter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
