Pottery

"Perhaps most exciting is the prospect that the Youth Guidance Seminar symbolizes: a new era of Soltane preparing and guiding its Coworkers to carry Soltane forward. A new generation of people are stepping into their places here...you can sense the whole place tingling with anticipation."



- Leslie L., coworker, on the inauguration of the Youth Guidance Seminar

Training and Support

New and returning coworkers attend a week-long orientation together before student and community residents return from their summer breaks. Orientation includes an introduction to the history and ethos of Camphill, "bridging conversations" with those who supported students and residents in previous years, and team-building, among other things.

FriendshipNew coworkers attend an Introductory Course one morning a week throughout their first year of service.  The Introductory Course actively supports coworkers’ professional and personal development on many levels. Topics include Positive Approaches, syndromes, trauma, mental health, autism, sexuality and relationships, introduction to anthroposophy, and inner work necessary for people in care-giving roles. The Introductory Course also allows time for coworkers to connect and share about their living and working experiences, and to receive guidance from the Clinical Advisor and senior coworkers for specific issues.

In addition to participating in the Introductory Course, coworkers receive on-the-job coaching from their householders, teachers, or work leaders.

Coworkers in their second year or above participate in Soltane's Youth Guidance Seminar. This is a professional training course that provides an anthroposophical framework for meeting and supporting young adults with developmental disabilities. Students meet once a month over the course of 2 days to explore topics ranging from the birth of the ego, to the three-fold human being, to theosophy - and much more. Studies involve readings, artistic exercises, lectures, discussions and study groups.

Across Soltane, house communities receive professional coaching on household atmosphere and interpersonal dynamics from a trained advisor.

Finally, a Mentor Program connects a mentor who lives outside the community with each coworker. Through monthly conversations, mentors help coworkers build their internal capacities for the work and life at Camphill Soltane, guiding them through the intricacies of community life and helping coworkers address their questions of self.