While visiting Twin Oaks, we were introduced to a new ecovillage in the area. At Cambia, a giant tricycle greeted us at the driveway. Around the side of the house stood a huge treehouse with multiple entrances and a slide. This was clearly a home for kids and creatives. With Julia and I being both, this brought up a lot of warm fuzzy feelings. Yes, I have to admit that it appealed to my own inner child as well for a part of me wanted up into the treehouse.
The people of Cambia haven’t been there long, and were with Twin Oaks previously. They are now creating their own, interdependent community in the same neighborhood. This means the seed startup resources are fostered by the Twin Oaks outreach program.
They have brought the best of what they like from Twin Oaks, and are implementing it in their own way. They echo the ideas of income sharing and inter-connectivity with the neighborhood. However, they place a stronger emphasis on the arts, hence the tricycle and the treehouse. Also at Cambia, individual families can build their own house, unlike the apartment-style living arrangements at Twin Oaks.
They live in close quarters at the moment, but are working towards having more living space. Their projects include renovation of the house they are living in, as well as attention to a “tiny house.” They plan to expand to no more than about twelve people. Open to new members, incoming people can build their own home on the acreage.
We only met one person during our short visit, Elle. She really exemplifies the passionate individuality of ‘this is what we are doing’ nature that I am finding is common in people who are starting a community. She spoke well of the rural, family environment. In this environment, people have lots of self-initiative and are self-directed. It’s captivating to experience first-hand.
Places like Cambia feel like sparks of potentiality being tended with heartfire. They make this adventure into alternative, ecologically conscious lifestyles well worth it. The homesteads are magical and the people friendly. All it takes is a little curiosity.
