Community Services/Non-Profits near Charles Town, WV

“My participation in educational events at Claymont has been consistently positive and often enlightening. That doesn't mean it was ever "easy." Since 1977 I have attended long term and short terms events including one year long "course." Never did anyone on staff or faculty OFFER me mind altering, psychotropic, or mood altering substances. And never was there even a hint of anyone being mistreated. When participants with serious mental or emotional problems were present, they received solicitous care from qualified staff many of whom were former pupils of Bennett who studied with many masters of wisdom who also knew Mr. Gurdjieff and studied with him as well. Claymont is a magnificent mansion and grounds situated on hundreds of acres with various types of living quarter options. In the 1970's, neither JG Bennett, founder, nor Pierre Elliot, principal, recommended psychotropic substances to alter anyone's perception. In fact, just the opposite - students were taught to be present, to observe themselves/their surroundings clear eyed and with dignity, and we all followed a structured, balanced routine which included customary three meals a day at set times. Staff were attentive and appropriate taking care to set respectful boundaries and to nurture the well being of everyone around them. In the 1970's there was no staff "they" DISPENSING drugs or alcohol to adult students and their families. What students may have done with each other privately when not at a scheduled activity is another matter entirely. Claymont did not employ a school nurse or doctor or dentist. Students received all medical services off site from medical providers in surrounding towns. However, some of the students were acupuncturists, naturopaths, homeopaths, nutritional experts, bio energetic gardening experts, or skilled in the arts of herbal and natural healing techniques. They shared their from time to time with their fellow students in a shared community. Today, Claymont Court is a place, an opportunity, a venue where one can attend seminars and events. The school itself, once present in the 1970's, has long since been disbanded. Claymont is a safe and supportive environment in which consenting adults may engage in self growth and self development activities.Those who live today on Claymont property do not staff a school. They staff a center open for scheduling events held by outside organizations who rent the venue for short periods of time. The negative incident stated here may have happened, but it would have been a "private" situation in the sense that all human beings have free will to engage in varied types of social interaction. Anyone with serious mental illness suffers from thinking distortions and mental anomalies which are often inexplicable and also often result in they themselves misunderstanding or misinterpreting the meaning of events in which they participate. Please take this under consideration when evaluating whether or not to visit Claymont Court events in West Virginia.”

“Love shopping the sale tag colors of the day, those items are 1/2 price. Just a word of caution for everyone. I advise washing everything you purchase before wearing. This location is kept clean, and organized for the most part. Shop on less busy days, avoiding the first, and last of the months, also weekends are pretty busy. They no longer provide bags for your purchases, you must buy one of their bags or bring your own.”

“The store has a lot of character and a fascinating history, which makes it quite interesting to visit. However, there’s a musty smell that might be off-putting to some. Also, be aware that they charge an extra fee for credit card payments, so it's definitely a good idea to bring cash if you want to avoid that extra charge. Despite these quirks, it’s worth checking out if you appreciate unique shops with a bit of old-world charm. Overall, this is a very cool town with rich history.”