Doesn’t the name The Woodcraft Folk sound like something out of a fairytale? The Woodcraft Folk is a UK-based educational movement. It is designed for children and young people. Its history is rooted in ideals of cooperation and peace. The Woodcraft Folk aims to build a world based on equality.
The Woodcraft Folk was established in 1925. Leslie Paul founded it. It emerged from the Kindred of the Kibbo Kift. John Hargrave led that organization. He sought to move away from what he saw as the Scouts’ militaristic approach. In its early years, The Woodcraft Folk shared similarities with the Kibbo Kift. It had a strong anti-capitalist emphasis. Over time, it developed its own unique identity.
The name Woodcraft comes from Ernest Thompson Seton. He used it when setting up the American proto-scouting organization Woodcraft Indians. In this context, woodcraft means living in the open air. It means being close to nature.
The Woodcraft Folk operates in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. In Wales, it is known as Gwerin y Coed. Groups typically meet weekly. Activities include cooperative games. There is also drama, camping, craftwork, singing, and dancing. These activities follow an educational program. The program is based on the organization’s aims and principles. Group nights last one to two hours. The duration depends on the age of the participants. Groups are divided by age. Woodchips are under six. Elfins are six to nine. Pioneers are ten to twelve. Venturers are thirteen to fifteen. District Fellows are sixteen to twenty.
The Woodcraft Folk is a democratic organization. Policies are decided at an annual conference. Delegates from groups and local districts attend. Between annual gatherings, the General Council runs the organization. The Woodcraft Folk prides itself on youth involvement. About half of the General Council are under 25.
The Woodcraft Folk has always championed social justice. It supports pacifism. It promotes the principles of cooperation. Its slogan is Span the world with friendship. The organization welcomes young people of all backgrounds. It emphasizes international understanding. The Woodcraft Folk strives to develop members’ understanding. It wants them to grasp the issues behind global poverty. It seeks to foster a belief in creating a better world.
The Woodcraft Folk has close ties to the cooperative movement. It receives significant financial support from various co-op bodies. It is a member of Co-operatives UK. The Woodcraft Folk also works closely with the Co-operative College.
Throughout its history, The Woodcraft Folk has faced challenges. It lost funding from the Department for Education and Skills in 2005. Some members believe this was due to the group’s stance against the Iraq War. Despite this setback, The Woodcraft Folk campaigned to regain its funding. It continues to seek support from grant providers. These grants support project work. This includes initiatives like the Climate Challenge project.
The Woodcraft Folk is part of the International Falcon Movement. This allows it to connect with similar organizations worldwide. International camps are held every year in different countries. These camps provide opportunities for networking and collaboration. The Woodcraft Folk also maintains affiliations with various voluntary sector organizations. These include the National Council for Voluntary Organizations. It also includes the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organizations.
The Woodcraft Folk remains committed to its mission. It empowers young people. It encourages them to participate actively in society. It works to improve their lives. It helps others through active citizenship. The Woodcraft Folk strives to create a world based on friendship, equality, peace, and democracy. Its long history and continued dedication make it a unique and valuable organization.