The Woodcraft Folk

Woodcraft folk
Established:	1925
Chair of General Council:	Richard Lace
General Secretary:	Andy Piercy
Registered charity number:	1073665
Address:	13 Ritherdon Road London SW17 8QE.
Telephone:	0845 458 9535
Fax:	020 8767 2457
Website:	www.woodcraft.org.uk
E-Mail:	info@woodcraft.org.uk

The Woodcraft Folk is a UK-based educational movement for children and young people, considered the youth arm of the co-operative movement. The aims of this youth organisation are to develop self-confidence and activity in society, with the intention of working towards "a world based on equality, peace, social justice and co-operation".

History

Whilst sharing many of the same historical roots as the Scouting movement, The Woodcraft Folk's direct antecedent was the Kindred of the Kibbo Kift, an organisation led by ex-Scout Commissioner for Woodcraft and Camping John Hargrave, who had broken with what he considered to be the Scouts' militaristic approach in the years immediately after the First World War. The Woodcraft Folk was established by Leslie Paul in 1925 after the south London co-operative groups challenged Hargrave's authoritarian tendencies over his refusal to recognise a local group called "The Brockleything" and broke away from the Kindred. In its early days it was very similar to the Kibbo Kift, with a strong pagan and anti-capitalist emphasis, but gradually developed its own distinct ethos.

The name 'Woodcraft' was used by the influential writer and naturalist Ernest Thompson Seton at the turn of the twentieth century when setting up the American proto-scouting organisation Woodcraft Indians, and in this context meant the skill of living in the open air, close to nature.

In 2000 The Woodcraft Folk developed a birthday logo which is square and can be seen on the right.

Philosophy

The official slogan of The Woodcraft Folk is Span the world with friendship.

Woodcraft is not based upon any particular religious belief or national identity. The organisation welcomes all young people whether they have a religious background or none and much of its work emphasises the importance of international understanding and fellowship. The principles of peace and co-operation are therefore central to everything they do and they endeavour to develop members to have an understanding of some of the issues behind global poverty and conflict in the belief in fashioning a new, better world.

Decision Making

The Woodcraft Folk is a democratic organisation. Policies are decided at annual conference (Annual Gathering), attended by delegates from groups and local districts. Between Annual Gathering responsibility for running the organisation falls on the members of the General Council. The organisation states that they "are proud of the fact that about half of our current General Council are young people under 25 years of age".

Age Groups

Woodcraft Folk groups operate in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. In Wales the organisation is known as Gwerin y Coed. Groups generally meet weekly, their activities including co-operative games, drama, camping trips, craftwork, singing and dancing, as well as following an educational programme based on the organisation's aims and principles. Group nights last between one and two hours, depending on the age of the children or young people. Groups are divided by age:

Under sixes are known as 'Woodchips'
Six to nine year olds are known as 'Elfins' or 'Elfi'
Ten to twelve year olds are 'Pioneers'
Thirteen to fifteen year olds are 'Venturers'
Sixteen to twenty are 'District Fellows' and organise their own activities.

Funding

The Woodcraft Folk is paid for by weekly subscription from children and young people, adult memberships paid yearly. It also receives small grants from the Department of Education and Skills, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Department for International Development. The Woodcraft Folk has from its start received substantial support from the Cooperative Movement and is part of Cooperatives UK

International

Although a British organisation, it has sister organisations throughout the world, by being a part of the Brussels-based federation of progressive youth organisations, the International Falcon Movement - Socialist Education International (IFM-SEI). International camps where similar organisations can meet up and network are held every six years or so.

Events

Every few years Woodcraft Folk hold International and national camps. In 2005 Venturer (13-15) camp which takes place every 3 years took place in Derby. Their most recent International Camp (held usually every 5-6 years) was called Sust’n’Able in 2001 and was attended by many IFM-SEI organisations.

In 2006 for the first time in 60 years it plans to host an official IFM-SEI festival called Global Village 2006. At this festival, dealing with the issues of the Millennium Development Goals and other topics, over 5,000 people are expected.

External links

Youth organisations of the United Kingdom | Co-operatives in the UK | Non-aligned Scouting organizations | Scouting in the United Kingdom | 1925 establishments

Gourt Home::Gourt :: The Woodcraft Folk