Thinking of getting involved? - Information for new volunteers

"There's no Woodcraft Folk in our town"

The Woodcraft Folk is proud of its work. For over seventy-five years, we've been working with children and young people, aiming to develop their self-confidence and ability to act in society. We aim big: we want to help build a world based on equality, peace, social justice and co-operation.

However, there are still many areas of Britain, both in cities and rural areas, where children and young people have no opportunity to take part in Woodcraft Folk activities.

To grow and develop as we are determined to do means we must complete the gaps in our map of existing groups. And to do this, we need enthusiastic new volunteers - people just like you - to come forward.

"What sort of help would I get?"

We have a series of training materials and other resources available to help new groups become established. We also have a network of Woodcraft Folk volunteers and staff in regions of England, and in Scotland and Wales, who have undertaken to help new groups become established. Contact us so that we can put you in touch with them.
If you feel that your area is ripe for a Woodcraft Folk group, the first step is to talk informally to friends, perhaps, if you have a child at school, to other parents you know. New groups generally need a core group of at least four adults who are committed to our aims and who are prepared to work hard to get the group up and running. Let us know as you begin this process: we can let you have copies of a range of leaflets to help you explain the aims and philosophy of the Woodcraft Folk.

Once it begins to become clear who is likely to be in your core group, make sure your regional Woodcraft Folk contact knows. Different groups become established in different ways, but it is often appropriate to arrange a short 'Introduction to the Woodcraft Folk' session at a community centre or local school, to widen the number of people involved. Very few Woodcraft groups have any trouble in attracting enough children!

It is often easiest to begin a new group for our elfin age group, 6-9 year olds. If you do, remember that as these children grow older it may be appropriate to set up a second group in your area - keep an eye out for new volunteers, especially those whose children are approaching six.

"Would I be welcomed in an existing group?"

We are reliant on new adults coming forward to help our groups develop and expand, and everyone has particular skills and expertise to offer.

Don't be afraid to offer your help. A good way in can be to offer to come along to group nights for a few weeks, to get to know the other adults and children and to find out what goes on. Or you may want to ask if help is needed on the next camping or hostelling trip.

You'll notice that everyone, adults and children alike, is encouraged to take part in the games and activities, rather than watching from the sidelines!

Adult leaders enrol as members of the national Woodcraft Folk, and pay an annual membership subscription. This is partly a requirement under our child protection policy (see below). Adult members receive a regular magazine Woodcraft World, and are also covered by the organisation's insurance when engaged in Woodcraft Folk activities.

"I've never worked with children"

Nor had most Woodcraft Folk adults before they, too, got involved. We're not necessarily looking for professionals (though a surprising number of teachers do get involved out-of-hours as Woodcraft leaders), but for anyone with a genuine commitment to children's and young people's rights. We promise that you'll learn new skills and find yourself taking on things you never imagined you'd do. We'll undertake to ensure that you have the training and support needed to enjoy your time as a Woodcraft leader.

"How do you control children?"

The Woodcraft Folk is not school. Adults and young people attend in their own time, because they want to.

One of the central tenets of our movement is respect, respect by adults for children and young people as fellow human beings which we as adults expect to have reciprocated. The circle, a regular feature of each Woodcraft Folk meeting, is a symbol of our equality: nobody ahead of or more important than anybody else.

Adults have a responsibility, especially with groups of younger children, to lead group activities in an organised and appropriate way so that everyone finds them enjoyable and fun. Most children generally pick up the Woodcraft ethos very quickly, and respond to the spirit of co-operation we try to foster. We have various positive ways of working with children who are disrupting activities but very occasionally it can be necessary to ask a child not to attend for a period of time.

"Do you vet your adult leaders?"

Yes, we take our responsibility to ensure the safety of all our children and young people very seriously. This includes taking measures to ensure their safety whilst engaged in activities or on trips away.

This also means that, in common with other youth organisations, we have a child protection policy designed to remove the risks of emotional or sexual abuse of young people. We check potential new adult helpers using a standard "CRB disclosure", and also ask for the names of two referees who are able to vouch for the individual's suitability as a volunteer.

This is a simple process, which helps protect the children and young people in our organisation, the Woodcraft Folk as a movement, and indeed also our adult members.

"What about equal opportunities?"

As you would imagine, the Woodcraft Folk is strongly committed to equal opportunities. We oppose and challenge any form of discrimination on any grounds - race, gender, age, sexual orientation, beliefs or ability. Our aim is to welcome and celebrate difference and diversity.

"How is the Woodcraft Folk run?"

We are a democratic organisation, with the annual conference the ultimate decision-making forum. With only a small number of paid staff, much of the energy and drive of the Woodcraft Folk comes from our ordinary adult members' efforts.

As an adult member, you will be involved in the activities of your own group. In most places, several groups together comprise a local district. Districts undertake joint activities, such as camps and ceilidhs, and help new groups become established.

Regional gatherings are held annually in the English regions, and there are also national gatherings for the Woodcraft Folk in Wales (Gwerin-y-coed) and Scotland. These, and the Annual Conference and Gathering of the whole movement (held each summer), provide an opportunity to meet people from other areas, and to exchange ideas and experiences.

"Is it fun?"

Yes, it wouldn't be worth doing otherwise. Of course, not every week will always be stimulating and enjoyable, and not every activity always goes exactly according to plan.

But we believe that what we are trying to achieve is an important and worthwhile aim. As an adult leader, you will be joining a movement with a strong determination to build a better future for us all. As our principles say, we want a world based on equality, friendship, peace and social justice, through active co-operation.