The Woodcraft Folk…What's that?

We are a unique progressive educational movement for children and young people – both girls and boys - designed to develop self-confidence and activity in society, with the aim of building a world based on equality, peace, social justice and co-operation. Find out more about our involvement in the peace movement.

Through its activities, Woodcraft Folk tries to give its members an understanding of important issues such as the environment, world debt and global conflict, with a key focus in recent years being sustainable development.

Unlike other traditional youth organisations, we do not have a set uniform; instead our members choose to wear clothing such as our “woodie hoodies” or t-shirts designed by young people from our organisation.

The Woodcraft Folk was established as an educational movement and charity in 1925, and was run entirely by young people. We operate in England, Scotland and Wales.

What does your name mean and where does it come from?

Contrary to the myths that surround our name, we do not under normal circumstances, hug trees or craft wood. The name 'woodcraft' was used by the influential writer and naturalist Ernest Thompson Seton at the turn of the twentieth century. Woodcraft in this context meant the skill of living in the open air, close to nature. The Woodcraft Folk, like other youth movements, traces its origins back to Ernest Thompson Seton's pioneering work with North American young people

So what do you actually do?

Woodcraft Folk groups meet weekly, enjoying a varied programme including games, drama, discussion, projects, crafts, singing and dancing, as well as following an educational programme based on awareness of issues both local and global.

We organise hostelling and camping activities for two nights at weekends throughout the year and camping is a large focus in the summer holidays. Opportunities for international camps and exchanges are also open to young people.

The organisation provides an informal and supportive environment for young people to develop their ideas, share experiences, explore opportunities and make life-long friends in their locality and beyond.

What makes the Woodcraft Folk special?

• We are co-operative. We encourage children and young people to work together to share their skills and enthusiasm.
• We believe in equal opportunities and access for all members. This means being able to discuss and challenge discrimination.
• We are open to people of any religion or none.
• We empower young people to make decisions themselves and to take an active part in the world about them.
• We are dedicated to the building of a more peaceful future.
• We promote an understanding of the need to protect our environment and the use of the world's resources.
• We run exchanges with similar organisations throughout the world. Our international links help us to span the world with friendship.

Find out how to get involved.

Group nights usually last between one and two hours, depending on the age of the children or young people. We divide our groups by age:

Under sixes are known as 'Woodchips'

Six to nine year olds are known as 'Elfins'

Ten to twelve year olds are 'Pioneers'

Thirteen to fifteen year olds are 'Venturers'

Our older teenagers and young adults are known as DFs(District Fellows). DFs are slightly more autonomous and often arrange their own activities as well as assisting with the younger groups.

Who organises the activities?

Group activities are co-ordinated by adult volunteers and D.F.s, who hold regular informal meetings to plan the weekly programme of activities. The children contribute their ideas and are encouraged to make suggestions for activities, camps and group trips.

How many groups are there?

We have currently have about 500 groups meeting around the country, mainly in urban areas, and increasingly more are in rural areas. To find your nearest local group, have a look at our group directory.

Who pays for the Woodcraft Folk?

Children pay small weekly subscriptions, towards the cost of running group nights and trips away. Adult volunteer members and supporters pay an annual membership subscription. The central organisation receives a small grant from the UK's Department for Education and Employment, and also relies on donations from supporters, from trade unions and from businesses that are sympathetic to our aims and objectives. In particular, the Woodcraft Folk has historical links with the British retail cooperative movement, who generously support our work financially. We are also a registered charity.

What are your origins?

Woodcraft Folk was established as an educational movement and charity in 1925 as an alternative to the Scouts, and was run entirely by young people, with 19-year-old Leslie Paul as its original leader. The organisation has become a forward thinking youth organisation continuously changing with the times.

Do you run groups elsewhere in the world?

No, but the Woodcraft Folk has sister organisations throughout the world, through its membership of the Brussels-based federation of progressive youth organisations, the International Falcon Movement (IFM-SEI). Woodcraft Folk young people and children take part in camps abroad run by the IFM-SEI and by its other affiliates. About every 6 years, the Woodcraft Folk also runs its own International Camps in Britain: the last was held in summer 2006 - more about this event can be found on our ‘Global Village 2006’ site.

How are policies decided in the Woodcraft Folk?

We are a democratic organisation. Our annual conference, attended by delegates from our groups and local districts, is the ultimate decision-making body. Between annual conferences, responsibility for running the organisation falls on the members of the General Council. We are proud of the fact that about half of our current General Council are young people under 25 years of age.

How can I help?

As a voluntary organisation, we rely on donations, subscriptions and grants for our survival and development. The Woodcraft Folk welcomes all those who share our aims and principles, and you can give us valuable assistance as a Friend of the Woodcraft Folk, even if you are unable to offer to help directly as a volunteer. You will receive regular mailings, keeping you informed of our activities. Find out more about getting involved.