the
Woodcraft Folk A co-operative
organisation for children,
young people……….and adults!
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What is special about the Woodcraft Folk?
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It's co-operative. We encourage children and young people to work together and share their skills and enthusiasm. |
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Young people are encouraged to discussand challenge discrimination. |
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It is open to people of any religion or none. |
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It aims to empower young people to make decisions themselves and to take a full and active part in society. |
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It promotes an understanding of the need to protect our environment and the use of the world’s resources. |
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It is dedicated to the building of a more peaceful future. |
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It has exchanges with similar organisations throughout the world. Our international links help to further our motto: |
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'Span
the world with friendship' |
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Most groups have between 15 and 30 members, with regular group nights lasting one and two hours, depending on the age of the children involved. 6 to 9 year olds are known as Elfins, 10 to12 as Pioneers, 13 to 15 as Venturers and 16 to 20 as District Fellows. During each meeting there is a Council Circle where everyone has their chance to raise any ideas, questions or criticisms.
Group activities are co-ordinated by adult volunteers, who hold regular informal meetings to plan the weekly programme of activities. Every effort is made to include suggestions put forward by the children and young people.
At every Woodcraft activity there are always at least two registered adult members present. Parents are welcome to stay and become involved as well.
There are no special skills needed, although most adults will quickly find that they do have talents and interests to share with the group. The main requirements are patience, a sense of humour and an enthusiasm for working with young people and adults in a co-operative way. Adult leaders enrol as mem bers of the national Woodcraft Folk, and pay an annual membership subscription. This is partly a requirement under our child protection policy. Adult members receive a regular magazine ‘Woodcraft World’, and are also covered by the organisation’s insurance when engaged in Woodcraft Folk activities.
Whilst many people who help run our groups are parents, others are also involved. Grandparents and family friends, young adults who have recently been in Woodcra ft Folk groups themselves, those who support the idea of informal progressive activities in their community – all of these may be found helping in Woodcraft Folk activities.
So what’s
in it for me?
“I
like the humour and creativity of the group. When you plan something with
the children, and it works, the feeling you get is wonderful.”
“I get to do fun things at the group. We’re all learning, questioning and growing.”
“The adults come because they choose to come and the children come because they choose to and everything you do is based on that relationship."
“As well as the pleasure and satisfaction of working with the children, I’ve made some really good friends. It’s very rewarding being part of a co-operative team.
For
more information or if you would like to get involved with the Woodcraft
Folk, please contact:
London
SW17 8QE
Tel: 0208 6726031
