The Woodcraft Folk
Who are the Woodcraft Folk?
We are an alternative youth organisation that enable girls and boys to have fun, make friends and think about the world.
What do we do?
Loads of things - games, singing, drama, crafts, dancing, camping, hostelling, cooking, outdoor activities, hiking and celebrating/questionning the world we live in!
What's special about us?
The Woodcraft Folk:
- Listens to children and young people and encourages them to share their skills and enthusiasm
- Believes in equal opportunities & access for all members
- Is open to all faiths
- Empowers young people to feel confident and take part in the world around them
- Is dedicated to peace and co-operation
- Exchanges with similar groups around the world (our international links help us to further our motto: Span the world
with friendship)
How are groups organised?
Group sessions last for an hour each week during term time. Groups are organised by age:-
- Woodchips (under 6's)
- Younger Elfins (6-7)
- Older Elfins (8-9)
- Pioneers (10-12)
- Venturers (13-15)
Our older teenagers and young adults organise their own activities and are known as District Fellows...or more usually, DF's
Who runs the activities?
Group activities are co-ordinated by volunteer leaders and/or parent volunteers. All volunteers are SCRO checked. We always try to include children and young people in planning activities.
Who pays for the Woodcraft Folk?
The Woodcraft Folk is supported by the Co-op and other funders (for specificprojects such as international camps). Children pay small weekly subs towards running costs. Adult members and supporters pay an annual membership fee. We are a registered charity.
It's a funny name - why?
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. The 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.
Becoming a volunteer
Volunteers tend to be parents and grandparents or young adults who may have, themselves, been involved in The Woodcraft Folk. You don't need to be a 'professional' - most people find they have relevant skills and talents to offer. We work in a co-operative way, emphasising enthusisam and humour. Training can be provided for new volunteers. All volunteers in a childcare position are encouraged to go through a disclosure check.
How else can I Help?
We rely on donations, grants and subscriptions. All those who share our aims and principles are encouraged to give assistance as a 'Friend of the Woodcraft Folk'
Contact Details:
Woodcraft Folk Scotland
Robert Owen House
87 Bath Street
Glasgow
G2 2EE
Tel: 0141-304 5552
Fax: 0141-304 5554
