The Woodcraft Folk

For the general recreational/educational programme, see Woodcraft (youth movement).

Woodcraft Folk
Founded1925
FounderLeslie Paul
TypeCharity in England and Wales (1148195)[1] in Scotland (SC039791)[2] and Company Limited by Guarantee (08133727)[3]
FocusEnvironmentalism, Internationalism, Children's Rights, Cooperation and Peace
Location
  • Units 9/10, 83 Crampton Street, London, SE17 3BQ, UK
OriginsKindred of the Kibbo Kift, Scouting and the cooperative movement
Area served
United Kingdom
MethodPopular education and Scouting
Members
c. 25,000
Key people
Chair of General Council: Pip Sayers[4]
Chief Executive: Debs McCahon[5]
AffiliationsIFM – SEI
Websitewww.woodcraft.org.uk
Member of International Falcon Movement - Socialist Education International

Woodcraft Folk is a UK-based educational movement for children and young people. Founded in 1925 and grown by volunteers,[6] it has been a registered charity since 1965[1][7][8] and a registered company limited by guarantee since 2012.[3] The constitutional object of this youth organisation is "to educate and empower young people to be able to participate actively in society, improving their lives and others' through active citizenship."

Woodcraft Folk was founded by Leslie Paul in 1925. It originated from the Kindred of the Kibbo Kift, an organization led by ex-Scout Commissioner John Hargrave, who aimed to move away from the militaristic approach of the Scouts at that time. In its early days, Woodcraft Folk had strong pagan and anti-capitalist emphasis, but it gradually developed its own distinct ethos. The organization was closely tied to the co-operative, labour, pacifist, early feminist, and trade union movements during the 1920s and 1930s.

The Woodcraft Folk's philosophy is centered around issues of social justice, pacifism, and the principles of cooperation. Its core values emphasize that all members have an equal say in the decision-making process, regardless of social background, status, age, gender, or sexual orientation. The organization welcomes young people of all religious backgrounds or none and places great importance on international understanding and friendship.

The Creed, or envoy, is a statement that reflects the principles and values of Woodcraft Folk. Members traditionally recite it at the beginning of group nights or formal meetings. The Creed emphasizes peace, kinship with all living things, the rejection of war, sloth, and greed, and the love of fellowship. Members pledge to work towards a new, better world through their actions and beliefs.

  1. ^ a b "Woodcraft Folk". Charity Commission.[permanent dead link] Registered Charity since 2013.
  2. ^ "Charity Details: Woodcraft Folk, SC039791". OSCR.
  3. ^ a b "Woodcraft Folk". Companies House.
  4. ^ "Our Trustees". Woodcraft Folk. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  5. ^ "Our Staff". Woodcraft Folk. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  6. ^ Mills, Sarah (2016). "Geographies of education, volunteering and the lifecourse: the Woodcraft Folk in Britain (1925–1975)". Cultural Geographies. 23 (1): 103–119. doi:10.1177/1474474014536855. PMC 5898258. PMID 29708116.
  7. ^ "Woodcraft Folk". Charity Commission.[permanent dead link] Registered charity details between 1965 and 1999.
  8. ^ "Woodcraft Folk". Charity Commission.[permanent dead link] Registered charity details from 1999 to 2013.