Hi,
I work for Woodcraft Folk. Our groups are quite diverse - some do a lot of Bushcraft with people who make their living running bushcraft training, quite a few of our volunteer leaders are experienced amateurs and a fair few are working on related things like Forest Schools. On the other extreme, some of our groups focus almost entirely on the (small p) political aspects of encouraging/enabling young people to become active citizens and play their part in society.
The key underlying principles that unite this diverse movement are the values of co-operation and youth empowerment - it genuinely is the young people who decide what their group will focus on.
In terms of the original post, I'd encourage you to get in touch with your local group - our Welsh section "Gwerin y Coed" is one of the fastest growing parts of our movement and has the same diversity within it as the movement UK-wide.
As an aside, I would mention that the history referred to is actually a history of the Woodcraft Folk's relationship with various parts of the left (trade unions, the co-operative movement) rather than a history of the folk as such and as with all histories of that part of British society it does focus on the seemingly ubiquitous splits and factions - it's certainly not an accurate reflection of the current situation. As a registered charity we're resolutely non-party political, but very active in encouraging our young members to take an active part in society.
You can find out more at our website - www.woodcraft.org.uk or look at the bushcraft resources developed by some of our members at http://thebushcraftway.co.uk/
Cheers
Jon
I work for Woodcraft Folk. Our groups are quite diverse - some do a lot of Bushcraft with people who make their living running bushcraft training, quite a few of our volunteer leaders are experienced amateurs and a fair few are working on related things like Forest Schools. On the other extreme, some of our groups focus almost entirely on the (small p) political aspects of encouraging/enabling young people to become active citizens and play their part in society.
The key underlying principles that unite this diverse movement are the values of co-operation and youth empowerment - it genuinely is the young people who decide what their group will focus on.
In terms of the original post, I'd encourage you to get in touch with your local group - our Welsh section "Gwerin y Coed" is one of the fastest growing parts of our movement and has the same diversity within it as the movement UK-wide.
As an aside, I would mention that the history referred to is actually a history of the Woodcraft Folk's relationship with various parts of the left (trade unions, the co-operative movement) rather than a history of the folk as such and as with all histories of that part of British society it does focus on the seemingly ubiquitous splits and factions - it's certainly not an accurate reflection of the current situation. As a registered charity we're resolutely non-party political, but very active in encouraging our young members to take an active part in society.
You can find out more at our website - www.woodcraft.org.uk or look at the bushcraft resources developed by some of our members at http://thebushcraftway.co.uk/
Cheers
Jon
Im OUT!
