A century of Woodcraft Folk

For almost a century, Woodcraft Folk has passionately championed environmentally and socially conscious youth initiatives in the UK. As the oldest co-educational youth movement in the nation approaches its centenary, its legacy and impact on young lives have never been more apparent.

This organization played a crucial role as one of the largest secular supporters of the Kindertransport, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to human rights. They actively advocated for the rights of LGBTQ+ youth workers, notably during periods when funding was withdrawn due to homophobic prejudices.

Woodcraft Folk’s youth members have risked their voices for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, and have protested against military actions, highlighting their engagement in critical global issues.

Origins Rooted in Community

The origins of Woodcraft Folk can be traced back to an act of vandalism. In 1902, local schoolchildren caused damage to the home of the renowned naturalist Ernest Thomson Seton. Rather than punishing them, Seton recognized their actions stemmed from boredom and responded by establishing a youth club focused on wilderness skills and appreciation for nature, coining the term “woodcraft”.

His initiative inspired Lieutenant-General Robert Baden-Powell to start a boys-only camp that incorporated military and Christian teachings from his Boer War experience, ultimately leading to the rapid expansion of the Scouting movement. However, following the devastation of World War I, many sought alternatives to the militarized model of Scouting, giving birth to Woodcraft Folk.

A New Vision

The first Woodcraft Folk group was formed in 1925 in South London, setting itself apart with a vision that emphasized co-education, inclusiveness, democracy, and ecological awareness. Co-founder Leslie Paul articulated a clear goal: to engage working-class children in nature, establishing camps founded on cooperative principles as outlined in his 1938 work, The Republic of Children.

Paul wrote, “We are a movement seeking social change,” aspiring to equip children with the knowledge and skills to become active citizens. This vision has attracted notable alumni, including former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, ITV political editor Robert Peston, pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and poet Michael Rosen, all of whom owe part of their formative experiences to their time with Woodcraft Folk.

Lloyd Russell-Moyle, former MP for Brighton Kemptown, began his journey with Woodcraft Folk at just six years old. Now, after serving in parliament for seven years, he has taken on the role of chief executive within the very organization that shaped his early values.

Championing Youth Empowerment

“It shaped my foundational understanding of work,” he remarks, attributing his political ambition directly to his experiences with Woodcraft Folk. Russell-Moyle believes in the innate capacity of young individuals to handle significant responsibilities and risks that society often deem them incapable of shouldering.

He asserts, “What society does to our children can feel akin to abuse,” condemning the trend of overprotecting children from risks. He emphasizes that experiencing responsibilities within a supportive environment cultivates resilience and vital life skills, countering prevalent issues of mental health and loneliness amongst young people.

Woodcraft Folk “embraces risk without being reckless,” preparing children to take on intricate roles within the organization—often marked by the presence of one of the youngest trustee boards in the UK—ranging from expedition planning to organizing significant events.

Celebrating a Century of Impact

This month, Woodcraft Folk has celebrated its centennial with a grand international camp, gathering hundreds of young people from the UK along with delegations from countries like Peru, Senegal, and Nicaragua.

The camp’s agenda is rich with diverse activities led by dedicated volunteer youth workers, seamlessly interweaving ethical issues. Workshops on local ecological changes guide discussions on topics like prison reform, all designed to encourage critical thinking among the participants.

A solar-powered cinema stands alongside a printing press that produces a daily newspaper, collaborating to share knowledge on relevant issues like the impact of austerity on children’s well-being.

Empowering the Future

The camp even features a delegation from Western Sahara that shares their traditional Saharawi tea ceremony while explaining their circumstances under occupation. Children are also introduced to playful yet educational workshops on eviction resistance tactics.

“Joy, creativity, and play are interwoven with our political narrative,” Russell-Moyle states, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to addressing complex global topics with children through engaging methods.

Despite challenges faced during the pandemic, Russell-Moyle remains optimistic, recognizing a new generation of politically engaged young adults feeling disenfranchised by traditional political structures.

Building a Legacy of Change

As these individuals enter parenthood, many seek ways to instill values of activism and community engagement within their children. “None of our political parties individually seem capable of effecting the community improvements our society desperately needs,” he reflects, “yet Woodcraft Folk provides a unique platform for involvement in transformative community work, shaping the next generation of changemakers.”

On the final night of the centennial camp, over a thousand participants form a united circle, singing an uplifting protest song; its closing verse embodies the unyielding spirit of the organization as it steps into its second century: “All sorrow is banished, we march to the light, link your hands together, we’re strong in our might.”

This Author

Phineas Harper is a regular contributor to The Guardian. They are an innovative leader in developing sustainable cultural programs that engage broad audiences, with a career spanning criticism, curation, education, youth work, journalism, and sculpture.