The Woodcraft Folk http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/03/Woodcraft1.png The Woodcraft Folk are a UK based educational movement for children and young people. The aims of this youth organisation are to develop self-confidence and activity in society, with the intention of working towards "a world based on equality, peace, social justice and co-operation". Whilst sharing many of the same historical roots as the Scouting movement, the Woodcraft Folk's direct antecedent was the Kindred of the Kibbo Kift, an organisation led by ex-Scout Commissioner for Woodcraft and Camping John Hargrave, who had broken with what he considered to be the Scout's militaristic approach in the years immediately after the First World War. The Woodcraft Folk was established in 1925 after the south London co-operative groups challenged Hargrave's authoritarian tendencies and broke away from the Kindred. The name 'woodcraft' was used by the influential writer and naturalist Ernest Thompson Seton at the turn of the twentieth century when setting up the American proto-scouting organisation Woodcraft Indians, and in this context meant the skill of living in the open air, close to nature. Woodcraft Folk groups operate in England, Scotland and Wales, generally meeting weekly, and their activities include co-operative games, drama, craftwork, singing and dancing, as well as following an educational programme based on the organisations aims and principles. Group nights last between one and two hours, depending on the age of the children or young people. Groups are divided by age: Under sixes are known as 'Woodchips' Six to nine year olds are known as 'Elfins' Ten to twelve year olds are 'Pioneers' Thirteen to fifteen year olds are 'Venturers' Older teenagers and young adults organise their own activities, and are known as District Fellows. The Woodcraft Folk are a democratic organisation. Policies are decided at annual conference, attended by delegates from groups and local districts. Between annual conferences, responsibility for running the organisation falls on the members of the General Council. The organisation state that they "are proud of the fact that about half of our current General Council are young people under 25 years of age". The official slogan of the Woodcraft Folk is; Span the world with friendship; Although a British organisation, they have sister organisations throughout the world, by being a part of the Brussels-based federation of progressive youth organisations, the International Falcon Movement (IFM-SEI). International camps where similar organisations can meet up and network are held every six years or so. External links Official website History and archives See also UK topics Most Popular Articles: Music    Musical Instruments    Guitar    Classical Music    History    Music Definition    Country Music    Rock Music    Pop Music    Hip Hop    Rap    DJ    Video Games    Casino Games    Poker    Blackjack    Casinos    Real Estate    Loan    Auction    eBay    Marketing    Search Engine Optimization    File Sharing    MP3    Music Industry    Kazaa    Internet    Supermodel    Fashion    Fashion Designers    Erotica    Modeling    Clothing    Boots    Shoes    Diamond Engagement Rings    Diamond    Rugs    Gospel Music    Affiliate    E-Commerce    Radio This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License at http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html You may copy and modify it as long as the entire work (including additions) remains under this license. You must provide a link to http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html To view or edit this article at Wikipedia go to http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Woodcraft_Folk