UK Enterprise 2020

141 | UK Enterprise Awards 2020 Woodcraft Folk is a UK charity that supports children to take the lead and change their world through weekly group nights and camps. Educational activities grounded in values of co-operation, peace, equality, internationalism, children’s rights and sustainable development have existed at the heart of Woodcraft Folk since its inception in 1925. Their mantra is simple but comprehensive; ‘We are Woodcraft Folk and we change the world, we are youth led, we welcome everyone, we are co-operative, and we understand and respect our one world.’ The organisation facilitates 400 local youth groups, six residential centres and online programme activities, and the core values have remained the same since the organisation’s inception, developing children’s understanding and respect of the world around them by exploring other cultures and the natural environment. Welcoming all children regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or background, the mission is simple; to educate for social change. Everything that happens at Woodcraft Folk is designed to put young people first, encouraging them in decision making, influencing policy and developing programme activities. Working off the feedback and ideas of the children as well as being led by young people, Woodcraft Folk are able to design an environment that is specifically suited to the generation of the future. More than 60% of Woodcraft Folk’s Trustees are young people and the Chair of Trustees himself is only 24 years old. Young members engage in peer education programme activities and youth led campaigns to inform and inspire others. Conscientious effort and time are invested into making sure even the youngest members of Woodcraft Folk are given a say. By recruiting volunteers and staff who are committed to the educational values of Woodcraft Folk and who can support and be led by young people, the organisation is able to curate a culture of listening and consulting, that collaborates to develop new ideas and solve problems. All adults manifest Aug20184 Woodcraft Folk Woodcraft Folk is a co-operative youth movement open to children from birth to adulthood that has been educating for social change through informal education, social action projects and residential experience since 1925. Providing educational activities to children and young people through 400 local youth groups across the UK, six residential centres and online programme activities, Woodcraft Folk is now being celebrated for its dedication to the development of children and young people at the UK Enterprise Awards 2020. the same qualities of inclusion, approachability, non-judgement and empowerment to create systems and structures that put children and young people in the driving seat. The Woodcraft Folk team are working on some exciting projects for both now and further in the future. These include Kids Field, which will allow children to work with a team of volunteer engineers to share engineering solutions to the climate emergency, All Change, which trains young people to train teachers and youth workers in climate science and Common Ground, is an international camp celebrating solidarity and unity. The project that has taken greatest precedence at the moment is the #DreamBigAtHome project, a remote and virtual programme that has been released in response to COVID-19, but is also an essential part of the ongoing efforts to increase and widen participation. As the outbreak of the pandemic meant that all face to face activities were forced to cease for four months, the international camp had to be postponed and all residential trips cancelled, Woodcraft Folk have suffered the financial impact. However, staff and volunteers threw themselves into the #DreamBigAtHome project that was designed to support children and young people overcome isolation and loneliness. This has allowed Woodcraft Folk to continue delivering education based around their central ethos online, and has continued to be useful as the organisation returns to face to face activities as restrictions are eased. Despite the setbacks presented by COVID-19, the future remains bright for Woodcraft Folk, and the whole organisation is excited to be planning the Common Ground international camp in 2022 in Kent, that will welcome 3,000 young people from 45 countries to participate in the youth festival. The charity remains passionate about supporting young people as they campaign to make changes to real issues, and the work Woodcraft Folk do will continue to have a positive impact for generations to come. If you wish to support Woodcraft Folk, please visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/ dreambigathome Company: Woodcraft Folk Contact: Debs McCahon Web Address: www.woodcraft.org.uk Most Dedicated Youth Engagement & Support Organisation 2020 & Leading Champions of Children’s Rights 2020