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Resources: New groups

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Starting a new group

If you are interested in setting up a new group, the first thing you should do is find some friends willing to work with you. Once you have a small band of committed volunteers (at least 4), it is best to make contact with the Woodcraft Folk development team for support. The team will be able to offer advice, factsheets and link you up with a new group buddy.

How do I register a new group?

All Woodcraft Folk groups are required to register. This ensures that they are recognised by the national movement and have access to support, guidance and insurance cover.

Case study: setting up a new group in Ealing

Ealing District Woodcraft Group are over-seeing the development of two new groups, a Woodchip and an Elfin group, based in the White City Estate, Hammersmith. Getting the premises was made possible by the Head of a local primary school who manages the centre and whose children have been members of Ealing Woodcraft.

New Group Registration Form

All new groups before opening need to submit a new group registration form to head office. The form needs to be signed by two full members of the Woodcraft. So if you are not already a member please return your membership form & CRB with the group reg form.

There is no need to send registration fee as the first 6 months are FREE for all groups.

Once completed return form to head office. Confirmation of receipt will be provided.

Learn to Lead: Woodcraft training videos

This is a great set of short videos featuring Woodcraft volunteers. They explain all the important aspects of running a group and District, in a really clear and friendly way.

Case study: starting a new group

Margaret O'Byrne from Norwich Thorpe Hamlet talks us through the evolution of her group and what it's like to start a new one.

About 9 years ago I started a Venturer group with a friend. Initially someone just approached me and asked if i would like to bring my daughter to a group and possibly help run the group. At the beginning we met in someone's house and it was all very girly and craft based. Later we transferred to my house and soon the group was too big and we moved on to a local school. As we grew my eldest daughter stopped attending but my youngest continued and so i kept attending as a leader. Over the years the group has also changed and we developed Elfin and Pioneer sections.

Justine’s story: starting a new Woodcraft group in the Midlands

Justine, Lucy and Jessica started Bournville Elfins after Jessica completed Forest Schools training and wanted to do something complementary. Justine says:

“Although we had never heard of Woodcraft Folk, we jumped at the chance! We all came from different areas and so sat down with a map and looked at where we could all get to by 5.45pm on a Wednesday and Bournville came out tops!

FAQs for new Woodcraft groups

These FAQs have been developed to support new groups, but may be of interest to any new member. Click on the question to visit the page with the answer.

What should a Woodcraft group try to achieve?

Local Woodcraft Folk groups should seek to have enough adult volunteers to engage a group of children or young people in fun and exciting activities based on Woodcraft Folks aims and principles, which include: