The latest Woodcraft Folk Supporters Update took place on Tuesday 8th November attended by supporters from across the regions as well as colleagues from Central Coop.
During the Update, Debs the charity’s CEO and Aggie, Chair of General Council, shared news about new group developments in Glossop, Chesterfield, St Albans and Hastings. Woodcraft Folk continues to see a high number of new group enquiries, please visit the Woodcraft Folk website for more information about setting up a new group.
Aggie shared her highlights of Common Ground which successfully engaged 2,700 campers from 22 different countries in a 10 day celebration of international friendship. Aggie also called upon supporters to add their voice to Woodcraft Folk’s Visa Campaign, which is calling on the Government to introduce a process for youth work and youth group visas.
Debs went on to celebrate the recent success of Lockerbrook in attaining Learning Outside the Classroom accreditation. Debs also reported that all Woodcraft Folk centres had quickly returned to pre-pandemic levels and are hoping to host over 30,000 bednights by the end of the year. A number of the centres have working parties planned for the autumn months with much activity focused on insulation and decarbonisation activity – visit Woodcraft Folk’s calendar for details. All volunteers are welcome and there are jobs for all ages and skill levels: gardening, painting, cleaning, building fences and more!
Supporters present also raised their own interests, such as access and inclusion at the next national camp in 2025, climate change activity and how Woodcraft Folk’s Trustees should consult members on donations. Debs and Aggie were able to share plans for consulting the wider membership and volunteers on the charity’s next strategic plan – consultation will begin in January 2023.
When asked about the recent Roger Pickering legacy, Debs was able to remind supporters that Trustees had made the decision to spend some of the legacy reducing the financial barriers to participating in Common Ground – supporting 150 young people and volunteers to attend. Trustees had also made a commitment to invest in Fundraising and Communications as the movement rebuilds post COVID disruptions.
Debs was also able to share news about a team of volunteers who are looking to create a camp infrastructure handbook focused on energy, managing extreme weather, water, hygiene. Anyone interested in sharing good practice should contact debs@woodcraft.org.uk
For those who missed the session a recording can be found here.
Join Woodcraft Folk at their upcoming Christmas Challenge Update on Monday 5th December at 6:30pm!
