Reasons for doing this activity:
• To discuss the qualities needed to lead a Woodcraft Folk Group.
• To plan some activities
• To have fun making crafts.
• To create a young person led resource about the qualities people need to run groups.
What to do:
Start by asking the the group about their favourite superheroes.
- What special powers do they have?
- What special equipment do they have?
- What do their costumes look like?
Now ask the group about their group leaders.
- Who are Woodcraft Folk group Leaders?
- Who runs your group?
- Is it adults or children?
- What do volunteer leaders do?
- Would the group be able to run without volunteer leaders?
Collectively brainstorm qualities that leaders need to have. Write words down on a big sheet of paper.
Next, divide the group into small groups (two-four people) and get each group to design a superhero who would be good at leading their group. Give them pens to make a poster of their superhero and fabrics to glue on for clothes. Have each group decide on a name, special powers, special equipment and an assistant. Do they have a special enemy? Are there any ‘issues’ like recycling or peace that the superhero is particularly involved in?
Once they have drawn a superhero, bring the group back together to share their creations.
Now ask the group to return to their groups and get them to plan a ‘super evening’ that their superhero would lead.
Perhaps you could use some of these ideas on future group nights (so long as you’ve got the right super powers!). Keep the posters and evening plans to show current and future leaders ideas that the group have about how they would like their group to be led.