Here you will find the regular Covid-19 updates and guidance issued to Woodcraft Folk groups and members.

Updated 8 June 2021

COVID-19 Update: current restrictions for groups in England, Scotland & Wales

The update below has been prepared to support Woodcraft Folk groups to run activities for young members that are safe and in line with current restrictions on youth work activities. 

Groups in England may resume face-to-face delivery outdoors or indoors, subject to the restrctions and precautions detailed in the guidance produced by the National Youth Agency.

Scottish groups are able to resume delivery outdoors, and indoor activites may take place at Level 2 or below. In these areas, residential activities are also permitted, though strict guidance must be adhered to. The relevant restrictions for groups is Scotland are outlined by YouthLink Scotland in their guiding framework document.

Gwerin y Coed groups may also meet outdoors or indoors, subject to the guidance issued by the Welsh Government for organised children's activities.

Residential Activities

Camping and residential activities in England cannot be undertaken by Woodcraft Folk group at Step 3. It is expected that groups will be able to resume at Step 4 (not before 21 June), but that strict limits on numbers attending will continue to present challenges to groups intending to undertake camps or residential activities

Scottish groups can undetake camps and residentals to and from areas that are at level 2 or below. However, accommodation (whether tents or dormitories) cannot be shared by people from more than one household.

Gwerin y Coed groups in Wales can also camp or go away to hostel/bunkhouse accommodation, but again on the basis of single occupancy of sleeping spaces.

You can find out more about restrictions and safety measures that apply to residentials by watching our webinar. If you have a camp planned in the coming months, please let Folk Office know by email so that we can ensure you receive updates and guidance when available.

Summer Camps

We are offering residential experiences at Woodcraft Folk's centres for young members, which will be organised in line with the restrictions in force at the time. This may be an attractive alternative for Pioneer and Venturer groups to running their own group or distirct camps. 

Camping for Pioneers is being offered at Biblins from 2 to 13 August.

Camps and residentials for Ventuers are being offered at Biblins, Cudham, Darsham, Lockerbrook and Park Farm from 7 to 13 August. More information and frequently asked questions have been sent to relevant group and district contacts, and are available here:

• Pioneer Camp FAQs
  
• Venturer Camp FAQs
  

Next Steps

Before resuming any face-to-face delivery, groups are required to complete the appropriate version of the Reopening Checklist to notify Folk Office of their plans:

• Reopening Checklist for groups in England & Wales
  
• Reopening Checklist for groups in Scotland
  

Template risk assessments for England/Wales and for Scotland have also been prepared with outdoor sessions in mind - these outline many of the main risks and suggested mitigation measures, together with other factors that groups may need to conisder - these can be used by groups to inform their own risk assessment process.

• Woodcraft Folk Group Activities: Update for all groups (21 May 2021)

• Webinar - guidance on returning to face to face provision (22nd March 2021)

• Webinar on Outdoor Socially Distant Activity Ideas for the summer term (24th March 2021)

If you have any questions regarding our policies and procedures regarding COVID-19, please email safeguarding@woodcraft.org.uk.