The cooperative movement is raising funds to support their impactful youth work as they mark 100 years of service
This year youth organisation Woodcraft Folk marked an incredible 100 years of cooperation, social action and bringing brilliant experiences to thousands of young people.
Thanks to kind donations from members and supporters Woodcraft Folk give children and young people from ages 0 to 21 years, across the UK, access to their services where they can experience co-operative play, skill development, nature connection, environmental and peace education in a friendly space where everyone is welcome.
Woodcraft Folk’s offerings foster a sense of purpose, belonging and resilience, helping young people navigate challenges and make positive contributions to their communities. These experiences also enhance employability and personal growth, offering vital support beyond formal education and promoting active, responsible citizenship.
Whilst Woodcraft Folk are thrilled to have celebrated their centenary this year, like many organisations right now they are facing financial struggles. This is at a time where young people need their support more than ever.
Young people are:
- facing a mental health crisis,
- suffering the impacts of social media pressures,
- families are struggling financially and
- children are experiencing increased lack of access to the outdoors and playtime
Woodcraft Folk are asking for donations to their Christmas fundraiser to help ensure their services will continue to reach even more children and young people as they enter their next chapter.
The organisation has just one week from 2-9 December to raise 20k. Crucially, all donations made during the week are doubled by match funder PlanAid.
Funds raised will go towards supporting Woodcraft Folk’s struggling local youth groups and growing their group network across the UK; the lifeblood of the organisation. They also want to ensure all their young members aged 13-15 have the chance to attend their Venturer Camp next year. Funds will be used to create an Access Fund for disadvantaged young people to give them the opportunity to attend Venturer Camp and to remove financial barriers for volunteers supporting.
At Venturer Camp next summer, attendees will get involved with engaging workshops, adventurous activities, and a chance to develop skills and make friendships. Attendees will live by Woodcraft Folk’s cooperative values during the event and will have an opportunity to embrace nature with the camp located at the organisation’s Biblins Youth Campsite which is surrounded by ancient woodland with the River Wye running through.
Lauren Penny, Communications Manager at Woodcraft Folk says:
“Today young people are facing a very challenging time. From family financial struggles to lack of contact with the outdoors, social media pressures and all in the midst of a mental health crisis. Young people need our services more than ever.
Sadly whilst there is a huge need for the organisation’s services, Woodcraft Folk’s future is uncertain. Like many organisations we are struggling financially and we are calling on the public to kindly donate to our Christmas fundraiser to help kickstart our next chapter and ensure we can support even more young people who desperately need our help. With all donations doubled during the fundraiser, there really isn’t a better time to donate if you want to support our cause.”
Donations really do make a difference, big or small. With the help of Woodcraft Folk members and supporters, funds raised during the organisation’s Christmas Campaign last year totaled £19,465! The funds raised supported 200 disadvantaged young people to attend Woodcraft Folk’s 10 day international Camp 100 event who otherwise would not have been able to go. Woodcraft Folk prioritised support to those with disabilities/health issues, globalised majority, living with financial insecurity and those living furthest from the Camp100 venue.
With the support of members and the public Woodcraft Folk are hoping they can reach their campaign target, the perfect end to wrapping up their centenary year.
To find out more about Woodcraft Folk Christmas Fundraiser and to donate, head to https://bit.ly/WoodcraftFolk
If you are unable to donate this time around, you can still help by sharing the campaign. Head to the charity’s social media accounts Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin where Woodcraft Folk have been posting about the campaign and share their updates with your friends, family and colleagues.