For 100 years UK youth organisation Woodcraft Folk have provided life changing opportunities to thousands of young people. To celebrate their centenary, the charity is asking people to fund their future and donate to a special fundraiser to ensure even more young people can access the charity’s impactful youth work in the years to come.
In the charity’s 100 years of service, Woodcraft Folk has been a beacon of hope and co-operation for the younger generation providing endless opportunities and support for young people of all ages across the world. From housing young refugees after the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, to the creation of 44 local youth groups across the country between 2015-2017, and most recently campaigning for free school meals and running 250 residential youth experiences over 100 days in 2025. There are endless examples throughout Woodcraft Folk’s history that showcase their relentless dedication to the youth sector.
Every week, thousands of volunteers and young people across the UK meet in school halls, community venues and a host of other places to attend Woodcraft Folk local groups. There, the young members learn about big ideas and topical issues such as the environment and world peace through fun activities like craft, games, camping, and debating. The groups also offer an engaging place where young people make friends and develop crucial skills with many staying on to become volunteers gaining valuable experience they can transfer into their careers and daily lives.
Woodcraft Folk also oversees four outdoor residential centres, where young people can get close to nature and build skills such as confidence and teamwork through a range of adventurous activities. Additionally, the charity runs a youth engagement programme where young members can access support on issues such as coping with grief and children’s rights.
However, rather than rest on its laurels, the youth organisation is already planning how it can continue being a voice for young people for the next 100 years and they are inviting their members, supporters and the public to join them for the next chapter.
There has never been a more crucial time for people to invest in Woodcraft Folk. Youth work is chronically underfunded. Woodcraft folk receive no government funding, as a charitable grassroots movement they rely on the generous and continued support of our donors and volunteers.
This is at a time when young people need support the most. It has been widely reported that there is an increasing decline in children’s mental health. The NHS estimates that 1 in 5 children and young people aged 8 to 25 in England have a probable mental health condition. Lack of accessible green spaces along with increased screen time is impacting children’s wellbeing and is meaning less opportunity and time given for outdoor play, exploration and development.
There is hope. Woodcraft Folk provides life changing opportunities for young people from all backgrounds where they can give time to self care and development. Woodcraft Folk champions young people through nature connection, adventure programmes and organising camps as well as supporting with building young people’s confidence and social skills.
Fundraiser Grace Dobbie says:
“ For a century, Woodcraft Folk has been more than an organization—it’s been a vibrant community where young people discover friendship, courage, and empowerment through outdoor adventures, social justice, and creative expression. Our centenary is more than a milestone – it’s an opportunity to recommit to the vision of education for social change that has driven us for a century. However, we can’t do it alone, we need your help to ensure our legacy continues. A donation to our fundraiser will directly support inclusive activities, educational programs, and opportunities for young people to thrive for years to come.”
Donate today at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/wcf100 and join Woodcraft Folk in shaping the next 100 years for young people. Can’t donate, spread the word about the fundraiser instead!
Funds will allow Woodcraft Folk to reduce barriers and expand their reach so they can support even more young people through their work.
With your support, Woodcraft Folk can continue building a future where every child has access to enriching experiences and a voice in shaping a better world.
