The European Solidarity Corps funding is provided in the form of grants to organisations to host full time volunteers from across the European Union. The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is managed by the European Commission.
Having ESC volunteers join the Woodcraft Folk team helps to bring a new dimension to our work and the experience is beneficial for the organisation, our young members and the volunteers.
Our Current Volunteers
Noemie Taupin – Cudham/Biblins Volunteers (April – September 2023)
Noemie joined us in April 2023 to help support the Centres team. She will split her stay between Biblins Youth Campsite and Cudham Environmental Activity centre as well as supporting other projects such as Camps for All and visiting our other centres. During her placement she will work with another volunteer to welcome groups to the centres, lead activities and support the centres to continue to bring brilliant experiences to young people including supporting Vcamp 2023. Noemie says “I am very excited to be a part of this amazing charity, discover England and its culture! I have been a scout most of my life and I love being outdoors and get crafty. Meeting people from all around the world and living new experiences is a really important part of my life, leading me to always seek new -cheap and ecofriendly- travelling opportunities. My other centers of interest are advocating for women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights, as well as mental health awareness.”
Sabrina Padilla – Cudham/Biblins Volunteers (April – September 2023)
Sabrina is joining Noemie on the project which will see time split between Biblins Youth Campsite and Cudham Environmental Activity centre as well as supporting other projects such as Camps for All and visiting our other centres. Sabrina is 28 years old and has 2 nationalities (Bolivian and Spanish). Sabrina’s experience in forestry engineering in Bolivia will be a real positive during the project. “I’m very glad to participate in this project with Woodcraft Folk organization because I like volunteering and the nature.” – Sabrina
Previous Volunteers
Eva Chatrain- Communication Volunteer (Feb 2022-Feb 2023)
Eva joined the Woodcraft Folk team from France and lived in London for 12 months, staying with a host family. She spent her placement supporting the communications team and local Woodcraft Folk groups with the preparation, planning and delivery of activities as well as working with the development team on school and community outreach. Eva is passionate about working with young people and is motivated to learn new skills and to be part of the team.
Sara Panni – Cudham/Biblins Volunteer (Oct 2022 – Dec 2022)
Sara joined us in October 2022 to help support the team at Cudham Environmental Activity Centre. She will stay at Cudham for 6 months and then move to Biblins Youth Campsite for the remainder of her stay. During her placement she will welcome groups to the centres, lead activities and support the centres to continue to bring brilliant experiences to young people. Sara says “I chose to apply as a volunteer in Woodcraft Folk because it reflects my values and principles such as: social solidarity, cooperation, non-judgment, acceptance of other cultures and environmental sustainability. As an Italian pedagogist and social worker, these are the ideals that I pursue and that Woodcraft Folk allows me to deepen and put into practice. I’m grateful and glad that Woodcraft Folk gives me this opportunity.”
Luisa Knust – Lockerbrook Volunteer (Nov 2021 – Nov 2022)
Luisa joined us to help support the team at Lockerbrook Farm Outdoor Centre. During her stay she welcomed groups to the centre, lead activities and supported the centre to continue it’s decarbonisation work. Luisa is passionate about fighting the climate emergency and says “Woodcraft Folk is so significant and I am happy to be a part of it now and to work with lots of different people on various environmental topics!”
Sandra Kourtsounioti – Common Ground 2022 Volunteer (Oct 2021 – Oct 2022)
Sandra joined us from Athens, Greece. She was with Woodcraft Folk volunteering for 12 months. Sandra’s role involved supporting the planning, preparation and delivery of Common Ground International Camp which took place in August 2022. Sandra was keen to get involved with all aspects of the camp, learn new skills and also meet lots of new people along the way.
Common Ground Volunteer Team (July – August 2022)
Over the summer of 2022 we welcomed 20 volunteers from Spain, Austria, Belgium, Finland and Germany to support the delivery of our Common Ground international camp. The team worked together with the central volunteers and organising team to help build and maintain the camp, assist with programme delivery, translation, stewarding and much more.
Lauren Halley – National Programme and Summer Camps Volunteer (July-December 2021)
Lauren joined us from Waterford, Ireland. Lauren’s role wass supporting the Membership and Programme team with national events. The national events Lauren has worked include our national summer camps hosted at Biblins Youth Campsite, Lockerbrook Farm Outdoor Centre and Cudham Centre and our Autumn Camp at Biblins 2021.
