Woodcraft Folk is committed to international solidarity and spanning the world with friendship. Woodcraft Folk is an active member of the International Falcon Movement and participates in a wide range of projects, seminars, exchanges and international camps.
International Summer School 2026 @ the Kurt Löwenstein Education Centre: Navigating a world in crisis: remember, organize, act
This year’s seminar focuses on solidarity in times of crisis, connecting past and present struggles, and exploring how young people can actively organize, resist, and support one another in increasingly complex social and political contexts.
In times of growing uncertainty, conflict, and social fragmentation, the question of solidarity becomes more urgent than ever. Across the world, we are witnessing the rise of right-wing movements, increasing violence, and backlash against marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ people – even in societies that once seemed to be moving toward greater inclusion. In such a context, how do we stand together? How do we resist?
This summer school explores solidarity in times of crisis by connecting past and present struggles. We ask: On whose shoulders do we stand? How are histories remembered, and whose stories are centered or silenced? Through examining cultures of remembrance, we will reflect on how historical memory is constructed, how trauma is transmitted across generations, and how both can be instrumentalised by right-wing forces to redefine belonging and identify internal and external “enemies”. At the same time, we turn to the present: how do we organize, resist, and support each other in the face of rising authoritarianism and division? Drawing on experiences of anti-fascist struggle, youth activism, and collective organizing, we will explore how solidarity can move beyond discourse and become a concrete practice-one that builds power, challenges oppression, and creates alternatives.
This summer school is about equipping participants with the tools to navigate a world in crisis: to support one another, to organize, and to act. By learning from past struggles and connecting them to present challenges, we aim to strengthen collective resilience and reimagine solidarity as an active, transformative force. Together, we will reflect on the shoulders we stand on – and consciously choose which legacies of solidarity, justice and resistance we want to carry forward into the future.
The seminar will be conducted in English; thus, it will be rather hard to understand the instructions and fully participate if your English is limited. However, you may help each other out in delegations.
More information and registration details can be found here.
When?
1 – 8. August 2025
Target age
18-30 years old
Participation fee
50-100€, depending on country of residence
Travel cost reimbursement
Possible – for more details contact Rebekka Pfennig
Registration deadline
20. July 2026 (Participants needing Visa invitations, please apply as early as possible!)
How to register
Sign up to attend here
Questions?
Feel free to contact Kurt Löwenstein Education Centre with any questions.
Contact details:
Email: internationalteam@kurt-loewenstein.de
Phone: +49(0)33398-8999-15
How do I apply for international opportunities?
Every project is slightly different, information on this page should hold how to apply. The usual routes are either through Woodcraft Folk by contacting lauren@woodcraft.org.uk or directly through the partner organisation e.g. IFM-SEI. If applications are direct, links should appear with the opportunities above
Do I have to pay to take part in an international activity?
Most international opportunities have a participation fee. This can range from £50 – £200 for most events. You will most likely find out about the participant fee on this page or during the registration process. Please do get in touch with Woodcraft Folk if you feel that finances are a barrier to participate as we can arrange payment plans and speak to our partners about fees.
How is travel organised?
There is often a travel budget for each activity which should cover travel to and from the event. Depending on the project and activity either you will arrange your own travel and claim back from the hosting organisation or Woodcraft Folk will arrange travel with you and reclaim the funds centrally.
Do I need a passport to take part in international activities?
yes, to travel outside of the UK for an international event or activity you must have a valid passport. Your passport will need to be valid for at least 3 months (in some cases 6 months) after your arrival in the country.
How are participants chosen?
Where spaces for events are limited, criteria for selection will vary from project to project, but may include relevant skills, interests and lived experiences, as well as giving priority, where possible, to those who have not participated in previous international projects with Woodcraft Folk
