About the Cheltenham & Gloucester Woodcraft Folk

The Woodcraft Folk is an educational movement for children and young people, which aims to develop self confidence and activity in society, with the aim of building a world based on equality, friendship, peace and co-operation.

Established as an educational movement and charity in 1925 as an alternative to the Scouts, the Woodcraft Folk was run entirely by young people, with 19-year-old Leslie Paul as its original leader. The organisation has become a forward thinking youth organisation continuously changing with the times.

The local groups in Gloucester and Cheltenham work closely together on a wide range of activities, as well as each having our own weekly sessions.

Organisation

We divide our groups by age:

   Under sixes are known as 'Woodchips'
   Six to nine year olds are known as 'Elfins'
   Ten to twelve year olds are 'Pioneers'
   Thirteen to fifteen year olds are 'Venturers'

Our older teenagers and young adults are known as DFs(District Fellows). DFs are slightly more autonomous and often arrange their own activities as well as assisting with the younger groups.

Group activities are co-ordinated by adult volunteers and DFs, who hold regular informal meetings to plan the weekly programme of activities.

During all our activities, the children are encouraged to contribute their ideas and make suggestions and take an active part in organisation and running things.