This blog was written by Placement Student Bethany Wallace.

Banner Image - Woodcraft Folk Collection CHT 0/2/3 Easter Camp 1929 

2025 marks the centenary of the Woodcraft Folk, a co-operative organisation for children and young people. The first groups were founded by Leslie Paul and several other young activists. They were struck by the hardships that faced the younger generation after the First World War. The movement uplifted children’s voices, providing an education and the tools needed to shape both our world and their future. To this day the Woodcraft Folk champion education for social change, nature, co-operation, peace and equality, children’s rights and international friendship.

It was when researching for this blog that I uncovered my own family connection to the Woodcraft Folk. My Nan, Linda, was a member from 1955 to 1967. Her family had strong ties to the co-operative movement; my Great Nan was a member of the Women’s Co-operative Guild, and my great grandfather was a strong trade unionist.

Having hated the Brownies, her parents had dragged her along to the Southeast London group Raventhings. Despite her reluctance, eight-year-old Linda quickly discovered that she loved it there:

“I enjoyed going because it was a mixed group and diverse especially for that time. We had more opportunity to enjoy the outdoors hiking, camping and learning about nature”.

Raventhings Group (Southeast London Woodcraft Folk) - Author's Grandmother Linda 'Scarlet Pimpernel' Andrews front and centre - Courtesy of Linda Moore 

Folk names, such as ‘Swift Canoe’ or ‘Brown Eagle’ were common practice at the beginning of the Woodcraft Folk. My Nan chose the folk name ‘Scarlet Pimpernel’ after the beautiful red flower. Rather unfortunately, folk names were often shortened, and nan went by ‘Pimp’ among her fellow members. 

Woodcraft Folk Collection CHT 0/2/3 Easter Camp 1929 : Titled 'Spinning a Yarn'

Being a member of the Woodcraft Folk meant that young people could get involved in all sorts of activities. Children would often get involved in games, folk dancing and singing, art and crafts, storytelling and more.

My Nan fondly remembers her time spent camping, hiking and learning about nature. Woodcraft camps encouraged young people to work together co-operatively to achieve a common goal. It was here that nan learnt the history of the co-operative, including the Rochdale Pioneers. To this day she celebrates this history, marching with the GMB union at the Tolpuddle Rally.

Woodcraft Folk Collection 0/2/3 CHT Easter Camp 1929 

In the summer of 1960, my Nan got the opportunity to travel to Poland with the Woodcraft Folk. She spent three weeks at an international camp sightseeing, swimming and playing games with other children from Norway, Italy and all over Europe. She was even invited to meet the deputy Prime Minister of Poland. The trip, only fifteen years after the Second World War, fostered internationalism and peace across Europe.

Presentation Certificate in Polish from the International Camp 1960 - presented to Linda Andrews. Courtesy of Linda Moore, (nee Andrews)

Photograph of South East London Raventhings at International Camp in Poland in 1960 - Courtesy of Linda Moore 

Photograph of the Brandenburg Gate from the East Side in 1960, prior to the building of the Berlin Wall in 1961 - Courtesy of Linda Moore 

One hundred years after the foundation of the Woodcraft Folk, the movement continues to inspire the next generation. The world may have changed since nan was a member in the 50s and 60s, but the Woodcraft Folk still stand for education, peace and equality, co-operation and international friendship.