As an organisation, the woodcraft folk is over 100 years
old. Its roots go back to round about 1900, when Ernest Thompson Seton began his
work with young north Americans. This is where many woodcraft ideologies come
from, such as our aims to live in harmony with the earth.
The first proper woodcraft group was set up in 1925; it was based on the scout
movement but rejected the religious and military associations that came with it.
Since then, the woodcraft folk have spread all over the UK and we have sister
organisations all over the world. Our beliefs and principles are even more
relevant today, as concern for the environment and our planet's ecosystem
becomes more and more crucial to our society.
The woodcraft folk's main beliefs are centered around the idea of democracy, and
instead of adults bossing around the children, our groups teach children how to
decide both for and amongst themselves what they would like to do. On a larger
scale, national decisions concerning the woodcraft folk are made at annual
conferences, which are attended by delegates from local groups. we also have a
National Council, staffed by members of the 'folk, who also contribute to
running the organisations.
The Harrow District was first established in 1932 and we are looking forward to our 70th anniversary next year.