About the project
International Camps
The Woodcraft Folk has a long history of running International camps dating back to 1937 when Brighton was the venue where Woodcraft Folk groups hosted delegations from seven countries including refugee children from the Spanish Civil War, and other refugees from Austria and Germany. Many of the children had been smuggled out of Spain and remained with families in England for months until they could return safely.
In 1946 - so soon after the end of the Second World War - the Folk brought together groups of children from countries around Europe and it was their leaders who went on to re-form the International Falcon Movement. The weather was awful and trying to feed everyone from ration book allowances must have been a nightmare. However, this camp was a milestone. Not only did the Folk show just how resourceful it could be but the event was such a happy one and the re-establishment of the International put the World War firmly in the past.
Since then the Woodcraft Folk has organised international camps roughly every six years. They have grown in size over time with the largest gathering being the 50th anniversary camp at Stanford Hall, Loughborough, where almost 5000 took part.
A key feature which has marked out the Woodcraft Folk's camps from others has been the level of educational programme. Described once as a 'university under canvas' young people have been offered a wide range of educational activities based around the Folk's aims and principles.
2001
"The words 'There's nothing we can do' don't exist here", wrote 16-year-old Neela Dolezalova in a letter to the Guardian. "The atmosphere here is amazing. 'What's your name, and where do you come from', a line that won't be worn out. Here the word apathy is quite dead, and in its place a remarkable optimism, one that I know will stay with me for a long time after the solar showers have been taken down."
The Woodcraft Folk holds international camps every five or six years - inviting guests from sister organisations around the globe. In 2001 there were 4,000 participants including 700 international delegates from as far away as Nicaragua, Vietnam, India, Senegal and Peru.
Sust'n'Able
The programme offered ways of helping young people to understand the world's problems - becoming 'sussed' - and also about taking action to make it a better place now and for the future - being 'able'. Both were seen as essential elements in creating a sustainable future.
The programme included activities which explored food, energy, waste, health, housing, education, labour, peace, conflict, and culture. Activities included workshops on alternative energy sources, peace, development education. Cinema and music events were powered by solar and pedal power.
Two Earth Summit meetings were held with representatives aged from 6 to 20 years. At the end of the fortnight a Declaration was produced setting out actions to ensure a sustainable future.
This Declaration was adopted by the whole camp and there was a strong desire amongst the young people that it should be presented to world leaders at the United Nations' World Summit on Sustainable Development. The following summer 11 young people from the Woodcraft Folk were to play an active role in the Summit, promoting the aims of the camp declaration and giving a voice to young people's views on sustainable development.