Helping children to get outdoors

Woodcraft Folk, a UK-wide organisation dedicated to growing the confidence and social awareness of young people, has invested £300,000 in its activities across West Yorkshire.

Supported by grant funding from the Youth United Foundation, space has been created for 400 additional children to join volunteer-run groups in Leeds and Bradford.

Sixteen new groups in Leeds include Woodchips, for children aged from two to six; Elfins for ages six to nine; and Pioneers for ages nine to 12. Woodcraft Folk shares its roots with the Scouting movement, but was created in 1925 to provide an alternative for boys and girls to escape the city and discover the outdoors. Groups today involve children in games, discussion, craft, community action and outdoor activities.

Eden Ballantyne, Woodcraft Folk development officer, said: “We’ve achieved record growth over the last year, launching 20 new groups across West Yorkshire.

“Many of these groups are very new, but they are already providing children with brilliant new experiences, from torch-lit walks in the woods and parachute games to dye making and drama.

Many groups are also planning trips away, including a summer camp in August.”

Woodcraft Folk groups are run by volunteers, and are open to families of all faiths and none, with most charging no more than £2 for a weekly session.

Woodcraft Folk has places available for youngsters aged from two to 12, and has volunteering opportunities.

For more information visit https://woodcraft.org.uk/ngp-wy, email [email protected] or contact Ellie Julings on 07850 391637.