Structure
Most weekly sessions follow a fairly simple pattern. It is helpful for the children to have an overall structure that is the same each week – particularly in a cooperatively run group where there is a need to find different ways of providing continuity.
The opening of the group should take into account the need to fill in the register and answer parental queries, and the fact that children may drift in late. Often we start with an active game that can be readily joined (eg Octopus, Fox and rabbit).
Possibly a slightly calmer circle game, to draw people together (eg The sun shines on, 40 ways of getting there).
Council circle. We usually pass around a shell or another object, and whoever is holding the shell has the right to speak and be listened to. The circle gives adults the opportunity to explain the programme for the rest of the evening. We also speak the Elfin creed together.
The elfin creed
We will do our best to be healthy and happy,
To care for the Earth and everything in it.
We will work with our friends in the Woodcraft Folk,
To build a fair and peaceful world for everyone.
Peace.
Main activity (e.g. drama or craft). Be aware that with many kinds of craftwork, some children will finish before others, and the programme should allow for that. Games requiring smaller numbers of people (particularly in circles) are useful to involve children who finish early.
One or two songs or a short story can be a soothing way to finish the evening. We close by singing Link Your Hands Together, a song that is special to the Woodcraft Folk and marks the end of all our meetings, conferences and events.
Resources
The following resources might be useful for getting ideas about running a group night. It is far from comprehensive, but offers some guidance:
New starter pack. This is a guide to starting a Woodcraft Folk group that contains all the basics. An easy read and a good introduction. (see attachments below)
Elfin leaders' handbook. Full of tips and ideas, every parent leader will get a copy.
Games, games, games book. We have a couple of copies of this book - please ask to borrow a copy.
International Camp resources. Every so often the Woodcraft Folk tends to run a big project on a particular theme and there are often a large number of resources developed for groups as part of that:
Most recently there has been the Global Village project which culminated in a big international camp in 2006. The theme of that was the millennium development goals, so people have created loads of activities around themes like debt and aid, water and health and democracy. The global village resources can be found here.
The previous international camp was about sustainability and called the Sust'n'able project. There are also loads of activities on there covering similar kinds of themes to Global Village, but with a focus on sustainability.
Bushcraft resources. Several Woodcraft groups have a real focus on learning bushcraft skills, being outdoors and getting back to nature. The Bushcraft Way is the hub for this kind of activity and it really represents the roots of Woodcraft Folk.
War toys amnesty pack. "The idea for a war toys amnesty emerged out of the feeling that it is not enough to educate people about what ‘bad news’ war is. It is also important to teach about the creativity made possible by peace. Peace as a positive process rather than a dulling absence." This is a whole half term's worth of activities centred around the idea of peace, culminating in a public "war toys amnesty".
Heritage project. This amazing website contains ancient documents from Woodcraft Folk and a few activities for groups based on woodcraft folk heritage.
Yourself - Inventing new activities is probably the best fun - ideas include craft, drama, cooking, music, singing, hiking, gardening, games, bushcraft
The Elfins - talk to the Elfins, find out what they would like to do.