Leap High O Golden flame 

More about

‘The artist Tomahawk was Eric Beal (1906-1974), brother of Les Beal (Fleetwing), who started Watford Woodcraft Folk in 1930. Eric did a lot of art work for the Folk including badge symbols, the March 1927 'Herald of the Folk' cover and the beautiful painting of a Woodcraft Folk campfire 'Leap High O Golden Flame' (1949). Eric and Les were both members of the Kibbo Kift in the 1920's. Eric was a friend of Leslie Paul and is mentioned as Tomahawk in his early autobiography The Living Hedge.’

The Woodcraft Fire Lighting song is This song was written by Ernest Thompson Seton in 1902.

Seton, a famous naturalist and author, wrote the song as an invocation for his "Council Fire" ceremonies. He wanted to create a ritual that felt ancient and connected to nature. The song is still the standard fire-lighting anthem for the Woodcraft Rangers in the United States today.

How it became one of our 100 Objects

Eric's artwork, painting and badges, were popular during workshops at Sarrat and UCL Institute of Education.

References

• The Birch Bark Roll of the Woodcraft Indians Ernest Seton 1902

• Woodcraft Archive, UCL Special Collection YMA/WF/006/06/001

• 100 Badges

• Woodcraft Folk Archive, UCL Special Collections  YMA/WF/062/09/003 

Where can I find it?

Woodcraft Fire Lighting Song

Leap high, O golden flame! Upon the altar of our Woodcraft. Leap high, O golden flame! And send thy light and warmth Into our hearts.

The wood is dry, the fire is bright, The smoke goes up in the quiet night. Leap high, O golden flame! And send thy light and warmth Into our hearts.