AIMS AND PRINCIPLES

The objective of Bishopstoke District Woodcraft is to provide a youth organisation for boys and girls which encourages the development of equal opportunities for both by:

	Teaching the ideals of democracy, co-operation and tolerance at meetings and camps where all share in the responsibilities and benefits of co-operative experience.
	Encouraging children to work towards a future peaceful and co-operative world.
	Opposing all forms of prejudice, whether of race, colour, religion or sex, and welcoming all into the Folk under our motto: "Span the World with Friendship".

ELFINS

Joined in the term after 6th birthday. The basis for Elfin activities is a badgework system which encompasses many skills including: working together, listening, understanding, friendship and caring. Activities at the weekly meetings include lots of games, craft projects and topic work aimed at increasing the children's awareness of their surroundings. We also encourage a love of walking and the countryside by involving children in rambles, picnics and camps. We also have our own web page.

Elfin meetings:
Every Friday night (during school term) in Bishopstoke, Eastleigh, Hampshire.

PIONEERS

Joined in the term after their 10th birthday. Although badgework continues, the emphasis is on physical and social development. We encourage self-confidence, tolerance of others and self-expression. Traditional Woodcraft activities such as co-operative games, drama, singing, craft-work and conservation projects are undertaken at weekly meetings. In addition we feel it is important to challenge the children in their physical and social development by undertaking activities outside the weekly meetings e.g. hiking, camping, orienteering, youth hostelling and community projects.

Pioneer meetings:
Every Friday night (during school term) in Bishopstoke, Eastleigh, Hampshire.

VENTURERS

Joined in the term of the 13th birthday. At Venturer meetings the role of the leaders changes to one of support. The Venturers are encouraged to go through the process of learning participatory skills, making their own decisions and accepting equal rights and responsibilities within the group. Community projects, drama and helping others are central to Venturer meetings, while outdoor pursuits and outings are also an important aspect. Venturers have the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

Venturer meetings:
Every Friday night (during school term) in Bishopstoke, Eastleigh, Hampshire.

PROGRESSION

		AUTUMN	SPRING	SUMMER
ELFINS	YEAR 1	Health	Co-operation activities Getting on with others	I hike I camp
	YEAR 2	I see and I know	Co-operative activities Bruff pack	I hike I camp
	YEAR 3	World friend	World friend Pakistan	I hike I camp
	YEAR 4	Ecologist	Carnival	I hike I camp
	ANNUALLY			Elfin camp	OPEN CAMP
PIONEERS	YEAR 1	Images, a place in society	Aims and principles Group building: team challenge	Orienteering in the recreation ground Peace/ conflict resolution
	YEAR 2	Community	Democracy and decision making Group building: two tribes	The Country Code International friendship
	YEAR 3	Environment	Links with other organisations Group building: virtual space city	Orienteering in the field Health
	ANNUALLY	Backpack and camp	Youth hostelling		OPEN CAMP
VENTURERS	YEAR 1	The specific elements of this programme are based on the interests of the young people in the group.	These elements are kept in line with the Aims and Principles of the Woodcraft Folk.	Each term includes: Themework, Creative activities, Outdoor education, and Social activities.
	YEAR 2
	YEAR 3
	ANNUALLY	Backpacking	Youth hostelling	Backpacking expeditions	OPEN CAMP
	In addition, some Venturers may choose to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award (Bronze):
	YEAR 2	Skills award	Service award	Expedition preparation
	YEAR 3	Expedition	Physical award

ACTIVITY		ELFINS	PIONEERS	VENTURERS
HIKING	Hikes	2 rambles of 3 miles 3 hikes of 6 miles Learn the country code Rules of the road	Hikes of 6-10 miles	Hikes of 15 miles Safety and emergency procedures
	Navigation	Tracking	Basic compass bearings Basic map-work "parachute drop" find way back	Six figure map references Pathfinder / Landranger map work Route planning
CAMPING	Camps	Two nights Leaders assess readiness of Elfins who wish to go	Back-packing for overnight camp (carry own kit/sleeping bag) Youth hostelling	Back-packing expeditions (carry own tent and kit) Youth hostelling
	Putting up tents	Put up tent with guidance	Put up and take down tents without guidance	Put up tent in darkness / blindfold
	Cooking	Help prepare meals under supervision especially if using knives or stirring hot food	Supervised planning, buying, cooking and cleaning	3 course meals for back-packing

KIT

Bishopstoke Woodcraft encourages all members to wear the Woodcraft sweatshirt (with Folk symbol) when it is deemed appropriate i.e. at group nights, public occasions etc.

SUBS

Subs are currently 75p perweek. We appreciate payment in advance if possible, either termly or half-termly, to meet the hall fees.

ADULT MEMBERSHIP

Adults are also encouraged to become members of Woodcraft. Membership (per annum) costs 15 pounds (waged) or 8 pounds (unwaged). All leaders and regular helpers need to be members. Please contact the Secretary if interested.

FUND-RAISING

The weekly subscription only covers the hall rental. All other expenses (e.g. annual Group registration fees, materials, resources, group camping equipment) can only be met through raising and maintaining a working budget. We participate in various events during the year, and run a 100 club. New initiatives and volunteers are always welcome.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON

BISHOPSTOKE DISTRICT WOODCRAFT

CONTACT Martin Lockett ( )