From oil dependence to local resilience

Woodcraft Folk or other youth organisations

I've been remembering how much the Woodcraft Folk in the UK were an organisation that supported peace, the environment and social organisation. Their goals were always very consistent with those of transition towns.

Having missed the groups so much recently and wanting something similar for my kids I've decided to try and find some like minded people to get a group going.

see http://sites.google.com/site/nzwoodies/ for a starting point.

Anyone here ever belong to, or work as a leader in such an organisation?

Andrew.

Tags: social, woodcraft

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Johanna Knox on October 3, 2008 at 23:48

Hi Andrew - I think it's a great idea to get this going in NZ. I hadn't heard of them before following your link to the UK site.

I know that if there was a group here in Wellington, I'd be strongly encouraging my (home-schooled) children to join! :o) I'm really interested to hear how you go with this.

Best wishes
Johanna

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Hirini R on October 5, 2008 at 12:32

Hi Andrew
I will be keen to help with the woodfolk teachings using NZ flora and fauna. Also we need the stories that help the kids to remember the teachings of the trees, the waters, the rocks and the animals. Alot of the Maori stories use the oratory of nature. The smells, shapes, shades and sounds make up alot of this oratory. It is a different type of teaching to the school classroom. I think the kids are wanting this type of teaching. Especially young boys who want to test their muscle and sinew using the bush, the river and the hill. They have too much unused energy which leads them to be restless in the classroom. Or bored just walking the concrete streets. We need to give them the warrior discipline using nature wananga (schools) to shape their characters to serve a higher purpose. Beyond just leaving school, getting a job and being a good employee.

Johanna, maybe we can start something here in Wellington. I started teaching a few school classes about tracking, observation and survival. Kids loved it but school admin & policies made it hard-going. I am good at the practical teaching but the admin side kills me. Maybe we run a pilot series of 10 lessons culminating in a weekend bush camp where the kids practice what they have learnt. Target home-schooled kids rather than mainstream. Maybe you could help me with the admin side.

Here is a Rainbow magazine interview I did talking about nature learning http://www.hirinireedy.com/rainbownews.pdf.

Cheers
Hirini