Journal of Co-operative Studies 58(1), 35-46

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Abstract

The Woodcraft Folk was formed in 1925 and from its earliest days it developed close working relationships with the co-operative movement. Societies such as the Royal Arsenal in South London gave financial support to some of the earliest groups that were established. This close relationship has survived to the present day despite various hiccups on the way, including at attempt by the co-operative movement to set up a rival organisation, the Co-operative Youth Movement, in the 1940s and 1950s. This article, whilst noting this close relationship, aims to review the extent to which the Woodcraft Folk has seen co-operation and co-operative learning as an essential component of its educational practices. Reference will be made to the assumed ethos of co-operation throughout its history and how in the 1980s, influenced primarily by external forces from progressive educational movements, co-operation became recognised as a more central element of, not only its ethos, but also its educational practices.

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