INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Woodcraft Folk have affiliated links with many similar organisations around the world and especially across Europe through a network called IFM:SEI which stands for International Falcon Movement – Socialist Educational International (catchy, I know). Through this movement young people have access to loads of exciting camps and seminars and exchanges that happen throughout the year. These change and are updated regularly but a standard few include;

INTERNATIONAL SEMINARS
On anything from sustainability to disability, non-violent action to action against racism the events bring together people from all over Europe and are opportunities to meet and network with like-minded interesting people.

QUEER EASTER
A group of over 100 young people from almost as many countries meet in Kurt Lowenstein House, Werftpfuhl, just outside of Berlin, Germany at Easter. They spend a week exploring the issues of sexuality, gender, sex and identity. The event is open to all people whether gay, straight or undecided. The week combines specialised workshop sessions, networking meetings and the opportunity to run your own forum with creative working groups.

INTERNATIONAL CAMPS
Some of you may have been to an International Camp in the UK before as they happen every five years (2001, 2006, 2011). They usually consist of thousands of people from all over the world coming together for a week to live collectively and learn about each other’s cultures and lives. They are overwhelming, fascinating and always take a lot of organising, so if your interested, your international Rep will always be able to offer information.

Similarly, but less well known, are the International Camps that happen every year in different countries, organised by partner organisations and open to any member of the Woodcraft Folk. This year there’s a two week long camp in Austria and Vienna that promises to be immense! There is often subsidized travel costs available for young people so keep your global eyes and ears open for information.

INTERNATIONAL SUMMER/WINTER SCHOOL
Take a break from DF Winter Wonderland or DF camp one year and you could discover the wonders of the international alternatives that happen in Germany every year. There’s a great mix of nationalities and people coming together to discuss the theme and enjoy themselves.

WWOOFING
A relatively new addition to the opportunities available, are group trips to work on organic farms in Europe with a DFs and young people. The week long events offer an insight into the joys of wwoofing without the scary committment of going it alone. Get your hands dirty, grow your own veg, build bridges and paint walls. Join us to create a cooperative atmosphere and learn about organic farming, or even a new language.

OTHER
There is so much potential within Woodcraft and DFs, Think Global, Act Local (Patrick Geddes). Put your thinking caps and pester your International Rep to do more and expand those horizons – think hitching to a different continent, group interail tickets, fundraising collectively so we can host our own international delegation, funding local asylum seekers or refugees to our own camps or creating grants to help people in the gap years…

If these things interest you, inspire you to travel and get involved then get in touch. Email international@spanthatworld.com for more information and exciting opportunities!