Like Jeremy Corbyn and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, I grew up in Woodcraft Folk. Here’s how it changes children’s lives

Woodcraft Folk leader Henry Fair carried aloft at a camp. Photograph: Courtesy of Woodcraft Folk

At the age of six I made the most important decision of my life: I joined Woodcraft Folk. It’s impossible to overstate the impact that growing up in the UK’s oldest co-educational youth movement made on me. My values, my skills, the deep friendships that have lasted into adulthood, the very fact that I am writing these words in this paper, every vote I have ever cast – all can be traced back to my time in Woodcraft Folk.

The largest leftwing force in British youth work, the charity turns 100 this year. It has produced some striking alumni including former Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn, pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor, poet Michael Rosen, and political editor Robert Peston. With the government announcing new funding to boost youth services outside schools, Woodcraft Folk’s centenary is the perfect moment to learn from its remarkable story and unique approach to youth empowerment.