| StorageSite | UCL Institute of Education |
| Description | The Order of Woodcraft Chivalry was founded by Ernest Westlake, a Quaker, in 1916 in conjunction with the American author and naturalist, Ernest Thompson Seton. In 1910, Seton had become chairman of the founding committee of Boy Scouts of America. As part of his involvement he wrote the first handbook and he served as Chief Scout from 1910 until 1915. Whilst Seton disliked the miltary aspects of Scouting, Westlake had grown frustrated with the Movement thinking it lacking in inspiration and imagination. The two men therefore created an an international group and the first group of members of the Woodcraft Chivalry started at Sidcot Lodge in England. In 1919 the Order bought Sandy Balls Estate and started to pursue in earnest its educational ideals. In 1920 the first International Folkmoot was held at Shearn's Restaurant in London, England.
Woodcraft Chivalry stresses the importance of "learning by doing", "a natural way in education", and, "the application of the evolutionary theory to education" (The Order of Woodcraft Chivalry, 1927) - an ethos adapted to fit Forest School Camps which are often referred to as an "educational experiment". |