The PPU was honoured to be invited to contribute to the Woodcraft Folk centenary camp – Camp 100 – held at the end of July and beginning of August 2025. This marked the latest step in a growing relationship between the PPU and the Woodcraft Folk, which has been developing over a number of years, and which recently included a collaboration on white poppy wreaths and remembrance activities. We look forward to seeing this relationship continue to develop and expand in the years ahead.

Amy, Operations Manager, and two PPU Council members, Sarri and Peter, attended the camp for two days. On the first day, we were based in the Peace and Conflict tent in the central area and facilitated three interactive sessions where participants aged seven years upwards were able to gain a clearer understanding of the meaning of pacifism, and to explore effective methods of communication in conflict situations whilst also considering the role, power and realities of nonviolent action.

During the second day, we were able to spend time with young people, making white poppies available for them to wear. Messages of peace were also written on other white poppies and attached to ribbons in the various ‘town’ tents. This took place alongside colleagues from a workers’ cooperative, who were showing participants how to produce origami peace cranes, an activity that perfectly complemented our white poppy tasks and was timely given the upcoming 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima.

We were very impressed with the organisation and scope of Camp 100, which saw 2,700 young people participating in a wide range of activities that appeared to prioritise the development of critical awareness and the challenging of some ‘common sense’ notions of the world – as well as ensuring the camp was a lot of fun! Woodcraft Folk’s apparent emphasis on critical and independent thought was obviously working, as the young people with whom we came into contact were open, curious and impressively articulate. Peace education fitted seamlessly into the event and the whole experience reminded us of the power of peace education for all ages.

The volunteer staff were similarly impressive, staying cool, empathetic and incredibly supportive despite the pressures of running such a large-scale event. The PPU is excited to build on this experience, and ideas for future work with the Woodcraft Folk are already being considered. It was fortuitous – but perhaps bodes well for the future – that we were able to briefly meet Lloyd Russell-Moyle, the new Chief Executive Officer and General Secretary of Woodcraft Folk, who was previously MP for Brighton Kemptown and is a fan of the white poppy.

Attending Camp 100 was an inspiring and energising experience for the PPU; we’re incredibly grateful to Woodcraft Folk for inviting us to be part of this amazing celebration of their 100 years. It was particularly heartening to be immersed in such a positive event during a period of negative global news and escalating militarism at home and abroad. Set against this backdrop, Camp 100 gave us hope, and motivated us to develop our peace education work still further.