‘Heartbreaking’ - Bristol children’s charity has £5,000 worth of camping equipment stolen

A Bristol youth organisation has launched a fundraiser after having £5,000 worth of camping equipment stolen.

Bristol Woodcraft Folk’s Bristol District premises was broken into on August 31 and thieves stole items such as tents, solar lighting, a shelter and toilet tent as well as garden tools used for bushcraft activities and maintaining the space around the equipment store.

Bristol Woodcraft Folk run six groups across the city for children aged between 6-21 years.

It has a cluster of groups in Windmill Hill (a range of age groups which cover 6-15 years) and another set in Ashley Down/St Andrews for 6-12 year-olds.

At group meet-ups, young members learn about big ideas and important issues such as the environment and global conflict through fun activities like craft, games, playing and debating as well as discover new skills and explore exciting experiences, building confidence along the way.

Camping trips are a highlight of the year for many of the charity’s young members. They offer a chance for all ages to enjoy games, adventurous activities, make friends and for some, a rare opportunity to spend time outdoors.

The stolen items taken from a store used by the district for over 50 years are crucial to Bristol Woodcraft Folk being able to camp.

The group is looking to fundraise £3,000 to replace the stolen equipment.

Bristol District Group Leader Jenny Thompson said: “I’ve been a member of Woodcraft Folk for many years, as a child and now as a group leader. In that time I have been to hundreds of camps, made lifelong friends and so many memories.

“There’s lots of hard work needed to organise a camp, we’re all volunteers fitting this in around our other commitments. It’s all worth it when you get there and see the children enjoying themselves, making friends and learning new skills.

“It was heartbreaking to hear of the break in and theft of so much of the equipment that is vital for us to run these events.”

Bristol Woodcraft Folk District are asking for people’s support to be able to camp again and have set up a fundraiser for the public to donate to via this link. To find out more about Woodcraft Folk, head to their website.