Well, there is a place for all . . Clubs, Festivals, sessions, sing-arounds. .
It often seems to be the club devotees who become the festival and session organisers. In all walks of life there is room for those who have a casual interest as well as the enthusiast and the old and young often want to do things there own way.

From the clubs' point of view, it's best not to be too cliquey & welcome all-comers. Smokeless atmospheres help too.

We had some 12-year-olds along and they enjoyed themselves immensely - but haven't been back 'cos they stick with their parents who are not folkies - maybe they'll take up the interest when they are old enough to go out on their own . . . but I am always amused as one of them refers to the club (affectionately !) as "the old folks' club".