The Boy Scouts of America is only one part of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), which recognizes Scouting programs in at least 216 countries. Scouting is literally a world-wide program. Great Rivers Council Scouts have many opportunities to participate in international activities and events with Scouts from other countries, bridging differences in language, cultures and politics, and helping fulfill Lord Baden-Powell’s dream of international friendship.
The goal of the International Scouting Committee is to help Great Rivers Council Scouts participate in international events, both here within our council and throughout the world. These events include World Jamborees, World Scout Moot, national jamborees in other countries, camp staff exchanges, Citizenship in the World merit badge, Jamboree on the Air and Jamboree on the Internet, Kandersteg, and many more opportunities that offer a gateway to International Scouting opportunities. The GRC International Scouting Committee will provide information, contacts, program guidance and assistance, and resources to help both units and individuals interested in an International Scouting experience.
Overview
The Boy Scouts of America is only one part of the “World Organization of the Scout Movement” (WOSM), which recognizes Scouting programs in at least 216 countries. Scouting is literally a world-wide program. Great Rivers Council Scouts have many opportunities to participate in international activities and events with Scouts from other countries, bridging differences in language, cultures and politics, and helping fulfill Lord Baden-Powell’s dream of international friendship.
The goal of the International Scouting Committee is to help Great Rivers Council Scouts participate in international events, both here within our council and throughout the world. These events include World Jamborees, World Scout Moot, national jamborees in other countries, camp staff exchanges, Citizenship in the World merit badge, Jamboree on the Air and Jamboree on the Internet, Kandersteg, and many more opportunities that offer a gateway to International Scouting opportunities. The GRC International Scouting Committee will provide information, contacts, program guidance and assistance, and resources to help both units and individuals interested in an International Scouting experience.
In addition to the information and resources available on the page, we invite you to keep up with International Scouting within the council by following our Council Facebook Page
International Awards
- International Scouter’s Award – The International Scouter’s Award encourages Scouters to broaden their involvement in Scouting through participation in world Scouting activities and recognizes Scouters for their contributions to world Scouting.
- International Spirit Award – For youth (Cub Scouts, Scouting BSA, and Venturing) and adult leaders, the International Spirit Award emblem is worn as a temporary patch centered on the right uniform pocket. The award seeks to broaden knowledge of international Scouting and increase appreciation and awareness of different cultures and countries.
- Interpreter Strip – A Scout wearing the interpreter strip must be able to carry on a conversation in a foreign language or in sign language, write a letter in the foreign language (not required for signing), and translate orally and in writing from one language to another.
- Messenger of Peace Award – Messengers of Peace is a global initiative designed to inspire millions of young men and women in more than 220 countries and territories to work toward peace. Using social media and other Scouting networks the initiative lets Scouts from around the world share what they’ve done and inspire fellow Scouts to undertake similar efforts in their own communities. Messengers Of Peace | Boy Scouts of America (scouting.org)
- World Conservation Award – To encourage all youth members (Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing) to think globally and act locally to preserve and improve our environment. Involves advancement and project work. World Conservation Award | Boy Scouts of America (scouting.org)
- Citizenship in the World Merit Badge
- Cub Scouts – Language & Culture Belt Loop
How to Incorporate International Scouting in Your Unit and Personal Scouting Journey
Unit Leaders
- Review and Implement Suggestions from “Program Ideas for Brining World Scouting to Units Unit Guide to World Scouting | Boy Scouts of America
- Dedicate at least one meeting or adventure each year to International Scouting
- Participate as a Unit in Local Events and Opportunities Fostering International Scouting
- Promote International Scouting by Creating Interest in Earning International Awards (Cub Scouts, Scouting BSA and Venturing)
- Watch International Campfire Talks as Part of a Unit Meeting International Campfire Talks | Boy Scouts of America (scouting.org)
- Engage with Scouts Around the World How to connect with Scouts around the world online | World Scouting
- Identify and Share with the International Scouting Committee, One or Two Scouts Who Are Likely to Embrace International Scouting and Attend an International Event
- Find an International Scouting Unit to Begin a Unit Pen Pal Relationship With International Pen Pals for Scouting | Facebook
Individuals
- Keep Up to Date by Viewing the GRC International Scouting Committee Facebook Page
- Contact the International Scouting Committee and Offer to Engage
- Participate as an Individual in Local Events and Opportunities Fostering International Scouting
- Engage in International Scouting by Earning International Awards (Cub Scouts, Scouting BSA and Venturing)
- Learn About Other Cultures and Scouting Throughout the World – Share Your Knowledge with Your Unit, Family, and Friends
- Watch International Campfire Talks International Campfire Talks | Boy Scouts of America (scouting.org)
- Attend an Upcoming International Scouting Event
- Earn Citizenship in the World Merit Badge
- Engage with Scouts Around the World How to connect with Scouts around the world online | World Scouting
- Invite an International Student or English as a Second Language Student to Join Scouting
- Incorporate an International Scouting Component into a service project or Wood Badge ticket
International Events
International Trash the Trash Day – Scouts Trash the Trash Day is an international Messengers of Peace project for Scouts around the world, where each Scout is challenged to bring a friend or family member along and pick up at least one Kilo (2.2 pounds) of trash each on the first Saturday in May. Scouts Trash the Trash Day is about more than just cleaning our planet, it is a day to show the world what Scouting is about, educate individuals about Scouting and recruit new boys, girls and adults into the Scouting movement. Visit here to learn more.
Jamboree of the Trail is an annual day for the World Scout Movement to hike together. All Scouts, whatever their age and wherever they may be in the world, are invited to participate in whatever way they can. Cubs and younger Scouting sections could visit a local nature trail as part of a weekend camp. A Scout Troop might check out a hiking trail while working on advancement requirements. In their own way, everyone will be hiking the same direction: towards a better future through Scouting. JOTT is held on the second Saturday of May each year. Visit here to learn more.
World Scout Scarf Day – The idea of “Scout Scarf Day” on August 1 is that all active and former scouts are requested to wear their scout scarfs in public to make the “Spirit of Scouting” visible: Once a Scout – Always a Scout! Of course, the scarf is only a symbol but a strong symbol for the scout promise and for our mission to leave the world as a bit better a place than we had found it. This is a great opportunity to reach out to former scouts to participate and re-engage in scouting! Visit here to learn more.
International Day of Peace – The International Day of Peace is observed around the world every 21st of September. The United Nations declared this day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace through observing 24 hours of non-violence and ceasefire, both within and among all nations. As part of the Messengers of Peace Program, scouting has used this initiative to encourage and inspire young people and leaders to make this day a commitment day for year-round peace actions. In previous years, numerous activities are held in celebration of this day by several NSOs engaging thousands of young people in undertaking peace actions.
Learn more about Peace Light Day, celebrated in December.
Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) – Jamboree-on-the-Air, or JOTA, is the largest Scouting event in the world. It is held annually the third full weekend in October. JOTA uses amateur radio to link Scouts and hams around the world, around the nation, and in your own community. This jamboree requires no travel, other than to a nearby amateur radio operator’s ham shack. Many times you can find the hams will come to you by setting up a station at your Scout camporee, at the park down the block, or perhaps at a ham shack already set up at your council’s camp. Visit here to learn more.
Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI) – Jamboree-on-the-Internet, or JOTI, is an annual international Scouting event sponsored by the World Organization of the Scout Movement. Each year, during the third weekend in October, Scouts from around the world gather online to learn about other cultures and the activities in which other Scouts participate. They communicate with each other using Internet-enabled devices such as computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. Last year, JOTA-JOTI had over 1.5 million Scouts and leaders participate in more than 160 countries! Visit here to learn more.
International Volunteer Day – “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” said Ghandi. What his life testimony taught us, there’s no hard enough challenge to overcome if we are constant in our efforts. Volunteering is a natural expression of human beings to transcend, to be part of something bigger and create a legacy for others, is a personal expression of happiness and self-fulfillment. Since 1985, the United Nation recognizes the effort of millions of volunteers around the world with the International Volunteer day celebration.
International Events & Opportunities (Outside USA)
World Jamboree
The World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) is held every four years. The Jamboree is an event of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), attended by 50,000 Scouts from around the world.
In 2023, it will be hosted by the Korean Scout Association at a new site in SaeManGeum, South Korea. The WSJ offers a wide range of programs, from high adventure to learning about sustainable development. Everyone who attends a World Scout Jamboree leaves with friends from around the world, and memories that will last a lifetime. Scouts who are age 14-17 at the time of the Jamboree are eligible to apply as participants. Adults 18+ can apply to serve on the International Service Team or the Contingent Management Team.
Click here for more information.
Attend the National Jamboree of Another Country
Michigan Crossroads Council Maintains a Listing of National Jamborees Throughout the World International Jamboree Opportunities (micamporee.org)
Attend the am International Camporee
International Camporees are held almost annually somewhere in the world. There are regular camporees held in:
- Michigan Michigan International Camporee (micamporee.org)
- Ontario, Canada About Brotherhood | World Brotherhood Camporee
InterAmerican Leadership Training
Inter-American Leadership Training is a training program designed to train Scout leaders of all the countries in the Inter-American Scout Region. Its objective simply revolves around making the world a better place by creating leaders who could take up leadership roles in their national Scout organizations and have them equipped to carry out a Messengers of Peace project. Interamerican Leadership Training | World Scouting
European Scout Voluntary Program
Through the European Scout Voluntary Program, young leaders from the Boy Scouts of America have the opportunity to learn more about Scouting in Europe by volunteering at a European Scout center. European Scout Voluntary Program | Boy Scouts of America (scouting.org)
Travel Overseas with Scouts and Venturers
Every summer, countries around the world hold national jamborees and there are international jamborees in different parts of the United Kingdom. All of them welcome international participants, especially contingents from the USA. Jamboree organizers will usually be able to arrange a host troop that will share their campsite with your contingent and lend you group camping equipment. In addition to jamborees, there are many Scout centers throughout Europe. Some of these offer dormitory facilities and food service so you don’t need to bring tents or cooking equipment. A troop or crew trip to another country can provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your Scouts and Venturers.
Visit Gilwell Park (Birthplace of Scouting in England and Home of Wood Badge)
Visit Kandersteg International Scout Centre (Permanent Mini World Jamboree)
Switzerland Kandersteg International Scout Centre (kisc.ch)
Other World Scouting Events
Contact
To obtain International Representative approval on an award application contact Richard Moore.
For any questions on the details about International Scouting, please contact the GRC International Scouting Committee by filling out the from below and a committee member will get back to you.